[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: [ARSCLIST] Ampex ATR-102 opinion (was MD5 Hash Generators
On Jan 22, 2008, at 2:16 PM, phillip holmes wrote:
The Technics (the one Tom mentions) is the way to go. For better
sound, keep the Technics and use nicer/better electronics and maybe
custom heads. That Technics transport is super gentle and it's got
good looks. Also, the Technics turntables are still state-of-the-
art when combined with a good plinth and tonearm. Matsushita put
way more money/time/engineering into those products than any high-
end audio garage outfit will be able to do (or Ampex for that
matter). I'm not saying there aren't other great tape decks and
turntables (or that Ampex engineers sucked). What I am saying is
that if you want a great machine for your home, the Technics is the
way to go.
I've had a Technics RS1500US for a number of years. It's one of
several decks that I own and while I have very limited experience
with ATR 100s, MR70s, Studer A80-812-820s, it still doesn't prevent
me from lusting after one. That said, there's very little that I
haven't modified on my 1500. The major one has been wiring the heads
directly to output and using a custom, tube playback amp..I have Greg
Orton from Fux Magnetics, building a pair of custom heads( 1/2 track
15ips and 1/4 track 7.5ips) that he'll be installing in my headblock
in a couple of weeks. Personally, I'd love to get an A80 and give it
this same sort of treatment. But until I feel satisfied that I've
wrung every last bit of performance out of the Technics, I'll wait.
The only way that I can "know" that every adjustment or modification
is "spot on" is if I do it myself (it certainly helps that I enjoy
this kind of self torture). The combination of my deck and the Tape
Projects master dubs would be pretty hard to beat. I have a couple of
friends that have what would currently be considered among the best
sounding digital playback front-ends (EMM Labs transports/Dac) and
they are shocked how much better my tapes sound than their SACDs.
These comparisons are done with their systems.
BTW Bruce, I was glad to see your name here. I still miss your
newsletter.