Reel-to-Reel tape decks - only meant for headphones?
jdjohn
Posts: 3,315
Admittedly, my exposure to RTR tape decks is limited to consumer models from my dad's collection. What I inherited is mostly various Akai models, with a couple of Sony in the mix, along with some other makers.
I have thoroughly enjoyed tinkering on all the units I inherited, with no lofty expectations on playback sound. My primary goal for each unit has been 'functionality' - anything additional has been gravy. Turns out that a low expectation in playback sound is the best approach with the examples I inherited. If I can get them to playback in a balanced sound, AND record likewise, I consider that a huge win.
SNR is expectedly low with any tape deck, BUT with quality playback gear in the chain, the resulting sound can be quite good. Related to that, I have played around with archiving vinyl onto tape, with impressive results. HOWEVER, the mechanical noise of a tape deck can detract from the overall playback experience in an open listening environment. Let's face it: tape decks are noisy, by nature.
We've all seen vintage photos of tape deck listeners using head-phones. Was that the true intension/use of tape decks?
I have thoroughly enjoyed tinkering on all the units I inherited, with no lofty expectations on playback sound. My primary goal for each unit has been 'functionality' - anything additional has been gravy. Turns out that a low expectation in playback sound is the best approach with the examples I inherited. If I can get them to playback in a balanced sound, AND record likewise, I consider that a huge win.
SNR is expectedly low with any tape deck, BUT with quality playback gear in the chain, the resulting sound can be quite good. Related to that, I have played around with archiving vinyl onto tape, with impressive results. HOWEVER, the mechanical noise of a tape deck can detract from the overall playback experience in an open listening environment. Let's face it: tape decks are noisy, by nature.
We've all seen vintage photos of tape deck listeners using head-phones. Was that the true intension/use of tape decks?
"This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon