@rbtstock: PS Audio "publishes" a great online magazine: Copper. It's free, and is delivered to your computer's in box. UK reviewer Ken Kessler (Hi-Fi News & Record Review) is up to Chapter 11 in his Copper column dedicated to all things reel-to-reel. Highly recommended.
What should I be looking for when buying my 1st Reel To Reel ?
Good day everyone, This forum has never failed me, so here I am again, I would like to know from experienced Reel to Reel enthusiasts, what a first time buyer should be looking for and any particular brand they have had success with,I have done a little research and know I should be looking for 71/2 -Ips-15-Ips, but the foggy area for me is this: I am mostly interested in playback, so do I need a 2 track, 4 track, etc,I don't want to spend for something I don't need, however unit quality and sound of course is most important criteria, any thoughts recommendations or comments are most welcome
Regards
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@rbtstock before you buy anything you need to figure out what type of tapes you are going to play back. 1/4 track commercially released tapes, 1/2 track tapes, what speed (3 3/4 , 7 1/2, 15. 30), Etc. There are a few decks that will take care of the track configurations, but not all the speed configurations. once you determine what types of tapes you are going to playback, then you can narrow down what type of deck you are going to search for. |
I'm assuming when you said 'play' you meant pre-recorded tapes (like me). Don't go by specs, my 1/4" 7-1/2 IPS pre-recorded tapes are my noisiest format (lowest S/N ratio). YET, they are my BEST sounding source when the music plays!!! Are you near Plainfield, NJ? Drop by. I inherited some Classical 2 Track Pre-Recorded tapes from the 50's (stereo tape came out in 1956. Stereo LP in 1958). They are the very best sounding I own, but they need a true 2 track head to sound their best, and those heads will not play the much more common pre-recorded 4 track. (A 1/4" wide tape 4 track head can play a 2 track tape, just to hear it's content, but not with great sound). ............................. 2 track 1/4" tape: 2 wider tracks and wider pick-up heads = double the magnetic material to hold/retrieve the signal. PRO: even wider tracks and/or faster speeds is also more magnetic material for the same content. .................................. I've messed with recording/playback, 1/2", 15ips, but it's a library of pre-recorded tapes now. PRE-RECORDED CONTENT: is limited by the era the tapes existed, search for your favorite artists, see what's out there. ...................................... These Teac's are beasts, check the heads for wear, the other stuff can all be cleaned, lubed, adjusted. I finally am using one vertically (in my office), which finally let me use my 'Mickey Mouse' dust cover. shown here
(main system: 4th photo), under the plants left side another X2000r lurks. Trays of plants easily move on/off either TT or R2R as needed. Gotta trust the Wifey, she trusts me! |
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