Are audiophile R2R tapes worth the money if you do not have a professional R2R deck?
I gave myself a vintage Technics RS-1520 R2R tape deck for Christmas (more or less 50 years old, but apparently still in very good shape). I had found a couple of old tapes from the 1950s in my attic, and thought this would be a nice sentimental journey. Then I read about sites that sell master tape copies, on 2 track format and 15 ips speed for $400-and-up. Before I fall into a new rabbit hole, I would like to ask this illustrious forum about their own experience with high-end R2R recordings on their own semi-professional decks, preferably in direct comparison with the corresponding vinyl.
On a tangent: I plan to "hot-rod" the old machine, going directly from the replay head into my own preamp (Supratek Grange) instead of using the internal preamp of the RS-1520. Any experience with such a mod?
elliottbnewcombjr, I am intrigued, where did you friend get he is R2R Led Zepllin tape from? |
Be forewarned that external tape head preamplifiers can introduce remarkably vexing hum into a 2 channel system. They’re not for the impatient. I had a Bottlehead model professionally installed in my Otari 5050. Wonderful sound befitting a high end system. I’ve upgraded my RTR to a restored Studer deck. I wanted Studer’s high precision tape drive and path. This Spring, I’ll have a Earhardt all tube preamplifier built and professionally installed. Towards addressing your query, I’d start with the Technics motor and tape path with upgrades. Bottlehead used to carry them. Next I’d attack the playback electronics. Confirm that your playback head is aligned and in good shape. BTW, I’m in the minority who spend >$500 for copies of 15 IPS master tapes. Most the ones available are excellent copes from masters. |
