This has been a wonderful thread to read. I have always loved R2R's, now I have a better idea as to why. Thanks to all for both the technical and non-technical opinions and explanations.
Orpheus10, I have purchased a completely refurbed Otari MX5050Bii2 deck to enjoy while I refurbish my Old Faithful but aging Technics RS-1506US. I would be most grateful if you could pass along your contact info for the good people at Panasonic.
Btw: The gentlemen I purchased the Otari from is a pro and very approachable. He does about 2 Otari R2R's a month. My timing was perfect as he used 3 decks to make one pristine one, swapping parts between the 3 to make a near perfect machine. I don't why he was so nice to me. I'd guess it's partly due to the passion he has for refurbishing these machines. And the asking price wasn't outrageous for such a prime example of this wonderful machine.
If anyone would like his contact info, let me know. He has an account on the Reverb website.
Enjoy the ride while you can. :) |
Orpheus10. Will do on contacting Pioneer for parts for refurbishing my RS-1506. Thanks.
gusser |
One of the reasons I gave away most of my cd's was the engineer who mixed the cd used either compression and/or did not allow the original mix to shine through. Michael Fremer at Stereophile/Analog planet has done an exhaustive amount of research on this and I'm sure the reason why all but only the best cd's are inferior to the original LP and the analog master tapes is out there. I am certainly no expert but from what I have heard, a cd mix, even if its from the master tape directly, is subject the mixing engineers opinion as to what sounds good. If it's not true to the master tape/LP, then it's not for me. This is why I am gearing up to sample a dupe of a master tape. Those who have had the good fortune to own or sample one of these tapes have raved about the dynamic range.
As far as using my (pro or semi pro) Otari or Technics (after refurbishment) decks to record a compilation tape from LP and/or hi res music files, I plan on doing the same, mainly for the convenience. I have recorded hi res (Flac,DSD) music files from one of 3 stand-alone hard drives (total size of the all files, approx 6 tb) via my Asus laptop running Jriver music player through the integrated DAC within my moderately priced Marantz PM7005 to my TEAC X-1000R and when switching from Tape to Source, I can hear virtually no difference in sound quality.. and this through my "B" system. I expect even better results when I do the same via my "A" system: Otari MX5050Bii2, soon to arrive Yamaha A-S2100 Solid State integrate amp, BMC PureDac and GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers.
I know this appears somewhat academic to many, especially to those considering re-entering the R2R genre, but I find it is great fun determining what provides the best sound through my system.
Finally, a nod to all those contributing to this conversation... most of you know far more than I do about the subject, and I am enjoying the real and theoretical knowledge presentation. |
geoffkait14,555 posts03-31-2019 2:39pm"The distortion one hears on CDs (mostly) comes directly from the playback CD player. They never really ironed out all the kinks. Let me put it another way. The distortion is not (rpt not) on the CD or the original recording. As the little mice in the movie Babe, say, “That’s just the way things are.”"
