2. analog
  3. 1273589541

Do I really need R2R ?

While on CES I have came across R2R presentation, I guess it were folks from tapeproject.com.
It was first time for me I have seen and heard any high-end R2R. To my total surprise it was the best sound of the Show. It sounded better then the most expensive separates from Wadia ($35k) or even top LP rigs. It got me thinking. Just recently I have bought Nakamichi CR7-A. It is incredible machine, it can record audiophile quality CD played by AA Cap mkII and I could not hear any difference. Quite accomplishment considering that it coasted me only 1/10 of the Capitole price.

I wondering how Nacks would sound on audiophile prerecorded tape. Is there a place/website I still can buy one ?
Is there maybe some kind-of-project for Decs like tapeproject.com for R2R, where I can get tapes recorded from Master Tape to hear what Nacamichi is really capable of ?

I have compared specs of Technics RS-1500 with Nacamichi CR-7A, looks like pretty good match to me:

Technics RS-1500

Frequency Response: 20Hz-25kHz 7.5ips
S/N: 60dB
THD: 0.8-1%
Wow-and-Flutter: 0,03%
Chanel separation: >50dB
Erasing ration: >65dB
Speed fluctuation: 0.1% at 7.5ips
power consumption: 120W
weight: 26kg

Nakamichi CR-7A:

Frequency Response: 18Hz-21kHz
S/N: 66dN Dolby B, 72dB Dolby C
THD: 0.8-1%
Wow-and-Flutter: 0,027-0,048%
Chanel separation: >37dB
Erasing ration: >60dB
Speed fluctuation: 0,5% at 7.5ips
power consumption: 55W
weight: 9kg

Thank you for reading.
sorlowski
arnold_layne
141 posts
 
Damn right, you should be scared. Only get a r2r if you're physically fit enough to deal with the throngs of hot, young, buxom audiobabes who will permanently encamp themselves in your listening room. A r2r is more trouble than it's worth, but if you're man enough... Owning one has taken years off my life -- but I'm smiling!

I have three, and I can tell you, I have to beat those hot young girls off with a stick.

A_L
c1ferrari
464 posts
 
Haha!!

Onhwy61/A_L :-) Hi Sorlowski...credible comments from all of the posters; however, I wouldn't be without mine. I couldn't be more excited about the prospects of analogue reel to reel: 1/4 and 1/2 inch, 2 track, 15 and 30 ips, which are close as possible to original master tape!

I've heard some formidable DSD files in a mastering studio and a fantastic DXD-recorded CD, in a different mastering studio, as well as on my own gear at home. Really fabulous.

Nothing does it for me like analogue tape :-)

Vbr,
Sam

p.s. sourcing and researching material is an enjoyable endeavor for me.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
I have a Teac R2R, and quite frankly, it's difficult to find high-quality source that I'm willing to pay for. A R2R is a cool piece of equipment to have, but you have to ask if the costs justify the enjoyment.
sorlowski OP
236 posts
 
That why I have not yet bought R2R. Cost and availability of R2R quality recording are sky high. First I wanted to hear my Nakamichi CR7A at full potential.
Is there anybody who have R2R with some high quality recordings and one of the top Nakamichi audio decks to make a copy to audio cassette ? I would gladly pay some reasonable fee for time spent, and would provide some Metal audio cassette so signal quality loss, would be as small as possible.
If that would sound unquestionably better then my AA Cap, I would consider buying some sexy looking R2R.
clio09
3,360 posts
 
Interestingly enough I have an Otari R2R and several Nakamichi cassette decks, the best of which is a 680ZX. I too have thought of doing the R2R/cassette comparison as I have 6 of the Tape Project recordings. Problem is finding the time. Even with my unmodified Otari professionally set up, the Tape Project recordings are very good. I preferred the tape version of Waltz for Debbie to my CD, although I should note that I have the SACD version but can only playback the redbook layer.
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