Sonorous ATR10 MMK II

[Tapetech]

For my part I’ll say that the Sonorus ATR10mkII is sonically superior to either of those other two setups .. easily. It’s not something you have to really do critical listening to hear the difference.(like when I was trying to decide on which DAC I liked the best). The two most striking things to me are 1) the overall beautiful tonality on every tape I listen to 2) The absolutely incredible soundstage size all the way around … height, width and depth. I’ve never heard anything like it. For me I get totally immersed in the music and am lost. So far these are all tapes that I’ve sourced from Sonorus as well.

You stated you sourced your tapes from Sonorus. I agree with you that those tapes do sound very good and here is their process: First they start with a high-res digital file and feed the DAC's analog output though their "Sonorus Holographic Imaging (SHI) processor" (which is full analog). The output of the processor then feeds the recording deck's input. I use a similar set up for "making RTR music tapes" but use a BSG qol Signal Completion Stage for the processor (it is also pure analog). The main advantage of this process for sourcing playback tapes is that one has a vastly larger selection of music titles. After all, it's all about the music.

 

[Arewethereyet]

So far these are all tapes that I’ve sourced from Sonorus as well.

What are your favorite tapes from Sonorus? Did you order directly from Sonorus or thru a dealer to source the Sonorus tapes?

I have several Sonorus tapes on order and thinking about ordering a few more.

 

[Tapetech]

Sonorus can make any tape title you want as long as a digital file is available for sale from any legitimate music download site. One needs to send Sonorous a copy of your receipt as proof that you own the digital file of the selected album. That is how they get around copyright violation issues. They then make you a tape copy of the digital file using their SHI processor or SSR processor. https://sonorusaudio.com/shi

Here is how to order tapes: https://sonorusaudio.com/tapes

 

[Tapetech]

I see. It does sound like a rather labor intensive job for them to make those "custom tapes" so perhaps they have a long backlog or just not the manpower to send out tapes in a timely fashion. I recall The Tape Project once stating they they had a similar problem.

 

[Foxbat]

I don't believe it is just me... but I think the whole idea of using tape is in trying to get as close to the live signal as possible... not through a bunch of converters and "processors".

I disagree with all that beautification... please give me an imperfect tape, recorded directly onto something like Crown 822 - these usually have something magic about them.

 

[Ron Resnick]

"Get your stinking digital paws off my analog you damn, dirty audiophile!" Charleton Heston, Planet of the Analog (1968)

 

[Foxbat]

I am not some militant audiophile, I am just expressing my feelings. I give the company a credit for being open about their process, it is just not for me.

I wish more companies were that open.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

There are many levels of digital, vinyl and tape playback. But at the top of the food chain for each, digital based tape is always second to a good quality all analog vinyl record. Even one made by a pro with all the tools at their disposal. And the digital file is at least equivalent to a digital based tape…..one can prefer a tape signature added. Not me.

What can make sense is if one has modest digital or modest vinyl, well made digital tapes might be nice on a good tape deck. A case can be made.

With the cost of tape and tape dubbing, it’s a small slice of people who would go down that road.

 

[Foxbat]

I am sure most of us have such home made tapes in our collections, but that is different from buying it.

 

[Pacha]

I don't believe it is just me... but I think the whole idea of using tape is in trying to get as close to the live signal as possible... not through a bunch of converters and "processors".

I disagree with all that beautification... please give me an imperfect tape, recorded directly onto something like Crown 822 - these usually have something magic about them.

I have a substantial collection of RCA, 2 track tapes from the 50s and early 60s. I get much enjoyment and satisfaction from listening to these wonderful recordings.

 

[adrianywu]

I don't believe it is just me... but I think the whole idea of using tape is in trying to get as close to the live signal as possible... not through a bunch of converters and "processors".

I disagree with all that beautification... please give me an imperfect tape, recorded directly onto something like Crown 822 - these usually have something magic about them.

No need to make tapes of digital recordings. There are now DAW plug ins that can emulate any classic pro tape machine you want. No need to spend the time and effort, and much cheaper too !

 

[adrianywu]

I have a substantial collection of RCA, 2 track tapes from the 50s and early 60s. I get much enjoyment and satisfaction from listening to these wonderful recordings.

The quality of these early 2-track tapes can come close to the masters, since RCA was very meticulous with their tape production process. I happen to have the Lieutenant Kije and Songs of the Nightingale tapes (they came in separate titles on 2-track) and the AP Ultratape of the same recordings, and I actually prefer the RCA. The Ultratape sounds a little bit hard-edged, which could be due to the high transfer level (510 nWb I believe). In fact, even some of the 4-track tapes are competitive with these high price 15 ips reissues, at a fraction of the price. Take the Reiner Scheherazade, for example. Of course, you need to find good condition tapes, since these tapes are now more than 60 years old.

 

[Foxbat]

No need to make tapes of digital recordings. There are now DAW plug ins that can emulate any classic pro tape machine you want. No need to spend the time and effort, and much cheaper too !

That is correct, but the discussion was about some companies making and selling such tapes.

 

[gadawg58]

What are your favorite tapes from Sonorus? Did you order directly from Sonorus or thru a dealer to source the Sonorus tapes?

I have several Sonorus tapes on order and thinking about ordering a few more.

Pink Floyd The Wall is probably my favorite so far. Been ordering via my dealer. At 35 tapes so far.

 

[Arewethereyet]

Pink Floyd The Wall is probably my favorite so far. Been ordering via my dealer. At 35 tapes so far.

Yeap, that was one that is now in my collection since my last post and my favorite of the first five I’ve ordered. I’ve ordered five more. Dire Straights Brothers in Arms is fantastic as well.