I hear ya geoffkait. I have heard that theory as well. However, I have a more realistic example: After having collected several Beatles cd's, and not really having compared the relatively new format with my then-still fairly new LP's, I noticed something while playing "Tell Me Why" on the CD,..... it seemed as though something was missing... I couldn't put my finger on it, so I did an A/B comparison. And there it was... on the LP, Ringo is tapping away on the ride cymbal. On the cd, the ride cymbal was basically non-existent. In this case, I think the omission can be contributed to the mixing engineer rather than any shortcoming of my gear. It was then I realized that CDs are a very subjective format... if the mixing engineer decides he'd like to be "creative" and put his own spin on the artists work, he did so. It was clear that was the case with the Beatles CD as I know the song very well, having grown up with Lp's and 45's. Perhaps contemporary cd's are better, IMHO since most artists are more involved with how their CDs are mixed and processed. A quick a/b comparison through my complete cd collection (which wasn't very big and still isn't') verified this discovery as being common. It was then I wrote off cd's, for the most part, as the inferior format. I do have some contemporary cd's that are absolutely stunning in their sound, so perhaps this lack of fidelity pertains mainly to the early days of CD production. Hi-Resolution music files, in my experience, are more often better than the LP version I have, especially if played via a high-quality DAC. Probably because a lot of those files have been edited (not by me) to remove pops, clicks and such from the original, high quality pressing to make, at least to my ears, a perfect, dynamic, noise-free recording in digital form. Right or wrong, Just my 2 cents. |
I'll give the SPL meter test a try. Found one on feebay cheap and it's in good working order. |
I had something similar happen to me recently... the right VU meters' signal was lower than the right. Then I remember reading somewhere if you play a 1/2 track tape on a 1/4 track machine (in this case, my TEAC X-1000R) the right channels' track is slightly misaligned, thus not providing perfect centering of the track, resulting in less signal, although you can hear the music. The tape was purchased used and had some choir music on it (quite well recorded I might add). I believe I confirmed it was a 1/2 track recording as when I reversed playback direction, the recorded music was also playing reverse. Am I correct in my assumptions? Hope this helps. |
After a lot of research, I just purchased a beautifully restored/refurbed Otari MX5050Bii2 from a gentleman known as Professor Audio on Reverb. His work is superb and the Otari now trumps my Technics RS1506 (needs a complete refurb including caps) and my consumer grade TEAC X-1000R in appearance, sound, and functionality. Mr. Walls also provides lifetime technical assistance when you purchase one of his Decks. In addition, he will take the time to talk you through a basic calibration if the need arises for your deck if you have the desire to learn how to DIY. He specializes in refurbishing and repairing Otari’s and is passionate about the brand, but he may have expertise with other brands as well. But he has been doing rtr repair and refurbishment for over 4 decades and certainly has the experience. If you need more info, please PM me. If there is a way to post pictures here, please tell me and I will post of few of the professional pictures he sent me upon completion of the deck before the sale.
If you reach out to him, tell him gusser recommended him via the AG forum. :) |
Addendum: Here is a link to Reverb showing the original ad Professor audio posted. I believe you may have to be a registered member of reverb to view "sold" items so the link may not work. If that is the case, my apologies. FYI: I had purchased the deck before it was listed. You can read the description of the detailed work he did on my deck as well as look at the pictures showing the deck and all accessories he included as a package. As I have not figured out how to post pics on the forum, please enjoy the pics in lieu of my posting the pics myself.
https://reverb.com/item/16672128-otari-mx-5050bii2-reel-to-reel-mastering-tape-deck-fully-restored-museum-condition?show_sold=true In the filters on the left hand side of the page, be sure "All" and "Sold Listings" are checked. Enjoy.the read and the pics. |
Hi Orpheus10,
In all fairness, I really wasn’t planning on getting one, but even after being a tapehead (tapeheads.net...another forum one should check out for r2r stuff) for half a century, I wasn’t aware of the half track mode... always wondered what that 2trk 4trk switch was for on my RS1506, but was only interested in recording bands I was in or FM music. 4trk was all i needed.
The Otari brand kept coming up as a pro machine, even more than the technics, but in all fairness, the transport on the 1506 is smoother. It was just good timing that I was introduced to Mr. Walls as he was finishing my new pride and joy.
Another poster here on AG inquired and Mr. Wall gave me permission to give him his contact info. He had 3 Otari’s (not sure what models) doing final burn in the wings, soon to be posted on Reverb.... he now has two. :)
He also gave me permission to share his reverb webpage where I felt it was appropriate.
Mr. Walls does a detailed testing of all active and passive electronic components during his refurb. If a transistor, IC, (newer models) cap or diode is out of spec, he replaces it. Caps I believe are the weak link. Especially in the older R2R’s. I believe he mentions that in the details of the refurbishment of my deck, but check to be sure. .
I believe he does about 2 Otari’s a month. But delays in getting ordered replacement parts can slow things down a bit. As I mentioned, timing was everything for in this case, having the good fortune of finding such a clean example of this venerable deck nearing completion. Being an r2r enthusiast, I felt it was surely worth the cost of admission.
