2. analog
  3. 167132-159310

Restored my dads R2R but no tape loop on integrated

My dad found his old Teac A-3300SX-2T in storage and I’m having it restored currently. I wanted to do some recording from my TT and eventually from a CD transport as well if I end up adding one. My integrated is a Cambridge Audio CXA81 with no tape loop (only a pre-out option).

Tape selector?

https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sony/sb-500.shtml
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/ds-5.shtml

I found a few models like the Sony SB500 or Akai DS-5. My thought was to connect the Teac input/output to ‘Tape 1’, phono stage output to ‘Tape 2’ and output from ‘Source’ to a line input on my integrated. Would this introduce any type of feedback loop while recording?

This would save me from moving cables around but it also means that my TT signal is always passing through the switch even when listening to it directly. I’ve read that these older switches are prone to oxidization and require some cleaning usually as well as constant exercising of the switches.

I wouldn’t want to potentially degrade the sound quality of my primary listening source to allow recording to a R2R

Phonostage direct to R2R?

The other option would be connecting my phonostage output directly to the Teac whenever I want to record. But this would involve the hassle of swapping phonostage output from integrated to r2r and back. Also I would only be able to monitor the source using the headphone out on the Teac and the built in output selector switch.

Rethink CXA81?

Is there another option available outside of completely rethinking my choice of integrated amplifier? The R2R holds more sentimental value than anything so I feel like it would be silly to start swapping major components for an unexpected add-on.
jvonoldershausen
vinylzone
288 posts
 
I believe there's a switch on the deck that allows you to output either the source or the tape heads.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,629 posts
 
You won’t get feedback if you’re careful but sooner or later you’re gonna trip up.
Bleed through is likely. Try it, might work good enough for be you.
Good luck with a difficult process.
Phono stage direct is best if you have a phono pre. Again plug in the deck and then move to the amp.  
Not for me.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
A tape loop is to monitor and correct a recording being MADE. A true tape loop unit will have tone control that can be applied to the loop or be switched out of the loop for play back.

Direct head playback is not on a lot of RtRs, 

I have a unit that should be here today the 3rd. Phono/tape direct head playback. Here is the deal, the RtR I use is XLR playback and record TOO. The direct head playback is RCA.

Do you see that a loop is really not needed now?

You fix the volume while recording but correct with a downstream EQ in series.

AND if you need a loop make your own and add the good EQ (tone control for recording correction) BEFORE the recording device and where you can monitor via headphone (at the EQ before and after)

Feedback? As long as the headphones aren't "MICed" and no other way to introduce a  feed (speakers on while recording). Where is the feed back coming from? Unwanted noise, speakers need to be off and vibration control ON big time... Heck I remember that from 45 years ago..

Crosstalk wasn't an issue we use TWO MONO preamps... There use to be a reason for that old stuff being that way... TWO mono preamps.. I still have a pair..

I'll be recording soon. I'm going to use a STL tube 15 band EQ, Mac C2500, Decware ZP3 and Otari MX5050 BII2. The 5050 has a preamp bypass I installed, and the direct head playback mod, I've yet to install on this 5050 (I've done 4 others). It's posted on my page.. The schematic for the mod..

Have fun, that pre OUT just might work.. :-)
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,629 posts
 
Huh?
A true tape loop unit will have tone control that can be applied to the loop.

A "true" tape loop has nothing to do with EQ.
It is only a circuit that adds another layer to the amps outputs avoiding feedback. It’s inputs come from the selector switch. It’s outputs go to the monitor switch. You can put a recorder in there, and/or any processing (EQ, compressor, expander, etc.) that you desire. I use a dBx 400 switchbox that allows 3 recorders and 4 processors pre or post.
If the recorder’s outputs go to the selector switch you WILL get bleed through (maybe inaudible) and eventually you WILL punch record with it selected. Maybe later, maybe sooner.

The $64K question is:.
Why tape record in 2021?


atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 
Why tape record in 2021?
With a good set of mics you can make nice recordings of real things.


Or- you could make a mix tape of just what you want to hear, rather than have to listen to cuts you don't like on an LP, CD or streamed album.
More to discover