Tape City in 'Nam

[topoxforddoc]

Over the last 3-4 years, my main system has changed from vinyl to predominantly R2R, thanks to the late Lodgesound (Stewart Emmings), who converted me to the joys of another obsolete format. Stewart bequeathed me his Studer A820 and Otari MTR12. His equipment was shared amongst his friends and his workplace at the BFI (British Film Institute) at Berkhamsted.

My other 3 R2R machines have moved upstairs to my study, as SWMBO could barely tolerate the A820 and MTR12, let alone the other 3 machines. As a result, my Platine Verdier gets very little air time now.

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Main system

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Studer A820 1/2 inch 2 track

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Otari MTR12 1/4 inch 2 track

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Platine Verdier with GT Audio Battery PSU; Schroeder Model 2 & Allaerts MC1B; J7 rewired Hadcock 228 & JW rebuilt Decca C4E; Jolida Foz XT-R

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TRON Voyager SET 6W/Ch based on EML 20B

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Dolby 363 with SR/A modules; Pioneer CDR609; TRON Meteor preamp; TRON Seven Reference phono; Sony tape switching box

[Jimbo]

Wow Charlie, actually seeing those R2Rs is wonderful, to hear them, must be something else.

[The Black Adder]

Simply wonderful, Charlie.

I'm also seeing the benefits of tape over vinyl and I'm seriously thinking of shedding my beautiful turntable.



Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

[topoxforddoc]

Josie and James,

Thanks. James, once you hear a dub from a master tape at 15IPS, it's hard to go back to vinyl. The problem is the cost and storage space for the software! You end up spending far more on this than the hardware. It makes you focus on which albums you actually want to have (and which you can actually find).

Josie, I wouldn't sell your Schopper TD124, as you will find it hard to find another one. Music is much more accessible on LP than tape. Also, if you rely on tape, you will need 2 R2R machines. I always copy any distribution masters or dubs onto new tape stock, and play the copy. But as you know, getting it set up correct is even more important than vinyl. A small error in azimuth on the repro head can lead to losing 6-7dB off the high end. I always check the azimuth on the line up tones at the head of any purchase tape; I very rarely buy a tape without line up tones.

Charlie

[montesquieu]

Bloody hell I thought my wife was easy going about kit in the living room!

Awsome all round!

[User211]

Awsome all round!

Yup. Not bad. Not bad at all.

[WESTLOWER]

:clapclapclap::clapclapclap:

[ovlov854]

:clapclapclap::clapclapclap:

Wow Charlie that is some system. Respect

[Barry]

Some lovely bits of kit there Charlie.

Do you use the 1/2" tape machine to make copies, or can one buy pre-recorded material in this tape width?

[hifinutt]

awesome kit , i see a nice tron seven there too .

i remember that reel to reel from lodgesound being played at scalford with a mfa and sounding lovely

[topoxforddoc]

Thank you everyone. I have a few 1/2 inch master tapes for the Studer A820, as opposed to about 100 1/4 inch masters or dubs. This was Stewart's pride and joy - so I feel very honoured to be its guardian. This actual machine belonged to Simon Heyworth, who helped to set up Manor Studios for Branson; SH was the producer for Tubular Bells and he has mastered numerous albums and re-relaeses over the last 35 years.

The A820 has just come back from some repairs with blown Rifa caps in the AC suppressor circuit and motor controller boards. Simon Griffett at Audio Related in Bucks fixed this. SG looks after SH's machines, as well as AIR and EMI studios.

There's no point in copying from 15 IPS 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. I will have to keep my eye out for other 1/2 inch tapes over time. They're a lot harder to come by.

[Landloper]

Hello Charlie, that's quite a setup you have. My uncle had a pair of swanky Reel to Reels, I can't remember what make they were, but they sounded fabulous to my young ears [back in the 1970s]. He played classical and Spanish guitar. I took a look at your website and spent some time enjoying your photography.

[Slammed56]

Awesome Charlie !!!!
820 from the Manor and MTR from Church studios (if it’s the MTR I’m thinking of)
Now that’s Heritage for you

[RobbieGong]

Wow !!

[topoxforddoc]

Awesome Charlie !!!!
820 from the Manor and MTR from Church studios (if it’s the MTR I’m thinking of)
Now that’s Heritage for you

Stuart,

The MTR is indeed ex-Church Studios. I would need to ask Simon Heyworth or Simon Griffett about the A820; I'm not sure if SH had this at the Manor, or whether he bought it later when he set up his won studio.

Charlie

[JohnJo]

Wow, never mind the gear, love that room!

Was just showing my wife how you have seamlessly blended the equipment into the space without it detracting from the overall feel of the room......still the spare room for my system then :respect:

[topoxforddoc]

My new vinyl addition - Schroeder Reference 9 inch Cocobolo - courtesy of 29mile on HFWW - for some reason, a self appointed Schroeder expert said that this was a DIY copy - fortunately for me it's genuine :)

Many thanks also to Graham Tricker at GT Audio, who supplied me with a new Platine Verdier armboard along with the correct length M4 bolts.

The Schroeder Model 2 has been retired temporarily. The Allaerts MC1B sounds fabulous on the new tonearm.

https://i.vgy.me/b98whE.jpg

[Frazeur1]

That’s a beauty Charlie! Nicely done! The Platine is such a work of art, and your arms as well, not mention the cartridge! Enjoy!

[topoxforddoc]

That’s a beauty Charlie! Nicely done! The Platine is such a work of art, and your arms as well, not mention the cartridge! Enjoy!

Tim, it certainly is a thing off beauty. Frank makes divine tonearms, where all the parts are machined to fit perfectly. What else would you expect from a watchmaker?

Charlie

[antonio]

That looks gorgeous Charlie. I saw the advert when someone questioned the authenticity of the arm, pleased it was authentic and has gone to a good home. :)

[topoxforddoc]

That looks gorgeous Charlie. I saw the advert when someone questioned the authenticity of the arm, pleased it was authentic and has gone to a good home. :)

David,
Many thanks. Another prospective purchaser contacted me today and told me that he had emailed Frank Schroeder, who confirmed that it was genuine. Sadly for him, I had already pressed the trigger.
Charlie

[hornucopia]

Ah, the british irony here, I think?
How's the head after that frying pan incident?
Wow, never mind the gear, love that room!

Was just showing my wife how you have seamlessly blended the equipment into the space without it detracting from the overall feel of the room......still the spare room for my system then :respect:

[topoxforddoc]

Smaller format Tape - now playing Nina Simone in my study system

Nakamichi Dragon with full ANT 4066 mods, along with my GT Audio rebuilt Leak Troughline

https://i.vgy.me/40uKnJ.jpg

[Idlewithnodrive]

I've seen worse :)

Hat doffed to a true audiophile.