Happy hunting!
|
Orpheus10,
I wish I could help but when I purchased my 1506 in '84 at a hole in the wall used hifi gear shop in Lawton, OK while in the army, the soldier selling it via the shop did not provide with feet, all 6 selector switch plastic covers were cracked and barely hanging on, and most importantly, it did not come with a manual. I used Maxell UD-180 10.5" tape reels exclusively and I experimented with the positions of the bia and equalization switch positions. Right or wrong, I left both on 1 at all time as it seemed to provide the best clarity for all frequencies. Not very technical, I know, but all I can offer. I'm glad Benjie was able to step in and provide the proper settings for your tape selection.
I now have the owners manual AND service manual in PDF form. I'm sure will be quite knowledgeable about the deck I've owner for 35 years when I've complete the refurb. Until, I will defer to others, like Benjiie, who are better informed.
Good luck!
Thank you for the kind words Uberwaltz. Appreciated.
orpheus106,082 posts04-07-2019 6:03pm
Gusser, I hope you can help me; I'm looking at page 9 of the RS-1506 operating instructions, where they have the bias, and equalization chart. I'm trying to translate this for new tape that's not listed.
This is the tape I'm purchasing;
https://www.atrtape.com/products/mds-36-14-x-3600
Now I'm trying to figure what bias and equalization I set on the RS1506 for this tape?
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Inna: Yes, it is! It is near new in appearance and operation. Quite exceptional since it was built in 1986. RE: tape transport. Just my HO. I have spent minimal time with the Otari and should reserve judgement. I am awaiting a replacement integrated amp, (Decided toobs are not for me... back to solid state) which is arriving today. Hope to spend more time with the MX in the coming weeks. I may find I am mistaken.
orpheus10: I believe I have confused you. The Otari came with all documents, provided by Mr. Wall. I have owned the 1506 for 35 years and all this time without an owners manual (or feet for that matter). During the refurb, I will take the time to read and learn the significance of the Bias and Equalizations switches and how they relate to different tape types. Appreciate the input. |
Crazy price, but considering all the R&D that was necessary, perhaps a reasonable MSRP, but way out most audiophile's budget (including mine) just to play 1/2 track tapes. Recording is not an option. |
Thank you for your thoughts on recording Orpheus10. I believe I will stay with 7.5 ips as well when I make my playlists. 15 ips does use up a lot of tape in a short amount of time. I'm sure the difference in speed will be of little consequence when recording my favorite LP's or HiRez (dsd or flac) music files. Recording a playlist is mainly for convenience and the pure joy I get when I hear my favorite music coming from that big tape deck with the turning 10.5" reels and busy VU meters.
Of course, playing pre-recorded tapes at 15 ips is a different animal. I'd guess that speed is required to experience the full dynamic range of a dupe of a Master/Safety master. I finally mustered the courage to order my first one.. once it arrives and I get a chance for a first listen, I anticipate it will either be a revelation or a bit of a let down. But I prefer to be optimistic as most who have experienced a Master tape dupe played back at 15 ips through a proper r2r deck and a system worthy of same, are duly impressed. btw: The recording I ordered I have on LP and CD, so an a/b/c comparison should be fun and quite revealing. It will help me decided if the high cost of this format is worth the entry fee.
I will report here when i have experienced my first listen.
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Agreed! I will report asap. |
I can see the dilemma, Inna. This one tape's cost of admission is $200, on sale with free shipping for the sale. I am quite aware that this tape may make it difficult to go back to LP's, but alas, saving for retirement limits that kind of discretionary income purchases to no more than a few a year.
The good news is my Yamaha A-S2100 finally arrived and it will inserted into my system and thoroughly tested and "burned in" (I doubt there is such a thing with SS amps, but what do I know?) by the time the 15ips 1/2 track tape gets here... I'm on pins and needles.. :) A review will be forthcoming soon. |
tomic6012,520 posts04-20-2019 12:45amAnybody do the free experiment yet ?
tomic601, not sure what you are referring to... I enjoy a good experiment (as long as it's nondestructive to my gear) and free? You have piqued my interest... Of what do you speaketh sir? |
Yikes! $600... way out of my range... Good thing I haven't heard any of her music yet...if I become a fan, it would be hard to resist, but I just can't justify that kind of $, regardless of the quality of the format... maybe if I hit the lottery... no... wait. I never play... oh well... |
orpheus106,112 posts04-18-2019 1:25pm
Gusser, I'm looking forward to hearing about your results. Taking all things into consideration, 7.5 is the best (recording) speed.
