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.


Main system


Studer A820 1/2 inch 2 track


Otari MTR12 1/4 inch 2 track


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


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


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]

[ovlov854]

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