Uberwaltz and Gusser, since our projects are expensive and time consuming, spare no expense in getting the most from your efforts.
Each time, before recording, clean heads and de-magnetize them. Be sure you have rubber-cleaner for your rollers; while you don't have to do it that often, make sure it's done, that will preserve your rollers.
One last thing; if you are ever lucky enough to get long green for a brand new machine, give it a second thought, here's why; when you record and playback on your present machine, the results are perfect, that's because you record and playback at the same speed.
Even if your speed is a little bit off, it will still be absolutely perfect. That's because record and playback are at the "same" speed no matter what that speed is.
If you get a brand new reel with perfect speed, and the speed of all those tapes you made does not match that speed; all of your old tapes will be "out to lunch". Something to think about.
We've got the best audio there is, enjoy it.
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Uberwaltz, this is the one I got;
https://www.atrtape.com/products/mds-36-tape-14-x-3600I downloaded those 15 IPS tapes to the hard drive and then re-recorded over them at 7 1/2. I have a good set up for downloading because I've been doing it with vinyl. I got very high quality results, I can't tell it from reel. For sure you will get the same results as new tape when you record over once. I'm thinking about making a tape, downloading it to hard drive, and then recording a new tape over that. This way I get double duty from the tape with no sacrifice in quality. If you have the set up for downloading vinyl, you can do the same. |
Gusser, I just checked your post, and it warms my heart that you share in my passion for the reel to reel. When I went back to those "you tube" links that I posted, it brought back so many wonderful memories; that was a time when so many good things were happening, and there were many stereo stores to listen and dream of new purchases. I just got some brand new tape from ATR Magnetics, and I highly recommend it. The price keeps going up but that's life in the fast lane. What amazes me is the fact that after recording select music, I can listen to it over and over, hearing something new each time. https://audioimpressions.wordpress.com/2016/03/31/long-play-tapespyral-or-atr/We're in audio heaven, enjoy it. |
Presently, I'm correcting something I stated on this thread. I recorded some vinyl at 15 IPS. Now I'm recording over that at 7 1/2. 15 IPS is reserved for live recording; there's not enough improvement for the added expense with records, 7 1/2 works just fine.
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While watching the reels on my Technics 1500 spin at 15 IPS and enjoying the full dynamic range of Jimmy Smiths organ, accompanied by Kenny Burrell on guitar, I began to reminisce about my encounters with other tape decks. It all began in the early seventies when the best stereo stores carried reel to reel decks. Through the use of "you tube", I believe I can share these memories more vividly. There was a large appliance store that also carried stereo, and when my wife was shopping for washers dryers or whatever, I went to the stereo section that had one room completely devoted to reel to reel tape decks: Crown, Akai, Teac, Pioneer; these are the ones I remember, such beautiful decks and so many choices, both 10 inch and 7 inch. I was like a kid in a candy store; I must have even had that look of wild eyed amazement that kids have when they enter a big toy store. I'll see what I can find on "you tube" to bring those memories back to life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C40tfFHuHu4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kLsllBO96c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJcw2y1NcN8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wgSZSuUvqw |
Ironically, I owned a TEAC X1000R, purchased it new; I really loved that auto reverse, and the fact that it worked well with EE Maxell tape. At that time I was into getting the longest play time. Since I did a lot of entertaining then, I liked to record what I thought my guests would like so I could enjoy everyone's company without bothering to put on new music.
It seems we've followed the same upgrade paths in regard to reels.
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Gusser, I owned an Otari before, but it was 4 channel; if it had been two track I would still have it; they're the most impressive deck for the money; approaching the Studer in many ways.
In regard to clean bass in speakers, that's a lot dependent on crossover design and the quality of capacitors in the crossover; evidently your speakers have both.
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First,I want to offer my sincere condolences for your loss, it's a numbing experience we have all been through.
I enjoyed reading your post, it tracked with my own experiences, minus the master dupe tapes (too rich for my blood). I also concur with 7.5 IPS for recording records.
Always a joy to read about another R2R enthusiast's happy experiences.
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Another reason to own a reel. The other day, one of my expensive NOS tubes in my phono pre went belly up, and presently I can't afford another pair; now records are not so impressive.
But there is good news, while the phono pre was cooking on all 8 with the NOS tubes, I recorded to reel at 15 IPS some of my favorite LP's, plus I down loaded to hard drive on the computer my LP collection, so I still have the essence of those NOS tubes, and I can enjoy those records sounding their best.
All things are relative; what I'm speaking of, is the fact that you can go up the ladder but never back down. After I replaced the blown NOS tube with ordinary tubes, records just sounded flat; I can live without the TT until I get some more NOS tubes for the phono pre.