Hello All, My apologies for the late follow up. A family member passed away and it's been a rough road to recovery, but time heals all wounds and getting better every day. Music is a universal tonic and has helped to ease my loss significantly through new musical discovery and distraction. So,.. on to the comparo. Well, I received my 15ips master dupe. Please, don't laugh (much) at my choice of albums..In the defense of my choice I offer the following points....... Point 1. it has relevance as I am a bassist and the bass player in this band (Deon Estus) is exceptional and prominent in the rock/pop scene of the 80's. . Point 2. the band I was in at the time covered a few of the tunes so I am intimately familiar with the music and know it quite well. Point 3. I now have 3 different media sources to compare... the cd, the LP and the 15ips master dupe. The CD and LP being purchased new back in the day at 80's prices. Point 4. The vendor had a springtime sale with free shipping from overseas. The album? Wham! Make it big.... Ok...I'll wait for the snickering to subside............................ Before I started the comparo of the Wham album, I played a 7" demo tape graciously included by the seller. I did not recognize the song (still don't know the name of the title) nor the band so had to inquire to the seller who it was. Much to my surprise, it was Boy George and Culture club. (yup, more pop. Sorry)
The bass (a fretless) was so rich and powerful. Strings, guitars, all instruments were dynamic..Voices .felt like I was in the studio with them. I was in awe...So now my appetite has been whetted (sp?) for the main event comparo. I loaded the cd into my Cambridge Azure CD player, the LP on my VPI Classic 3 tt and the 10'5" reel (Side A, tape 1 of two tapes) onto the Otari. I started each one in sequence then sat down with the Yamaha A-S2100's remote in hand. To cut to the main take away...The amazing revelation in all this? I paraphrase Harry Westfield of VPI turntable fame when he described his then-new belt driven Avenger Reference multi-tone arm capable TT, comparing it to an Ampex ATR-102, which he uses extensively as a reference source when designing and testing his TT creations. "I am very pleased with the results. I have compared many 45 RPM records to 15 ips 1/2 track tape masters on a Mike Spitz modified Ampex ATR-102, and will not shy away from saying it is 95% direct drive sound for a lot less money and a lot easier repair or replacement."
Again, I paraphrase, and the quote and how it relates to this comparo is a bit of a stretch. BUT. That is Exactly how I now feel about LP's (if they are mixed properly and pressed using quality vinyl with high-end lacquers) as compared to a Master dupe.... The 15ips master dupe was amazing in all categories. BUT, the LP, regardless of the fact it was a 33 1/3 rpm version, rather than a more dynamic 45 rpm version that Harry would have used (fairly sure they didn't make one), has 95% of the Dynamics of the tape. But oh, what that extra 5% means to my ears! Both the Tape AND the LP were so dynamic and revealing, I would have been hard-pressed to differentiate between the two in a blind test comparo. However, the better sound quality of the tape is undeniable. Using half of the 1/4" tape's real estate for increased bandwidth provides sonics far superior to any of my 1/4 track tapes. No doubt. And the science backs up the audible results
Now please remember I have only listened to the tape once, and only side A. The tape may exceed the LP quality by more than 5%, but only more extensive listening will reveal that.
