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Help me start off right in the reel to reel realm

I am ready to take the plunge. I want to get a good reel to reel system for playback only of pre-recorded tapes. Although I have 3 systems in which it could be used, it will go in the primary system which consists of an Ayre/DPS TT with EMT JSD5 cartridge, Audio Research CD7, Mac/Wavelength Cosecant server, Shindo Masseto, Luxman MQ-88 and Nagra PSA, and DeVore Fidelity Silverbacks. Most everything is tied into a Shunyata Hydra V-Ray or a dedicated outlet via Shunyata power cords. Interconnects are all Aud23. The speaker cable is currently Basis but I am probably going to switch to Chord's top of the line later this year. I listen to classical, opera, jazz, blues, folk, & vocals.

I know next to nothing about reel to reel aside from the fact that to my ears, it exceeds even the best vinyl playback system. Any and all guidance, recommended links, recommended brands/models, perspectives on price/value sweet spots, etc will be greatly appreciated. I want this decision to be well informed and well thought out. I know there are many on this forum who can help me with the former.

If possible, I would like to hit a home run with my decision, meaning the player I select is not only very compatible with my system, but is good enough that I will not want to do the upgrade thing anytime soon, if ever. That could be hoping for too much, but I would at least like to try.
4musica44107

Showing 2 responses by mepearson

mepearson
100 posts
 
You need to clarify what type of prerecorded tapes you plan on playing. Are we talking TP type tapes here or 7 1/2" 4 track tapes or both? The answer will have a profound effect on which machine you should buy.
mepearson
100 posts
 
4musica-I can't help you because you don't know what you are looking for yet. TP stands for the Tape Project and they are selling 15 ips 2 track tapes that are usually made from the master tape (but not always, the Linda R. came from a safety copy and they didn't tell the subscribers until it was shipping)albeit they are not made directly from the master tape. The TP copies the master tape onto a 1/2" tape recorded at 15 ips 2 track and then makes the copies they sell you from the 1/2" tape. I realize you don't understand 2 track from 4 track and IEC from NAB, but you need to understand these terms in order to figure out what you want to buy. In order to play back TP tapes (which will cost you $300 each if you buy a limited subscription for 6 tapes or $500 each if you just buy a single tape), you need a deck which will play the 10 1/2" reels at 15 ips 2 track with IEC equalization. If you want to buy used 4 track tapes from flea pay, you need a deck that will play back 4 track tapes with NAB equalization and will play at 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 ips. You will find damn few decks which will meet both criteria which is why some people have two decks. So, you need to choose your poison.

Sib-If I was going to drop at least $4K on a deck, it wouldn't be on a UHA deck. I would buy a Studer A80 or A820 and have it gone through by one of the Studer gurus. The UHA decks are not built to the same standards as a pro Studer deck. There is a reason the big Studers weigh a couple hundred pounds.
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