Saw this ad and was wondering what you guys thought?
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649088361-otari_mx5050_reel_to_reel/
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649088361-otari_mx5050_reel_to_reel/
Remember, though, that software will likely cost much more than the machine, even upgraded. And if The Tape Project is really scaling back, as has been rumored, there's very little of musical interest left (ducking the stones and missiles, but it's what I think)...
Lots of 15ips 2-tracks available for purchase? Can you point me to some sources for these? As far as 7.5 ips 1/4-tracks, my opinion of their sonics is not great after about 40 years of listening on consumer decks like Tandberg, Revox and Technics. I need to visit RogerD to hear some of his on his better machines, but as yet I'm not convinced.There are lots of 2 track 15ips tapes out there. Also, the 5050 has a 4 track head and can play all of the 4 track tapes that were ever made which number in the gazillions. Noise and all, 4 track tapes can still sound fantastic.
Lots of 15ips 2-tracks available for purchase? Can you point me to some sources for these? As far as 7.5 ips 1/4-tracks, my opinion of their sonics is not great after about 40 years of listening on consumer decks like Tandberg, Revox and Technics. I need to visit RogerD to hear some of his on his better machines, but as yet I'm not convinced.
Remember, though, that software will likely cost much more than the machine, even upgraded. And if The Tape Project is really scaling back, as has been rumored, there's very little of musical interest left (ducking the stones and missiles, but it's what I think)...
Lots of 15ips 2-tracks available for purchase? Can you point me to some sources for these? As far as 7.5 ips 1/4-tracks, my opinion of their sonics is not great after about 40 years of listening on consumer decks like Tandberg, Revox and Technics. I need to visit RogerD to hear some of his on his better machines, but as yet I'm not convinced.
In my case, I'm more interested in doing direct needledrops as opposed to buying $200 and $300 pre-recorded tapes. That's not to say I wouldn't do so on occasion for something really special, but that's not my primary reason. One can fault me for that and say why get into R2R to begin with if you're not going to buy what offers you the best possible quality, but I don't see it that way. You see, to me it's about the music first and that doesn't necessarily (to me) have to mean the best possible quality in any or all of the formats I choose to participate in. Vinyl is my format of choice in acquiring the best quality I can get, not tape.
Despite my love for having extended listening sessions, I would also like the ability of putting on a tape that I recorded with high-quality vinyl as best as I can, and let it play. I think it would be really nice to make a compilation or have 2 LP's recorded back to back that I can just listen to without changing sides. And lastly, even if I had the resources to buy TTP tapes as a subscriber, I would still make my own. It's about enjoying my hobby and I like it just fine the way I've approached it!
John,
Although I love my tapes and my A80's, just for needledrops I would rather invest in a DSD recorder such as the Korg MR2000s. I have been playing a few, recorded from a direct cut LP, and they sound really good - far better than any other version of the same recording in any other format.
The currently available reference machine imo is the UHA Phase 11 deck. One package, SOTA sound. The other and more expensive route...a fully restored A80 RC with heads wired out to a stand alone pre.
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