The CD? The mixing engineer should be publicly flogged... absolutely horrible. Yes, it was produced when CD's were in their infancy and there are some outstanding CD's out there, but this is not one of them. After this comparo, this CD will be stuck far in the back of the CD storage unit, probably never to be played again, unless another comparo is required. It was great fun toggling between the 3 sources with the yammie's remote. And yes, if I could afford $200 (on sale, free shipping from Russia, or the $450+ charged by a USA provider) on a regular basis, I would embrace this media with open arms...but alas, the discretionary income is not there. Even buying 5 tapes at a 20% discount for $1000 plus shipping is a bit much. I would prefer to save my pennies for a multi arm capable TT now that I know that my aging ears just can't tell the difference between a high quality audiophile LP and the Master Tape dupe. Another benefit of this comparo? I can say with conviction, the Otari purchase was worth every penny and Master Tape dupe's provide the ultimate in quality listening to the well-heeled R2R owner and music aficionado. I have heard the two media's side by side, and I have come to the conclusion that LP's can be, as Harry says, 95% of the Master Tape Played on an
Ampex ATR-102, IF the TT is well designed and the LP pressings are of high quality. So I will save the thousands of $ I would have spent on master tape dupes and save for a multi tonearm capable TT in which to play my growing LP collection. I will also add a mono tonearm/cartridge to the mix so I can play my mono Beatles LP set the way it was meant to be played (sounds weak when played with a stereo cart). And a select number of tunes from the LP's will then be recorded with the Otari. I will continue to purchase master dupes from my overseas provider when funds allow. I am hooked, without question. But that part of my collection will grow at a far slower pace than my LP collection. As Orpheus 10 does, I will use my coveted Otari MX505Bii2 to play the Wham tape and record only my favorite selections from my LP collection at 7.5 ips onto recording the masters SMI911 tape as a compilation collection. Yeah, I could do it digitally if I had the gear, but something about those 10.5" reels turning at any speed just makes the experience so much more enjoyable,.... similar to the feeling I get when I see the reflection of my bright blue LED tt light projected on the ceiling of the spinning disc when I play an LP. I have nearly 5tb of hirez music files compliments of an audiophile friend that can be accessed somewhat easily via my SSD ASUS laptop connected to one of 3 stand alone multi-terabyte hard drives, but I get the most joy out of playing R2R tapes, without question, with LP's a close second. I am all the wiser as a result of this comparo. I can now say been there, done that, gonna buy the t-shirt, But I am certainly not an expert. If I have left any important info that would be helpful to those considering entering the ranks of purchasing a capable R2R and pre-recorded Master Tape Duplicates, Please post your questions, and I will do my best to answer them. If not, then perhaps our board members can fill in the blanks I created. IIRC, isn't that what the OP was looking for? I am hopeful he (and everyone else) found this comparo helpful. Happy listening. gusser |
Thank you for your kind words Orpehius. It was my mom and she is missed. She did not suffer and we are thankful for that.
Glad you enjoyed my detailed post. Perhaps a bit too detailed for most.
Well, here is part 2. And unfortunately, it doesn't go well...
I played the B side of the Wham tape last night. Side A has the better songs, with the exception of Careless Whisper, the highest rated song on the album. It's also the last song on the B side.
About 2 minutes into the song, I heard an abrupt bump in the left channel, then, a brief drop out, then a return to normal fidelity. 5 seconds later, a repeat of the same occurrence, but less severe. The rest of the song was artifact free. Such a disappointing discovery after what was a wonderful experience up to this point.
I have reached out to the vendor. I will make a video recording of the defect and forward to them. I am quite sure the noise does not occur in the LP or Cd, but I will do a comparison tonight to be sure. I am only speculating as I am far from being an expert, but I would guess there is a defect in the tape where the artifacts occur. The rest of the recording, both A and B tapes, are stellar. Pity.... How the vendor handles this will determine the longevity of my interest in this format.
Stay tuned.
Happy listening.
g |
I reached out to the vendor and they promptly responded, offering to replace the defective Side B tape. They are a husband/wife team and she assured me her Husband listened to the master tape and confirmed the master is perfect, so the audio artifacts occurred during the duplication. They are sending me a replacement without proof of the defect. She did ask if I wanted it shipped now or with my next order. I deferred the order as I want to see if the replacement tape is perfect as it should be before ordering more. My next order, when funds allow, will be a 5 tape order which provides a 20% discount, but I am a long way from placing it. As I mentioned earlier, the $1000 can be better spend towards a dual tonearm TT at this time.
Note: Since it's the holiday weekend and I didn't have to worry about sleeping late today, I took the time to compare the LP and Tape's B side.
