@johnss I agree with most part of your post. I have gone through the path of having my deck serviced, recapped, wiring head out to an external tape stage. See my system here: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/4524 What I'm listing here is the entry point to reel to reel and bringing attention to an analog medium that receives very little attention on these boards. A few years ago, I was sold on reel to reel when I got to listen to a 15 IPS 2-Track tape played on an un-modified stock machine. Yes, it sounded glorious even through the stock 1970's solid-state electronics. I have since bought and sold over 10 highspeed decks which include, Teac, Revox, Otari, Tascam, Technics, Studer, and Ampex. The Otari MX-5050 B2 and Tascam BR-20 were very reliable and needed little to no maintenance besides cleaning, lubing, and calibrate using an MRL calibration tape. So, I'm all for getting the most out of this format by getting the deck serviced and getting the external tape stage, etc. I just don't think it's a must to start enjoying and appreciating the strength of tape. |
I've had the same experience with Studer-ReVox, they are excellent machines but they all likely need some work especially replacing those Frako capacitors. I've tried to recap a Revox B-77 before and their PCB board is very prone to trace lifting, I recommend leaving the Studer-Revox to professionals. The Otari and Tascam I originally recommended are a lot more reliable. This is coming from a Studer owner. |
@chakster
your link to the Studer image doesn’t work
@clio09
Thanks for sharing the link to International Phonograph Inc., I was referring to Jonathan’s company when I wrote $150.
@johnss
How difficult is it to convert a phono preamp RIAA curve to IEC? I heard this could be done but I really haven’t dig deeper into it.
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I'd like to make a case for RTR. I assume everyone here already has a vinyl setup. Instead of spending 2K on another cartridge or a tweak for that matter, why not spend it on a tape deck? There are reliable highspeed models that can be had for under 2K, Otari MX5050-B2, Tascam BR-20, and a few more come to mind. These two models can be found usually in working condition and need little maintenance since they were made toward the end of the R2R era. Get yourself an MRL calibration tape for $120 and you're ready to roll.
Yes, tapes are expensive, they start at $150 per reel for pre-recorded tape, but tape never was meant to replace any of your existing formats. Look at it as a treat when you get to pull out one of your master tape copy and spool it up! or think of it as eating at your favorite restaurant, you don't eat there every day, but it 's really nice when you do get to (I read that somewhere).
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For a long time, I thought the creme de la creme of Analog is vinyl, and nothing is comparable. Skimming through the posts on this analog forum, so little mention of the tape format as if it is inferior or didn't exist.
My post is giving a little love to reel to reel tape, a format that I really enjoy, and just may be the format that delivers the ultimate analog experience.
Most of you have heard of, but some are still unfamiliar with the presently produced tapes by the Tape Project, Analog Productions, and others. These tapes are a direct copy of the original master tape, and they are available for purchase to play in your home. You can't get any closer to the master tape than that!
Some have mentioned the limited titles available, and I won't disagree there. But too expensive? Hmmm...look around!
As I wrote in my earlier post, with reel to reel, the point of entry is around $2000 for a machine that is capable of highspeed 15 IPS, 2-track, NAB/IEC eq. The tape is where you spend your money in this format. But again, tapes aren't meant to replace any of your existing formats, it's there for you to enjoy occasionally in addition to your vinyl.
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@rauliruegas I'm glad you enjoy vinyl as much as you do and own 6K+ LP's, that's a lot more than what I have for sure.
You may not be looking for an analog alternative but this post might pique someone else's interest, or at the least brings awareness to an analog medium that MAY be superior to vinyl but gets very little attention on these boards. Ten years ago, I may have heard of R2R, but never knew it was any good until it was mentioned again in other forums and I got to experience it for myself.
Thought you should know, I too enjoy analog as digital and agree with you that digital can sound fantastic. You may have missed it glancing through my system, but my DAC and disc player is listed in there as well as my MacBook pictured sitting on top of the D'Agostino amp with over 5 terabytes of music to play with.
As for my vinyl setup, if you have a better approach for how I could improve it, I'm all ears and would appreciate learning a thing or two.
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@rauliruegas
I like the Sota mat and Basis Audio reflex clamp recommendation.
Your ideas on how I can improve my quality levels are more or less your personal preference. I'm more satisfied with my vinyl setup now than ever before and it performs at a high level. |
@tomic601
+1 for the recommendation of Opus 3 sampler. I especially like volume 3, the first cut "House of Rising Sun" is worth the whole tape. Truly fantastic music and sound quality, highly recommended as a first purchase for tape newbie! |
@topoxforddoc wondering what your tape playback equipment consists of? |
@topoxforddoc Very nice collection of professional equipment you have there! I had a chance to pick up a Sony APR 5003 at a good price but had to pass it up, how does it compare to the others you have? I have no room left for another large piece of equipment. |
@topoxforddoc
Yeah, I thought long and hard before passing that Sony up. I'm good with my Ampex ATR-102 and two Studers. There's some work I need to put into the rest of my equipment and have them all working at an optimal level is my focus. |
@orpheus10 The point of entry to reel to reel is so much more affordable than getting into vinyl.
For me, the point of entry is getting a machine capable of playing the new 15 IPS master tape dub. A Tascam BR-20, Otari MX5050 BII, or Technics RS-1520 playing an Opus 3 sampler tape would be a good entry point to where the new owner can really appreciate how good tape can sound and superior to many vinyl setups. |
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