Trying to clear up my confusion

[TomR]

I am sure if I read through all of the posts it would be  entirely clear - but want to check. If I understand all correctly, any 15 ips 2 track machine will play the Tape Project tapes, as long as it is equalized for IEC. However, best performance will be achieved by bypassing the native electronics of the machine and modifying it to connect directly from the heads to a better preamp such as a Bottlehead.

Do I have that right?

Under this scenario, a new Otari would work straight out of the box. BTW, how hard is it to switch between IEC and NAD on that unit.

Also what happens to the other functions of the deck after modification? Does it become playback only? If it has a four track playback head (I believe the Otari does) can that still be used?

Thanks!

[jcmusic]

For the most part you have it right, By wiring the heads directly to another pre-amp you are just bypassing the decks electronics in favor of some other.

Jay

[High and Outside]

Under this scenario, a new Otari would work straight out of the box. BTW, how hard is it to switch between IEC and NAB on that unit.

Switching on the Otari 5050B is simplicity itself: just a slide switch on the back of the machine.

Also what happens to the other functions of the deck after modification? Does it become playback only? If it has a four track playback head (I believe the Otari does) can that still be used?

Depends on how the modification is done. If the head leads are brought out from the point after the half track/quarter track switch, then either head can be used for playback through the outboard electronics. Many people have set up their machines this way (including the Technics deck) so they can play both TP titles and their 7-1/2 quarter track tape collection.

There's no reason you would have to disable the record functions if you still want those. The only complication would be that you would probably lose the ability to display output on the machine's built-in meters. There are ways around this, generally involving some kind of metering on the output of the outboard electronics.