As a result, I would change my rating a bit and rate the LP at 90% in sonic quality compared to the tape. I noticed the signal was not as strong as Side A was, referencing the VU meters on my Yamaha A-S2100. This may be due to Side B of the album was not as good as side A, which may have been an early indicator that the Side B dupe was defective. The lacking signal strength of Side B would be less noticeable when played side by side with the LP. However, the comparo disproved this, sounding pretty darn good, comparable to the Side A comparo I did almost a month ago before traveling for work
The one thing I did differently this time was I matched (as closely as possible) the signal strength of the Phono Preamp (Avid Pulsus) to the Otari using the VU meters on the Yammie. However the same could be accomplished using the VU meters on the Otari, switching from "source" to "tape". Even though the two signals were very close, the Tape STILL provided better sonics AND a higher signal level... amazing what that little tape can do. I remain impressed, and although I previously stated I would pursue increasing my LP collection settling only for high-quality pressings in both stereo and mono, as well as be on the lookout for a dual tonearm stereo/mono capable TT, I was reminded how good 15ips tape really is! As funds allow, I may pursue adding to my collection of master tape dupes, but as Orpheus10 stated, that he only records on tape his most select LP's, I would only purchase a very select number of Master Tape dupes, and those would be very special albums.
One thing I should mention about LP's on my system... the VPI Classic 3 with the Avid Pulsus phono preamp is a formidable combo. I cite as an example: I am a big fan of the Rick and Morty cartoon series. Granted, it is a bit vulgar at times, but any cartoon fan can appreciate the imagination that goes into this series. One thing fans of the show have come to appreciate, is the music soundtrack of the first two seasons i quite good... in fact, audiophile good! As a birthday present, my daughters gave me the Collectors edition of the series soundtrack. I decided to play LP #1 of 2 after the Wham tape. Well, I was absolutely stunned at the sounds that emanated from the Goldenear Triton 1's... Every song was crisp and clear, with the bass thumping in my chest like a second heartbeat during the more techno numbers. Sub-bass slides were smooth and effortless for the VPI TT. I had it in my mind that LP's were somewhat restricted in bass reproduction due to limits in the groove to be able to accommodate the shape of the bass frequencies in the groove structure. ??? Well, this LP recording proves to me that is a bunch of hooey. I would assume (probably shouldn't do that) that this LP was recorded digitally by the contemporary groups the contributed to this album and that the digital version was cut into a lacquer, skipping the master tape step. If the LP is so limited, how could such wonderful sounds come out of that lowly piece of vinyl? In this situation, IF there was a Master Tape of this LP, it is beyond me to imagine how much better a tape version of this LP could be any better. As I stated before, an LP properly mixed and mastered, pressed on quality vinyl by a quality lacquer is hard to beat, being trumped only by the Master/Safety Master of the original recording. Perhaps the next test should be a side by side comparo of the Rick and Morty LP to the included MP3 download? Nah, we already know MP3's are a lossy format, far too inferior to even the LP, let alone a Master Tape. Besides, this is the reel to reel forum... please forgive my digression.
The bottom line, referring to the OP's initial inquiry: The Otari MX5050Bii2 is a worthy deck to play Master Tape duplications and is certainly worth the cost of admission if you can find one that has been refurbed properly and has not been abused. If you are in the market for one, let me know and I will put you in touch with my Otari guy.
happy listening,
gusser |
Yes Orpheus10, the Otari is an excellent deck. So is my Technics RS-1506, but it cannot record in 1/2 track mode, only 4 track in both directions, which is what I needed it for at the time of purchase. The 1506 is also in need of a recap and good refurbishment as she is showing her age. The Otari allows me to continue to explore the 1/2 track world in both playback and recording. I have a TEAC X1000R as well (refurbished nicely by a gentleman in Colorado) for 4 track playback duties. It also has autoreverse, which I've always wanted in my 4 track deck, but is limited to 7.5 ips. Granted, the TEAC isn't nearly the decks the Technics and Otari are, but being an R2R tape head, it was well worth the cost of admission to be able to play my small collection of band and FM music tapes I acquired during the 80's and early 90's.
