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Post by vcautokid on Dec 2, 2023 13:57:53 GMT -5
Just watched this old guy talk about a tube hybrid integrated. It is over priced meh fi anyway, no matter. However he went and said that Tape is dead. Uh evidently some really cool companies didn't get the memo. While niche, but far from dead. maramachines.com/j-corder.com/ just for 2. Plus and be careful out there, ebay and other market place buys keeping tape play still an option. The argument that most don't use it is weak at best. Just because you don't drink $250.00 champagne doesn't mean nobody else does. It is a specialty niche kind of thing that keeps going. As does Vinyl. Hence this space. I don't do vinyl. It is not in my lexicon of options. It doesn't invalidate those whom do. Only narrow ended arrogance says because most don't use must mean it is dead. No it is as above. Just not Your reality maybe. Or maybe it is. |
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Post by ttocs on Dec 2, 2023 14:21:08 GMT -5
I may need some of your assistance on something coming up for me. I've read your posts and watched the vids about restoration with glee as you take a deck that needs some love and bring it back to glory!
My best friend passed away a couple months ago, and I'll be getting some of his things, one of which is a reel to reel tape deck that hasn't been used for years. I know it'll need a good cleaning and some new rubber belts.
I have a full box of tapes going back to when we were in college. I don't know how well they have held up, especially since he had them in an unheated storage locker for a loooong time.
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Post by 405x5 on Dec 3, 2023 10:20:36 GMT -5
These days, my interest in tape lies with the memories that are on those tapes. Still have a cassette deck in my system, and still have my recently acquired reel to reel from a friend that I’ve yet to try out…. hopefully soon. A box full of memories to explore yet after decades.
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Post by ttocs on Dec 3, 2023 11:00:11 GMT -5
vcautokid this is my friend's Teac X-1000R that I just brought home.  I really want to make it properly operational. Here's the issue, I'm having surgery in a couple weeks and won't be able (allowed) to handle anything greater than 10lbs for "8 WEEKS !!", which really sucks but it's for a good cause, so I won't be able to open this up for a long time. Maybe I should send this to you?
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 3, 2023 11:31:58 GMT -5
Very nice TTOCs. Be aware of tired reel motors and belts worn out. Could be none of maybe a counter belt. Dirty controls and switches common things too.
If all major systems look good, then the small stuff is around all over like resistors and capacitors and such. Nice it is the newer DC motors and not the PITA AC motors needing big start capacitors. Plus usually the X series is much easier to service than the older stuff TEAC made. How do I know? 😇
I am putting in my work desk my Nakamichi CR-3a. Was listening to my Aiwa AD-F660 cassette deck. My Nakamichi may need the reel motor serviced or replaced.
Mechanical wonders. Wonder why you would go to the trouble? Because music is more than computer files and mouse clicks and play lists. Get involved in the process.
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 3, 2023 11:35:25 GMT -5
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 3, 2023 11:36:17 GMT -5
Get trusted real parts from digikey or mouser. Lots of counterfeit parts out there.
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 3, 2023 11:39:22 GMT -5
The ultra high end nose bleed money Unitedhomeaudio.com. Based on the durable Tascam BR-20. Insane detail. You will pay for it.
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 3, 2023 12:52:40 GMT -5
So many concoctions for head cleaning from Denatured or anhydrous Alcohol. American Recorder Industries I have used for years. Evaporates fast so keep that lid tight and closed. A great clean for your heads. Sometimes I use IPA then this stuff and it works a treat. Total tape path clean except pinch rollers of course.  |
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 3, 2023 13:03:36 GMT -5
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Post by gus4emo on Dec 8, 2023 13:21:55 GMT -5
I still have a Sony 3 head, love it, and about radio, no, it's not dead, I still listen to a station from Cleveland, Ohio, of course on the internet, but it's like I still live in Cleveland, especially around Christmas, they play great Christmas music, back to tape, I had an Akai cassette player way back when I was in the US ARMY, it was stolen.... |
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 8, 2023 15:58:48 GMT -5
As long as we keep the music going, tape will live forever.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Dec 8, 2023 16:11:38 GMT -5
Radio’s dead? Was just listening to mine!  |
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Post by ttocs on Dec 8, 2023 16:55:59 GMT -5
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 8, 2023 18:42:00 GMT -5
I am a huge fan of Bakelite. Love to see more vintage radios here. I would love to see or get a Tandberg Huldra.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Dec 9, 2023 4:49:17 GMT -5
I am a huge fan of Bakelite. Love to see more vintage radios here. I would love to see or get a Tandberg Huldra. I have one more (nothing like a Tandberg!)  |
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 9, 2023 19:09:46 GMT -5
Could my 2 Track dream come true again? Possible. The Otari MX50. I want to start doing Master Tapes soon!  |
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Post by vcautokid on Dec 12, 2023 7:04:08 GMT -5
You have to be nice to Bakalite. It has a tendency to crumble if you don't.
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Post by mgbpuff on Dec 12, 2023 7:49:16 GMT -5
There are only two companies in the entire world that still produce reel to reel tape. That is why reel-to-reel will die almost completely. There is only one American company that makes cassette tapes. Tape production is a big deal requiring long continuous flow automated production lines. Vinyl, on the other hand can be made in smaller batches for use on smaller machines that make records. A small business can make records, but it takes a large operation to make audio / video tape. Radio is supported by the government for nation security, so it will be around in the foreseeable future.
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KeithL
Administrator 
Posts: 9,990
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Post by KeithL on Dec 12, 2023 10:43:10 GMT -5
I'm afraid that vinyl is still on the way out... but it looks like CDs may beat it on "the race to oblivion"... However there are also a few newer mastering options for vinyl... One company reportedly has a new mastering system that produces the pressing masters directly... in ceramic... using LASERs... And I've heard that someone is experimenting with creating albums out of different materials... using standard injection molding technology... (Both of those would make production of smaller batches, using less costly mastering equipment, more practical.) So far there seems to be enough market to keep at least one tape factory in business. (I had heard that nobody was making blank cassettes for a while... and then one company started doing so again... so you never know.) However, at this point, streaming is so far ahead in the market, that it really cannot be called "a race" any more... There are only two companies in the entire world that still produce reel to reel tape. That is why reel-to-reel will die almost completely. There is only one American company that makes cassette tapes. Tape production is a big deal requiring long continuous flow automated production lines. Vinyl, on the other hand can be made in smaller batches for use on smaller machines that make records. A small business can make records, but it takes a large operation to make audio / video tape. Radio is supported by the government for nation security, so it will be around in the foreseeable future. |
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