Your comment about delving into a medium that is closer to the original performance leads me to believe you plan on purchasing software as opposed to copying LP's.
The problem with the machine your describing is most of the software for sale is quarter track, 3.75 or 7.5 IPS. I never buy 3.75, figure it's a waste of space compared to performance difference between it and 7.5 IPS.
Half track is clearly superior to quarter track but unless you already own a library your satisfied with, finding half track tapes is going to be rough.
I have about 250 open reel tapes and quickly running into the problem of finding new material I want to buy. My two machines run 3.75. 7.5 and 15 IPS and will play quarter and half track.
If I remove the ability to play quarter track and 15 IPS, I'm left with less than 20 titles. Not enough to bother with owning an open reel (in my opinion).
So even though I love Ampex (I own a 351) and a dedicated tube guy, the machine you list would be very difficult to feed. I suggest either an Ampex 351 converted to play half and quarter track or a Technics 1520 or 1800 which handles just about every format.
I'm open to talking with you on the phone if that helps, click on my name and use the Audiogon server to send an email. I wish you well on your project!
The problem with the machine your describing is most of the software for sale is quarter track, 3.75 or 7.5 IPS. I never buy 3.75, figure it's a waste of space compared to performance difference between it and 7.5 IPS.
Half track is clearly superior to quarter track but unless you already own a library your satisfied with, finding half track tapes is going to be rough.
I have about 250 open reel tapes and quickly running into the problem of finding new material I want to buy. My two machines run 3.75. 7.5 and 15 IPS and will play quarter and half track.
If I remove the ability to play quarter track and 15 IPS, I'm left with less than 20 titles. Not enough to bother with owning an open reel (in my opinion).
So even though I love Ampex (I own a 351) and a dedicated tube guy, the machine you list would be very difficult to feed. I suggest either an Ampex 351 converted to play half and quarter track or a Technics 1520 or 1800 which handles just about every format.
I'm open to talking with you on the phone if that helps, click on my name and use the Audiogon server to send an email. I wish you well on your project!