As far as bass response, the Triton 1's (non-reference) provide all I could ask for and more. Granted, I have a ceiling to floor bass trap in the one corner and power is cleaned up by a PS Audio regenerator power conditioner. (a big improvement in noise floor and sound quality when the PS Audio unit was installed) but the Triton 1's excel in bass reproduction IMHO and are a great match to my Yamaha A-S2100 integrated. Needless to say, I am very happy with my "A" system as it now stands, with the Otari taking center stage, next to my recently acquired (and not quite set up) VPI Avenger Reference tt with dual 3DR wands and Soundsmith Zephyr MKIII ES stereo and mono carts. (2016 CES show leftover with 3 belt AC motor drive rather than the newer rim drive). Did I overspend? Probably. But my source gear now allows me to sample 1/2 track master dupe recordings as well as any vinyl (mono or stereo) that I have the good fortune of getting my hands on. Now all I need is the free time to enjoy the media.... C'mon retirement!!
Happy listening.
gusser |
Apologies Orpheus for not adding my updated status over the last several months. Work kept me away from home for most of the summer. And my Avenger purchase was a bust, with horrendous bass feedback at all but the lowest listening levels. Long story short, I returned the Avenger (Since the Vendor nor VPI was able to resolve it) and purchased a mate for my Classic 3, a brandy new Classic Signature, which, IMHO is everything the Avenger is and more at less than 1/4 the price. (The intention with the Avenger purchase (a demo, not full msrp) was to be able to play mono and stereo lp's on the same tt) My dealer set up the signature and sent it to me here in CT. I double checked the techs set up with Analog magik and a smart tractor. All looks good. The tech said she did not get any resonance, so I put on one of my fav lp’s, heard crystal clear music, so I turned the volume knob up.... then Vrroooom! Same bass resonance as the Avenger. The combo of cart and tonearm (Soundsmith Zephyr Mkiii ES and the VPI’s 3d) were present in both setups. My dealer has tried to figure it out but is at a loss.
Fast forward to the past couple of weeks... When my tech went on vacation, I decided to reach out to soundsmith as I am convinced there is a tonearm/cart mismatch. Surprisingly, the owner called me directly, giving me some standard advice and steps to take, which, of course, didn’t work as they were directed to mechanical resonance. I have taken great pains over the last few years to purchase and assemble a rack that is resonant free, and has been perfect up until now, so I had my doubts it was a mechanical resonance. Putting 4 70 durometer domes under the tt's 4 feet did absolutely nothing.
Satisfied,it is not a mechanical resonance, we are now down to the unipivot needle being dull, which is so wrong since the tt is brand new, and the cup looks damaged as well. VPI is sending me a new needle and cup assembly (and the hydraulic tonearm lift assembly as this one is stuck). I will be forwarding the tonearm with cart, needles and cup to SS and pray they can resolve this without a big repair bill. But I need to hear it from a pro that it’s the 3d arm creating the resonance or the dealer probably won't act on a request for a different (metal) tonearm OR a less compliant cart... the cart is low compliance, the tonearm is low mass... A bad combo. I did a quick test to check my theory... I moved the aluminum 10.5i tonearm from the classic to the signature. Voila! No resonance. That arm has the original VPI/Soundsmith Zephyr installed. Never ever had a resonance issue.
So while I work at making tt woes to go away, I plan on recording some of my favorite LP’s onto the Otari at 7.5 IPS. The TEAC is working fine as well. I just love that auto-reverse!
Yes Orpheus, it does seem we’ve followed the same upgrade paths in regard to reels. :)
And thanks for the youtube links. I was a teenager in the early 70’s and was playing with old mono reel to reels that my Audio Visual department at high school didn’t want anymore. Had no idea there were so many other quality decks out there, until I got my 1506 in 1983. Quite a blast from the past for me.
And finally, glad to hear my plan to dub my LP recordings at 7.5 ips is still a sound plan. Now that the cold weather is here, time for some serious recording time. :)
Happy Listening.
gusser
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