The dangerous world of Reel-to-Reel Tape
It feels like I re-entered the world of tape knowing full well of all the downsides, yet I did it anyway. I spent much of my youth glued to my dad's decks, making recordings. As cassette and digital came of age, I always appreciated the sound of tape.
Whether this adventure is worth it is a subjective exercise. For folks who plop down $500-$1k on cables or those who swap gear often, tape is really not that expensive, relatively speaking. Titles are limited though.
The sound quality and experience is quite something. Before jumping back into R2R, I had 4 versions of Muddy Waters' Folksinger. Hearing Chad Kasem's firm's work on it in 15ips it's just something else. Body, size, and presence are just different than very good vinyl and digital. And this is with the stock reproduce board from a Revox PR99 MKIII. I can only imagine what's going to happen when I rebuild that card, put in a modern one, or run directly from the head out to a preamp.
Maybe I'll see some of you in R2R Rehab, where I'll try to get sober from tape.
Please allow me to ask a question because of my ignorance. What is the source of music for these reel to reel tape decks. Well, cared for tapes last without deterioration for 10 - 30 years. So, where do you get the music? And if you simply record from your vinyl or CDs… are the taped recordings supposed to sound better?
I recently read an article on how VHS is back and stores are opening up… with refurbished decks becoming really popular. What next the 8 track? I am confused. |
all 3 ( 4 really if you count DAT ) have merits and flaws…. but the sweeping generalizations are typically those who don’t really know….i call them small sample size audiophiles Since i didn’t go so far as buying my own record lathe, i have very direct experience w comparing the other formats…. Ultimately library size issues across multiple systems / geographies won out w high speed half track tape going by the wayside…but for slam and impact IF the outboard deck electronics can keep up TAPE ( 15 ips half track ) is IMO unmatched… And yes, i had a fantastic A2D… IF it fits your needs and wants… go for the ride… @ghdprentice besides the microscopic commercial tape selection, there is a thriving pirate trade in so called protection copy masters ( n generation )…. akin to messing w fentanyl…. but more $…. ha
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@dogberry great and hilarious post… long live the obligatory christmas card ritual |
I can only tell you that, in general, my tapes sounded better than the source vinyl albums - especially those recorded 15 ips. Back in the day, I also used a dbx 3bx to tweak the dynamic range a little bit during playback. The sound was a little fuller with a tad more bass. I still have the 3bx, but I no longer use it.
I use XLR cables between my Stellar phono pre and the BHK. I may give the RCA cables with splitter idea a try. That would be a lot cheaper than buying a new preamp or integrared amp 😂! |
"....what's old is new, yet again..." *S* @thom_oz ...as one who's just beginning to play w/XLRs', that 'splitter' routine is still a SOP 'round here...*G* @oldschool1948 ...dust off the dbx while you're at it.... ;) Nothing like a 'spoonful of sugar' that made magic happen before.... |
