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Reel to Reel - Is it worth ?

96.83.74.33
Posted on December 7, 2020 at 06:46:55
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1165
Joined: March 30, 2002
 For me, that's a rhetorical question. I listened this weekend to
"Blood, Sweat, and Tears 3" via a 3 3/4" pre-recorded Columbia tape. I always worry a bit about these slower speed recordings. I need not have worried. Good high end definition, superb imaging, great dynamic range, and pin-point location of each instrumentalist (and, of course, David Clayton-Thomas). A terrific, powerful experience, and even better than I remember. I am using a J-Corder-restored Pioneer reel to reel deck and ART EQ341 graphic equalizer (used to compensate for Dolby-encoded tapes).

 

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Yes of course!..., posted on December 7, 2020 at 10:12:30
kootenay
Audiophile

Posts: 8446
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Joined: October 16, 2007
 However, I don't buy prerecorded reel to reel tapes anymore as I found that the sound quality is all over the map, and on top of that, there's always the issue of tape sticking and shedding which creates gunks on the heads and the tape transport mechanism.

I record my own reel to reel tapes now imploring the 15IPS speed using the TIDAL MQA masters, CDP, and or my turntable as my sources for music.



 

A definite "maybe", posted on December 7, 2020 at 13:18:01
Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55319
Joined: April 5, 2000
 As stated above, the pre-recorded tapes are unpredictable, but it sounds like you ARE having fun with your Pioneer, so you already have your answer. :)

Just stay away from all that 15ips nonsense... it will make you sell your car... then your house... and then your wife... not necessarily in that order. :)


 

Thanks..., posted on December 7, 2020 at 17:20:25
kootenay
Audiophile

Posts: 8446
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Joined: October 16, 2007
 for sharing that with us.

 

Always used my tt/CD as a source to make tapes I like , posted on December 8, 2020 at 07:31:38
kff
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Location: SE PA
Joined: October 19, 2006
 from cover to cover.

One use I just found was the MFSL KoB 45 double disc for those 5 songs. Recorded it is less than one side of the tape so I get to hear the entire album as it was recorded from my tt while I just sit there. No jumping up after every song.

 

Semi-OT, posted on December 8, 2020 at 10:57:27
caffeinator
Audiophile

Posts: 1729
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 22, 2003
 Hi svisner,

How was your JCorder experience? I've been considering them for a resto-mod on a R2R.

tia,

caffeinator

 

RE: Semi-OT, posted on December 8, 2020 at 13:45:54
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1165
Joined: March 30, 2002
 Simply excellent. Superb work.

 

RE: Reel to Reel - Is it worth ?, posted on December 10, 2020 at 13:54:45
Inmate51
 Let's review:

A high speed copy (maybe made on a Cetec duplicating machine) made for playback at 3-3/4 ips, quarter track, sounds terrific.

Have I got that right?

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

 

RE: Reel to Reel - Is it worth ?, posted on December 10, 2020 at 13:59:07
Dave Pogue
Audiophile

Posts: 11689
Location: DC Area
Joined: October 9, 2001
 Yeah, you got that right. So?

 

Wide variations in quality, posted on December 11, 2020 at 07:35:34
Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55319
Joined: April 5, 2000
 From what you are describing, and all the way to made to order individual copies.


 

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