Another example of not being able to go back is my cassette deck; I have one of the top flight decks, and I went to a lot of trouble to get it back in top flight condition, but to no avail. Compared to my other sources, the cassette deck wont cut it; no matter how much lipstick you put on a pig, it's still a pig. I can't get over how good it sounded after I purchased all of that "metal" cassette tape. I'm sure it sounds just as good now, as it sounded then; but cassette good, and reel to reel good are two different "goods".
The bottom line is, what was good yesterday might be "squat" today, you can go up the ladder, but never back down.
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Plus you can roll NOS tubes and get more monies worth than you paid. Notice, I stated NOS tubes because they last longer and sound better, you wont regret it.
Have fun.
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The enhancement of music is never a waste for the music lover. These 15 IPS reels that were down-loaded to the computer hard-drive, are quite revealing on lesser systems; the subtle nuances are more apparent on the bedroom system for example.
Music for me is as close to a 24 hour a day thing as I can make it, and of course every day. Where as many evaluate everything from a technical point of view, I evaluate the emotional impact of the music; do I experience "instant recall" in regard to very personal music that I enjoyed at a certain time. Can I travel back to that time?
When the music is reproduced to the the highest level possible, it functions as a time machine, that allows me to sit in my listening chair and travel back to long forgotten events and experience them vividly.
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That was just an experiment, and to make sure it wasn't a waste, I down-loaded it to hard-drive; those were my most select LP's.
As you know, new tape can be recorded over at least once with no ill effects; consequently, I'm regarding that as blank tape when the need arises.
While the playback sounds good from the computer play list, I'm wandering if I would get R2R quality out of the playback with a very good DAC?
Yes, 15 IPS is extreme for LP's, but only because of the expense and time. Even if I could afford the expense, the time would be too short; but if I could find a way to negate those two factors, I could easily live with 15 IPS for my most select LP's, not just any LP.
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I just down-loaded 4 of the 15 IPS reels that I had recorded to my hard-drive. They really sound good on play back, and I don't have to get up and put another reel on.
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I'm trying to make a vinyl one stop shopping, is elusive disc the favored place?
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Why did I ask when I knew it would be too rich for my blood?
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Where Can I get "Jacintha" at 15 IPS?
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We have been discussing an aspect of R2R that only those who have had considerable experience are aware of, and that is the tape width and head size in relation to the audio.
The effect of this is incredible; when you tell someone that it makes your speakers sound larger and more forceful, they respond with disbelief.
How do you quantify this phenomenon? There is frequency response, wow and flutter, distortion and noise; but where is this tape width thing quantified?
Without a doubt, this takes you beyond the most expensive cartridge, TT, tone arm, phono pre combination. While you need all of that to record to the reel; after it's recorded, the reel takes you a step further. This is a good place to be.
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I've been going back and forth between TT and reel today, and discovered something no one else has mentioned. This is specifically in reference to 2 track, not 1/4 track; that's because the head is wider.
When comparing tape sources: cassette deck, 1/4 track, and 1/2 track; note the different size tape heads. These heads have different qualities that I call "forcefulness" for lack of any other term. Why this "fact" has not been noted and given a name is beyond me, but I will describe it's effects on audio. The largest, the 2 track heads create a "forcefulness" in the audio that might be akin to a more powerful amp, because it makes the speakers appear to be larger.
This more forceful sound also corrects "room anomalies". As I was going back and forth between the reel and the turntable, I had to change the preamp for the turntable. Inna and I have the same problem; one channel sounds louder than the other "from the listening chair". No; one channel is not louder than the other, it just sounds that way because of the room. If you have twin volume controls, one has to be turned up in order to compensate for this.
The "forcefulness" of the 2 track reel audio, overcame this "anomaly". When I went back to the turntable, I had to turn the left channel up in order to center the sound stage.
The quality I speak of, would be even more pronounced in a reel that used 1 inch or 1/2 inch tape. Is there anyone qualified to speak on this issue?
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Gusser, I'm looking forward to hearing about your results. Taking all things into consideration, 7.5 is the best speed.
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Happiness is a good working reel to reel recorder.
Recently, I purchased 4 blank 10 inch reels of tape. Initially I planned to record at 7.5 for the sake of economy, but an audiophile demon caused me to set the speed at 15; "The devil made do it".
Recording at 15 IPS causes "hyper awareness, this had better be good"; clean and demagnetize heads, go through record collection, select only the best. As everyone knows, sometime your favorite record has cuts you don't like, be ready to hit the "pause" button.
In regard to the results, no matter how magnificent, the playing time was too short; after I got comfortable, and into the music, it stopped. If only I had a butler to put on another reel; or ten machines in a row, plus remote controls to start another machine as soon as the music stopped on the one before.
