2. analog
  3. 1273589541

Do I really need R2R ?

While on CES I have came across R2R presentation, I guess it were folks from tapeproject.com.
It was first time for me I have seen and heard any high-end R2R. To my total surprise it was the best sound of the Show. It sounded better then the most expensive separates from Wadia ($35k) or even top LP rigs. It got me thinking. Just recently I have bought Nakamichi CR7-A. It is incredible machine, it can record audiophile quality CD played by AA Cap mkII and I could not hear any difference. Quite accomplishment considering that it coasted me only 1/10 of the Capitole price.

I wondering how Nacks would sound on audiophile prerecorded tape. Is there a place/website I still can buy one ?
Is there maybe some kind-of-project for Decs like tapeproject.com for R2R, where I can get tapes recorded from Master Tape to hear what Nacamichi is really capable of ?

I have compared specs of Technics RS-1500 with Nacamichi CR-7A, looks like pretty good match to me:

Technics RS-1500

Frequency Response: 20Hz-25kHz 7.5ips
S/N: 60dB
THD: 0.8-1%
Wow-and-Flutter: 0,03%
Chanel separation: >50dB
Erasing ration: >65dB
Speed fluctuation: 0.1% at 7.5ips
power consumption: 120W
weight: 26kg

Nakamichi CR-7A:

Frequency Response: 18Hz-21kHz
S/N: 66dN Dolby B, 72dB Dolby C
THD: 0.8-1%
Wow-and-Flutter: 0,027-0,048%
Chanel separation: >37dB
Erasing ration: >60dB
Speed fluctuation: 0,5% at 7.5ips
power consumption: 55W
weight: 9kg

Thank you for reading.
sorlowski
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Not really. The tape project stuff is great but you are limited to a very small selection of media, expensive at that. I have heard the tape project demo and it is great. Since life is all amount the music, better to invest in SACD's and the coming stuff on blu-ray, which will blow away R2R.

I have many r2r units, including the 1500, Nakamichi Dragon and others. I have an extensive library of pre-recorded tapes including a lot of broadcast tapes that were produced commercially and by the government. These are two track, 7.5 speed. They have a great sound since I play all the material in tube electronics. Some material does come close to the tape project stuff.

audioblazer's avatar
audioblazer
321 posts
 
my own recent experience. Bought a stock Studer A810 from audiogon end of last year. Got it modified to accept stock electronic as well as Tube Repro by Bottlehead. Before I receive my Tube Repro, I was playing the tapeproject tape with stock electronic. Its didnt float my boat. With Tube repro its a different issue. I like it much better.
In conclusion ,at least for me, if you wish to go in R2R route, you need to modified the recorder to accept external electronic
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
I would say that you are better off without R2R. I have a modified Otari R2R machine with outboard tape head preamp and I wouldn't be without them. But then I have hundreds of open reel tapes and am willing to put up with the MAJOR inconveniences of open reel. This is the ultimate "hair-shirt" medium and you have to commit a lot of money and energy to make it work for you.

The Tape Project tapes mentioned above cost $500 per performance for instance. The only major source of pre-recorded open reel tapes is Ebay, and boy is THAT a crapshoot. To make matters worse the tapes and machines are decades old, except for those Tape Project tapes. And the tape decks need regular service by an experienced tech. Am I changing your mind?
More to discover