Thinking about a J-Corder

[Masterlu]

I'm kicking the idea around of adding a J-Corder Black Crown Jewel 1520 to my Reference Rig.

Jeff does such a fine job with these.



http://www.j-corder.com/Black_Crown_Jewel_1520.html

[jdandy]

Ivan.......I can't blame you for that lust. Truly amazing tape machines, and very sexy looking in a sound system, too. Half track 15 ips direct copy tapes of original master tapes make a terrific reference source. Might look really sweet in the Burmester system.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......I can't blame you for that lust. Truly amazing tape machines, and very sexy looking in a sound system, too. Half track 15 ips direct copy tapes of original master tapes make a terrific reference source. Might look really sweet in the Burmester system.

Dan... My thoughts exactly! I still have that new RS1500US I'm sure Jeff would love to take in trade.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......I can't blame you for that lust. Truly amazing tape machines, and very sexy looking in a sound system, too. Half track 15 ips direct copy tapes of original master tapes make a terrific reference source. Might look really sweet in the Burmester system.

Interesting. What is the source for those direct copies Dan?

[Masterlu]

These are actually a remarkable value for an additional Reference Analog source.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Interesting. What is the source for those direct copies Dan?

Serge.......The company called Tape Project sells these tapes.

tape project

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Dan... My thoughts exactly! I still have that new RS1500US I'm sure Jeff would love to take in trade.

What I think (obviously what I'd do) is a better route is to send your existing Technics 1500 to Dan Schmalle, one of the co-owners of the Tape Project (and chief honcho of Bottlehead Electronics) and have him modify/install it for direct head out (if you're not going to play four track tapes, then you might ask Dan to eliminate the 2/4 track switch on the heads), AC cord adaptor (to use your own cord), new parts in the tape path to help the tape make better contact with the heads better and the new John French extended response heads.

Then I'd look into an outboard tape preamplifier/electronics. Some that you might consider are the V-capped BH Repro (and there's a new version if not out presently, soon to be as it has been shown at the last couple of shows), the King/Cello (I've used both) and the Doshi (his modded phono section). Then for roughly the same price (Doshi excepted) you'd have as close to or in some ways better than a studio machine.

After all the tape transport in the Technics is excellent (it uses the same motors as their dd tts did) and it's a gentle tape handler. In addition, the Technics machine tends to stay in alignment better than some of the studio machines that need constant maintenance. If you want some nicer side panels, there's a guy on ebay selling different woods for the Technics (eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices).

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

What I think (obviously what I'd do) is a better route is to send your existing Technics 1500 to Dan Schmalle, one of the co-owners of the Tape Project (and chief honcho of Bottlehead Electronics) and have him modify/install it for direct head out (if you're not going to play four track tapes, then you might ask Dan to eliminate the 2/4 track switch on the heads), AC cord adaptor (to use your own cord), new parts in the tape path to help the tape make better contact with the heads better and the new John French extended response heads.

Then I'd look into an outboard tape preamplifier/electronics. Some that you might consider are the V-capped BH Repro (and there's a new version if not out presently, soon to be as it has been shown at the last couple of shows), the King/Cello (I've used both) and the Doshi (his modded phono section). Then for roughly the same price (Doshi excepted) you'd have as close to or in some ways better than a studio machine.

After all the tape transport in the Technics is excellent (it uses the same motors as their dd tts did) and it's a gentle tape handler. In addition, the Technics machine tends to stay in alignment better than some of the studio machines that need constant maintenance. If you want some nicer side panels, there's a guy on ebay selling different woods for the Technics (eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices).

Myles... Thanks for the tips above.

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Interesting. What is the source for those direct copies Dan?

Additional sources to TTP tapes.

There's also Yarlung Records (classical) Yarlung Records - new artists, classic musicwhom I recently wrote up for PFO.

Then there's Quinton Records Cooperation with Audio Analogue Association up and runningin Germany who and distributed by the Audio Analog Ass'n who also sells 15 ips tapes. It's a little hard to find the order form so here's the link: http://www.aaanalog.de/media/masterband/BFM_USA.pdf

Next is Greg Beron at United Home Audio Master Tape Sound Labwho's selling copies of Kostas Metaxas' tapes.

Then there's a new start up in Canada selling tapes UltraAnalogue Recordings

Be forewarned though: 15 ips tapes are no cheap date. They'll run between 125 to 175 dollars/reel and an album consists of two reels. Do remember though that the cost alone for the tape for two reels is currently around $100. But they are the ultimate high resolution recordings and the ultimate reference. If the record or CD doesn't sound like the tape......

[jdandy]

Myles.......Thank you for the links. I bookmarked all four.