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Getting the most out of your reel requires dedication to maintenance. Fortunately it's not at all difficult, but it should be done frequently; what you can't see will hurt you; "magnetism" is something you have to be aware of.
I'm a fanatic when it comes to demagnetizing the heads; after every two reels of recording, that's what I do. If you're not doing any recording, and just enjoying playback, this isn't necessary.
If you just purchased a reel, buy new rubber rollers; these are essential for high quality recording and playback; also buy rubber roller cleaner, and head cleaner.
If my rubber rollers get a little bit shiny, I clean them. These are the things that will guarantee the best results from your reel.
Today, I'm going to make two posts, the next will be about how I used the new blank tape that I recently purchased.
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The more I play my reel the better it sounds, and this isn't imaginary; reels don't like to be left idle, they can quit working if not used.
Just another reel tip.
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For the last few days, I have been listening exclusively to the reel with tapes recorded at 7.5, and they sound just fine.
I've got some new tape ordered, and when it arrives, I'll record at 7.5. Regardless how good 15 IPS sounds, the time is half as much, and the cost is twice as much; I can live without it.
Enjoy your reel.
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Uberwitz, have you thought about a phono pre for MM cartridges?
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Yesterday, I recorded some new LP's on used tape at 15 IPS, the music came through, but there was tape hiss. This is a "tape hiss" free zone; that tape will be discarded, leaving the empty reel for later use.
Today, I've been listening to Diane Schuur recorded at 7.5, sounds great on Maxell XL-1 tape. She is one fantastic vocalist, I have to get some more of her works. She's still performing.
Another hard day in the life.
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Uberwaltz, I had a friend who had a big beautiful Sony reel. The only thing I remember was the big multicolored buttons, and it's silent running.
It's not about whether or not it's state of the art, but whether or not you can get parts, and someone to work on it. Without those two things, I wouldn't recommend any deck.
I recall being in a large sale room that was devoted to nothing but reels. They had models of each major brand: Sony, AKAI, Pioneer, Crown and others; they had 10 and 7 inch models. I bought a 7 inch AKAI that played cassettes, 8 tracks, and reel.
Sony TC 377 must be a good deck, they're still selling them.
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Tomic, as a matter of fact my preamps have "Black Gate" capacitors; if there is an electrolytic that's not too large, it's "Black Gate". When current equipment fails, I'll switch to Nichicon.
My speakers have Jantzen 0554 3.3uF 800V Z-Superior Capacitors
My aim is ultimate audio, what's yours?
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Thank you Atmasphere, Grand Master shows up in the manual as 2 Bias, and 2 EQ, the same as Benjie recommended.
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I know I'm repeating, but there is a good reason; while you don't need new caps all throughout the deck, they will greatly enhance your recordings if installed on "input" and "output". Get the best electrolytic capacitors available.
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Thank you Benjie, knowing the bias and EQ before I buy the tape gives me the consolation that I'll get good results.
Gusser, I'm glad you have the proper paper work, now you'll get the best results. That will help you enjoy your new deck even more.
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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-3600Now I'm trying to figure what bias and equalization I set on the RS1506 for this tape? |
Gusser, I'm green with envy; hope he's got one for me.
I don't think refurb includes new capacitors; if not, they don't cost much, and they make a huge difference. "Nichicon" are very good. The price of the work would depend on the difficulty, but your reel would be closer to a new one.
Happy listening!
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Anyone considering a R2R should first find out if they can get it worked on, should it need repair, and if parts are available.
If they're going to get it refurbished, ask about capacitors and transistors; they won't cost much more if the unit isn't too hard to work on.
Once all of that is done, you will have almost a new R2R for less than the original price, and cost a fraction of a new one.
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The last few days have caused me to reorient my entire line of thinking; I had planned to upgrade my rig with a Koetsu Urushi cartridge and a Herron Phono pre when funds were available, but that's a lot of money.
Honestly folks, those funds may never be available, but now, I'm no longer lusting for those components because I found an audio equivalent; 15 IPS CD's, and the only expense is the tape.
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No, this had absolutely nothing to do with any of the gear, someone else had the same problem, it was entirely do to the room acoustics; as a matter of fact, it took a lot of troubleshooting to discover the problem was "room acoustics".
In reality, both channels were equal; it just sounded that way from the listening chair because of unequal wall reflections, but on playback of the stronger signal, it was balanced again; the stronger signal overcame the bad room acoustics.
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I've just been listening and evaluating this morning: vinyl from computer hard drive, just fine. If you're not getting the same results, you're doing something wrong.
LP's recorded at 7.5 are good; the new thing is CD's recorded at 15 IPS; will order new tape.
Cleeds you're good, anytime I have a problem I'll give you a ring; but in the meantime I'll handle this.
