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Restored my dads R2R but no tape loop on integrated

My dad found his old Teac A-3300SX-2T in storage and I’m having it restored currently. I wanted to do some recording from my TT and eventually from a CD transport as well if I end up adding one. My integrated is a Cambridge Audio CXA81 with no tape loop (only a pre-out option).

Tape selector?

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sony/sb-500.shtml
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/ds-5.shtml

I found a few models like the Sony SB500 or Akai DS-5. My thought was to connect the Teac input/output to ‘Tape 1’, phono stage output to ‘Tape 2’ and output from ‘Source’ to a line input on my integrated. Would this introduce any type of feedback loop while recording?

This would save me from moving cables around but it also means that my TT signal is always passing through the switch even when listening to it directly. I’ve read that these older switches are prone to oxidization and require some cleaning usually as well as constant exercising of the switches.

I wouldn’t want to potentially degrade the sound quality of my primary listening source to allow recording to a R2R

Phonostage direct to R2R?

The other option would be connecting my phonostage output directly to the Teac whenever I want to record. But this would involve the hassle of swapping phonostage output from integrated to r2r and back. Also I would only be able to monitor the source using the headphone out on the Teac and the built in output selector switch.

Rethink CXA81?

Is there another option available outside of completely rethinking my choice of integrated amplifier? The R2R holds more sentimental value than anything so I feel like it would be silly to start swapping major components for an unexpected add-on.
jvonoldershausen

Showing 3 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
A tape loop is to monitor and correct a recording being MADE. A true tape loop unit will have tone control that can be applied to the loop or be switched out of the loop for play back.

Direct head playback is not on a lot of RtRs, 

I have a unit that should be here today the 3rd. Phono/tape direct head playback. Here is the deal, the RtR I use is XLR playback and record TOO. The direct head playback is RCA.

Do you see that a loop is really not needed now?

You fix the volume while recording but correct with a downstream EQ in series.

AND if you need a loop make your own and add the good EQ (tone control for recording correction) BEFORE the recording device and where you can monitor via headphone (at the EQ before and after)

Feedback? As long as the headphones aren't "MICed" and no other way to introduce a  feed (speakers on while recording). Where is the feed back coming from? Unwanted noise, speakers need to be off and vibration control ON big time... Heck I remember that from 45 years ago..

Crosstalk wasn't an issue we use TWO MONO preamps... There use to be a reason for that old stuff being that way... TWO mono preamps.. I still have a pair..

I'll be recording soon. I'm going to use a STL tube 15 band EQ, Mac C2500, Decware ZP3 and Otari MX5050 BII2. The 5050 has a preamp bypass I installed, and the direct head playback mod, I've yet to install on this 5050 (I've done 4 others). It's posted on my page.. The schematic for the mod..

Have fun, that pre OUT just might work.. :-)
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
A "true" tape loop has nothing to do with EQ.

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At least when you stick your foot in your mouth it stops you from say the wrong thing..

A LOOP, think why would you need a TAPE LOOP? Adding EQ and tone control is the ONLY reason for a loop.. PERIOD. You monitor from the source and EQ as YOU see fit..

That’s right to monitor and correct (on the fly if need be). There is no other reason to have one.. The actual tape loop was made for one thing RECORDIND.. Everything else was an afterthought.. You can dub from different sources and MIX too. It’s not all digital but it was the way it was done. Nothing to do with a tape loop? You sure about that fuzz? :-)

Look at the face of a C20 Mac and you’ll notice different preset EQ curves set for either Tape or LP.. and RECORDIND from either MIC or another source a Tape, LP or Mic.. A lot of music departments had Mcintosh just for that reason...My HS actually ran Mac..

I know you use a line stage preamp too... Of course you do..

Anyone that doesn’t have EQ or tone control, I’m usually not listening too long to there rigs.. Pretty simple..

It’s not a phono loop or an AUX loop it’s a TAPE LOOP.. the OP is recording.

Yes I use my R2R to record Humming birds talk ALL the time.. Quite a chatty bunch..
I'm a BIG fart recorder too.. left cheek sneak coming up... WOW 105 DB. we have a winner.. :-)

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
oldhvymec  
As usual you make little sense.  
The OP expressed interest in recording vinyl not remastering it.
Period.

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I know, that's when you spouted off and said

" A "true" tape loop has nothing to do with EQ."

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Of course you took it out of context. I said EQ down stream before the recorder/tape. You can master a tape that's the whole point. To what DEGREE do you want to record?

A Remix is considered a master cut IF you wind up with an original when you're done.. Isn't it? I thought that was the point..

No matter the reason I wish the OP the best results, I was just offering what a TAPE LOOP was for. Not what you use it for.. There is more than one way to create a loop.. In this case for Tape recordings.. No different than for a CD. A dozen ways to spit those out too..

Most Macs still have tape loops, my C2500 does "Record in" and "Record out". Has onboard EQ for three types of tape EQs to..
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