Re: [ARSCLIST] DAT libraries and issues

["Richard L. Hess" <arclists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 06:39 PM 2/6/2006, Seva wrote:

> after completing a large archival transfer of hundreds of analog 
> tapes, and having very little trouble (only a few needed baking, 
> they were Ampex 407)

That is what most of us are currently experiencing with the high-risk 
being some types of acetate tape.

> are there any known methods for playing DATs which don't want to 
> play even on the original recording machine?

I think many of us look for a machine that plays them better.

> anyone willing to mention competent DAT repair places,

I have great hopes for Ontario Audio Video Service in Brampton. They 
are the factory authorized repair shop for about 30 brands. In 
Southern California is TAP Electronics.

TAP used to repair Nakamichi cassette decks for me, and did a great 
job. Now that I've moved, I was lucky to find OAVS. The first 
completed project was resurrecting a DA-38 8-track recorder that I 
got on ePay with only 75 hours on it, but still had transport 
problems. They made it right for me for not too much money.

> DAT machines which seem to be more tolerant, and more gentle, to the tapes?

I have a pair of Panasonic SV-3800s that sound good and seem to be 
fairly tolerant and gentle. I have two different low-end Sony DATs 
that I would try. I hear the high-end 7000-series Sonys are very 
forgiving. I think a few restorers have modified DATs with variable 
tracking. Perhaps Chicago Audio Works? Scott?

Hope this helps a bit.

Cheers,

Richard


Richard L. Hess                   email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Vignettes Media                   web:   http://www.richardhess.com/tape/
Aurora, Ontario, Canada       (905) 713 6733     1-877-TAPE-FIX
Detailed contact information: http://www.richardhess.com/tape/contact.htm