According to my evaluation, although it's nice to have a reel to reel; if done right, your computer is a good substitute; however, this CD to tape at 15 IPS is flat out addicting.
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Just a little while ago, I recorded "Trance Mission", Meanwhile; Meanwhile, is the title of the CD. It has cuts titled with names like "Chasing the Moon Rabbit". Instruments include didgerdoo, clarinets, percussion, winds and digital atmospherics.
Before I recorded, I demagnetized and cleaned the heads; my rubber rollers are relatively new. The signal was straight off the out of the Marantz CD player to the in of the reel.
The recording level was less than 2, any more and the needles went into the red; they were really popping at that level.
During recording, the music sounded louder in the left channel; that's normal for my room, not good, but normal.
On playback, all was straightened out; the holographic sound stage was spread evenly across the rear wall.
Let me explain this; the louder left channel is because of the room acoustics, it has nothing to do with electronics; the very strong signal from the reel, straightened all that out, it overcame the bad room acoustics, and delivered a "holographic" sound stage.
Think about it; when you buy a beautiful "Studer" that handles tape magnificently, it still has old capacitors and transistors; hopefully you at least buy new rubber rollers.
The same as in any analog rig; "The devil is in the details". Happy listening, and may the force be with you, and the wind in your sails.
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Wynpalmer, while most would probably agree that Otari and Studer are better than my Technics RS1500; The results I'm getting must be due to the fact that I replaced all the electrolytic capacitors with "Black Gates" (this was before they stopped selling them) plus I replaced all the transistors with new ones from Panasonic.
Now that I've finished recording my favorite vinyl to 15 IPS tape, I'm starting on CD's; they turn out even better than LP's when you select the good one's; that's what I'm doing today. Once done, there isn't even the remotest hint of digital; it's pure analog.
Soon I will be enjoying the fruits of my labor, sorry you aren't getting the same results.
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When you record good CD's to reel at 15 IPS, the playback is pure "analog". If you recorded a bad CD the playback would still be analog, but why bother, that's why I specified "good" CD's, once a bad CD, always a bad CD.
This transformation of CD's to fantastic analog is truly unbelievable, and I'm enjoying it to the hilt; as a matter of fact, I just ordered new tape.
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BTW, good CD's recorded at 15 IPS sound fantastic on playback; they just sound like the most involving music I've ever heard.
I judge music by it's ability to transport me back in time; maybe even as far back as my first love in high school; music at 15 IPS does that for me.
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In regard to HI-Rez files, they're as good as the upper end of the cartridge, tonearm, TT thing; so therefore, if you do not have an "upper echelon" analog rig, the Hi-Rez will be better.
This 15 IPS thing has become addictive, I just might go completely 15 IPS; "Mo money, mo money, always mo money"
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There are two parts to a deck; the mechanics and the electronics; hence "Studer Levinson" might be the best home deck made.
Some people think that buying a professional deck is best, but that's a big mistake because of the complexity of professional decks that makes them a mistake for home use.
I wont upgrade for two reason; I've recorded many reels of tape, and I know when you record and playback on the same machine, the speed is always perfect, and the new machine might not like these reels of tape.
The other reason is now that I've modified the electronics, I like the results; not that I don't always dream of a new reel; that's the way it is.
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My mistake, both decks were 2 track. Possibly the Revox handles tape better.
Is Revox, Studer-Revox, and they just leave the Studer off? |
Two track sounds better than 1/4 track, even if the 1/4 track is a better more expensive deck.
After all of this conversation about decks, someone should be able to tell me why this is so.
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LP and CD both came from the "Master tape"; I think the only difference is obvious; one is digital, and the other is analog. |
In regard to information present, and not heard clearly; I recall being at a high end emporium and requesting them to play my CD of Santana's "Abraxas". This was my CD; I bought the LP Abraxas when it came out; to say that I was familiar with the album would be an understatement; the background music that had been barely audible on all the rigs I had, was cleanly audible here. There were certain sounds that I have not heard clearly audible before nor since, and that was from a CD.
Keep in mind that this was in a "High end Emporium"; which meant that every detail in audio had been addressed; the electronics were "top of the line" Audio Research, and even the CD player was ARC. The speakers were Thiel, and the price of all that equipment was far beyond my reach, but I heard it on that day.
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Here again Cleeds you are referring to my statement and my statement alone; no one else stated any thing that would incite you to make the statement;
"That’s not to say that you might not prefer a copy of the original, but it can’t contain musical information not present on the master."
While you are referring to the statement I made that the playback sounded better than the LP when recorded at 15 IPS, I did not say that there was information which was not on the LP.
It's all about the highest degree of definition; there was information on the LP which was transferred to the tape, that was not profoundly amplified by the LP playback. That's a day and night difference from information not present.
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