Scare me away from tape...

[MylesBAstor]

Do you buy a lot of music that you don’t enjoy all of the tracks? Every jazz tape I have has great music on each and every track.


I for one am not trying to talk you into getting “back” into tape. You either ‘get it’ or you don’t. You don’t and that is fine. 15 ips 2 track dubs from master tapes don’t sound just “good.” They sound great. Some of us who are capable of playing all formats (LP, digital up to DSD2x, and tape) believe that tape is at the top of the food chain.



I think that is an undeserved slam with a hint of anger thrown in. I love to listen to music and I tend to play music I love. The system is what allows you to hear how good the music you love really sounds.

I'll second Mark's comments! As a matter of fact, tape allows me to appreciate more of the composers or musicians intent than other other format. I'd rather have one Armani suit rather than 10 store brands.

Let me tell you. There's nothing like the WOW factor hearing Kenny Burrell on 15 ips tape. Ask Alex what he heard when I played the various rock 'n roll tapes when he was over a week or so ago. You can't separate the music from the sound. They are one and the same.

And as far as listening to my system rather than to the music, I'd say that 10,000 or so LPs says it all.

OMMV.

 

[mep]

My thought on track skipping, including tapes and lp's, I don't do it for obvious reasons. That said, if the song is on the tape or record, I will listen to it even if I don't care for it much....that's the purpose of a record....to listen to it in it's entirety and in order...but that's just me....ymmv

And how many times have we all bought albums and grown to love songs that at first we didn't really like? Some songs grab you with the first listen and some songs win you over after a few plays.

 

[joeinid]

And how many times have we all bought albums and grown to love songs that at first we didn't really like? Some songs grab you with the first listen and some songs win you over after a few plays.

A big +1

 

[jazdoc]

I'll play devil's advocate on this thread only because I asked myself the same question as Madfloyd.

I like, no I love audiophile bling and obviously sound quality is important to me. I've been intrigued by Mike Lavigne's cornucopia of RTR and heard many fine tapes at his place (and others). I'll even give tape enthusiasts the nod for ultimate fidelity...and yet I just can't justify it. When I contemplate the all in cost before I purchase a single tape, I start thinking about all the LPs I could buy instead...I guess I've hit the point where a new format investment to push the envelope that last little bit isn't worth it.

I hereby surrender my audiophile papers

 

[MylesBAstor]

And how many times have we all bought albums and grown to love songs that at first we didn't really like? Some songs grab you with the first listen and some songs win you over after a few plays.

I may be sounding like an old fart but there was a time when every song on an album was a hit. That's compared to today where there's one or two songs on an album worth listening to and the rest are throwaways. That's why iTunes happened

 

[cjfrbw]

"Scare me away from tape..."

Tape causes viagra resistant impotence.

 

[Bruce B]

Tape causes viagra resistant impotence.

Listening to an original master tape spinning on a tricked out Studer is the most fun you can have with your pants on!!

 

[MylesBAstor]

Listening to an original master tape spinning on a tricked out Studer is the most fun you can have with your pants on!!

That's a Mark line

 

[audioarcher]

Tape is evil. Stay away. It's audio crack! Once you get a taste it's all over.

That said I will probably take the plunge anyway.

 

[DaveyF]

This is an interesting topic for me as well. I have so far stayed away from tape, primarily for two reasons..1) lack of software and 2) I'm storing so many LP's that to consider storing tapes as well gets a little mind boggling.

One other thought, which has crossed my mind, spooling on tapes and fiddling with the take up etc., leaves me a little non-plussed.
Other thoughts: does the complexity of these machines and the potential repair costs and lack of parts in the future, deter any of us??

Having said that, I do think that tape probably sounds better in general than LP and definitely digital.

 

[TheAudioAssociation]

This is an interesting topic for me as well. I have so far stayed away from tape, primarily for two reasons..1) lack of software and 2) I'm storing so many LP's that to consider storing tapes as well gets a little mind boggling.

One other thought, which has crossed my mind, spooling on tapes and fiddling with the take up etc., leaves me a little non-plussed.
Other thoughts: does the complexity of these machines and the potential repair costs and lack of parts in the future, deter any of us??

Having said that, I do think that tape probably sounds better in general than LP and definitely digital.

The complexity of the machines is definitely something to consider. Looks like you're in the Southern Calif. area so you shouldn't have a problem finding techs that can service your machines if needed. I found an unbelievably talented tech for my ATR-102 and another for my Studer. Not an issue for me.

As far as software goes, it seems as if we are seeing a slow resurgence of new material available on tape. The Shins just release their latest album on tape. Not that I'm a huge Shins fan the fact that they acknowledged that tape could be another distribution channel is great for us tape heads.

My tape machines get used but I'm spinning more vinyl and digital software due to the size of my libraries. But.... when I really want to chill out and enjoy some awesome analog..... I fire up the tape machines and get lost in the tunes...

 

[c1ferrari]

Listening to an original master tape spinning on a tricked out Studer is the most fun you can have with your pants on!!

Hahaha

 

[c1ferrari]

Davey

I'm dialing-in some tubes, right now, but you're welcome to come over and we can listen to tape, if you'd like :b
My 1/4" heads are in L.A., at the moment, with one of my A-820's -- but do not despair.
I have 1/2" heads, here at the house, and some 1/2" media to entertain us.

 

[TheAudioAssociation]

I'm dialing-in some tubes, right now, but you're welcome to come over and we can listen to tape, if you'd like :b
My 1/4" heads are in L.A., at the moment, with one of my A-820's -- but do not despair.
I have 1/2" heads, here at the house, and some 1/2" media to entertain us.

Sam... are you having your 820 worked on in LA somewhere? If so, who is the tech doing your work?

 

[DaveyF]

Sam, Once again thank you for the invite. I will PM you and see if we can set up a time. You're welcome to come over here as well and listen to a 'few' LP's.:b

 

[c1ferrari]

Hi Eddie

Sam... are you having your 820 worked on in LA somewhere? If so, who is the tech doing your work?

One of the A-820's is with Charlie Bolois, Vertigo Recording Services

 

[c1ferrari]

Sam, Once again thank you for the invite. I will PM you and see if we can set up a time. Your welcome to come over here as well and listen to a 'few' LP's.:b

Hehe, we've done this pas de deux, before -- haven't we, Davey

 

[TheAudioAssociation]

One of the A-820's is with Charlie Bolois, Vertigo Recording Services

The great Charlie Bolois! The 820 is in great hands!

 

[c1ferrari]

Indeed!

The great Charlie Bolois! The 820 is in great hands!

I have Fred Thal to acknowledge. As Fred was too far away from me, he recommended Charlie.
Charlie introduced me to Martin Berner. I'm set

Who's working on your machines, Eddie?

 

[TheAudioAssociation]

The two techs that I've used hailed from Record One in Hollywood, Alan Sides studio. They are both named Mike.... One I can't recall his last name worked on my A80 and the other Mike.. Mike Guerra is my ATR tech... They are both killer techs and I highly recommend both. Guerra's specialty is the ATR as he was responsible to keep all of Alan's ATR's up to spec at all times.

Bolois said my machine was a bit to old for his blood and suggested that I give the Record One techs a buzz....

Alas... Record One is no more but I still have these two on speed dial if needed!