2. analog
  3. 118926-1110

Reel to Reel uses -

My wife and I love to entertain.  It never ceases to surprise me how many will walk over to my stereo and stare at my Reel to Reel tape deck.  Some under the age of 35, will ask what it is? Others want to know why I have it, and what do I use it for?  Of course I answer their questions, but now it makes we wonder how others use their machines?  I have been following a couple of high end blogs that I really enjoy and see that one gentlemen uses his machine to play master tape copies.  I do this as well, but have no where near the selection that he does.  I make copies of my favorite LP's to play when guests are over, and also make my own master tapes using a couple of neuman's microphones.  I record small jazz trios and solo artists straight to the machine.  People are amazed at how 'real' these tapes sound.  My main reel to reel is a Pioneer RT-1050 high speed half track.  I have a second just like it that I use for the above mentioned site recordings.  I also have a ReVox B-77, a Sony TC-765, and a Crown 822, all half track machines.  Anyone out there making your own masters?

Norman
normansizemore
normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
topoxfordoc,

And this is why those old companies (Sony, Studer, TEAC, Pioneer, AKAI, Tandberg, Nagra, Otari, etc., ) need to get back to manufacturing machines again.  If they could build one that was economical enough, those who love the analog sound would purchase such a machine.  That and the continued availability of second generations masters is what is needed for this to work.  At this time, it's better than it has been in years, but new machines are needed for this to take off like LP's have.

N.
inna
7,296 posts
 
If you think of it, open reel deck based analog set-up could be far less expensive than those ridiculously overpriced record playing rigs. $2k machine should sound excellent, and it doesn't have to be made in China. Make them in Poland or Czech Republic if Germany US or Japan are difficult. Switzerland is certainly difficult.
normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
Inna,

This is an excellent point.  Today manufacturing can be controlled and quality maintained alomost anywhere.  
Even without waiting for a new machine to appear, one can buy a quality used  open reel deck and have it refurbished for under  $2500.00 total and have an excellent sounding system.

As I was reading your post tonight I was thinking about the  two new second generation masters I ordered from abc records.  More titles coming online all the time.  


normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
Back in the early 80's, an audio friend of mine who was also a jazz fan would record some of his rare out of print LP's to 15ips half track and send them to me for a listen. They are some of my most treasured recordings. I would likewise reciprocate when I came across a rare find. 

It was great fun and a wonderful way to enjoy music you would otherwise never be able to obtain. 

We should do that again.  As a community it would open all kinds of doors to great music. (Talking about stuff that's out of print).


inna
7,296 posts
 
Norman, that's a great idea. My friend used to do the same for me, though with cassettes not reels.
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