#446

It’s the new normal–haha. You could probably replace the belts and get the rewind and FF working–if you’re up for adventure, that is.

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#447

Pulled this Sony TC-129 out of the attic with the intention of selling it, but now that it’s cleaned up, I want to keep it. Works fine as-is, but I’m sure some new belts would be a good idea.

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#449

internals of Nagra E. The machine open up on hinges like a book and also the main board can be opened like this, making it accessible and reparable. Thats one of the reasons for so many of these machines to be working after all these years. Today I’m not even able to change the battery of my ipad.

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#450

I helped take a very early Nagra apart once (very old, I don’t even think it had PCBs!). It was one of the most impressive experiences of my long career in taking stuff apart. It sounds weird but it almost felt like a privilege to touch it. Just extremely beautiful throughout, everything felt like it would last or be easily replaced, all cables were neatly colour coded and exactly the right lengths for things to open for cleaning and repairs without getting in the way… It reminded me of I think it’s a mechanical watch company that has its slogan that you don’t own their products, you just look after it for the next generation. Heirloom electronics, I wish more things were like that.

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#451

I have the same feeling with mine. Also a sense of responsibility in taking care of it. It is only a physical thing, but it is a bit humbling in a good way.

Mine works perfectly, but has a bit of dust/debris inside, so been pondering whether or not to start blowing some of it off with pressurized air… worried it’ll land somewhere it shouldn’t.

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#453

I always loved the tape feeling, and I have been collecting walkmans, dictaphones, tape decks and cheap reel to reel recorders for a pretty long time. Recently I’m more addicted to re-sampling sounds from tapes and reels into other instruments (op1 / Norns) to directly play those sounds with a dirtier texture…it’s a real drug!

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#454

I’ve developed a bit of thing for these old Sony TC cassette decks (got 4 now :grimacing: :joy:).

I think they are beautifully designed.

Why isn’t modern hifi equipment designed to look like this (rather than the garish blue led spaceship stuff you see everywhere)?

#455

Make a signal chain combining overdrive/saturation, multiband eq, and some envelope followers (driven by post-eq signals).

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#456

Got this pair handed down to me from my dad over 30 years ago–he bought it new in the 70s–and both still work to this day. I’m with you on the aesthetics. I love the look of hi-fi gear from this era.

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#457

Does anyone know of a servicer for old tape machines, specifically the Marantz PMD series?

#458

Thanks!

Actually, I’m hoping to try out a pair of these in the not too distant future…

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#459

Handsome Audio Zulu is amazing for this, love it

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#460

I used to have one of these, sold it because I’m running out of money in covid-19 land. It’s a great little saturator. Nearly all the saturation modules for palette are good for different flavors of gentle alterations. If the 15IPS doesn’t do it try the others.

I think often what people think they like about tape is actually the result of transformers. Or that transformers get close enough anyway.

#461

I can’t comment on their service but I think someone recommended these guys somewhere above in this thread for Marantz PMD repairs:
http://www.superscopetechnologies.com/t-portable-tuneups.aspx

On a related note, I was able to find inexpensive replacement belts for my PMD 221 at https://www.turntableneedles.com/
I was able to cross reference the original part numbers from a PMD 201/221 repair manual available here: http://www.steampoweredradio.com/pdf/marantz/manuals/Marantz%20PMD221_PMD201%20Stereo%20Cassette%20Recorder%20Service%20Manual.pdf
I haven’t ordered yet but the three belts I need are $13.50 with free shipping and I think the best I’ve seen elsewhere is $25.

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#462

I have a Uher report 5 inch reel to reel and like the sound of tape very much.

I was thinking though about buying a new 10 inch spool of tape, ’ Recording the masters’ brand.

Then using this to make four new five inch reels. Does anyone have any experience with this brand or any new quarter inch tape ?

Could I expect a clearer recording by using it ? Some of the used condition reels I have are clearer than others.
Less clear recordings have their uses too though of course.

#463

I’ve been looking into those. This one in particular.

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#464

Oh, this looks fun. I’m going to build a couple. Wonder when the actual 500 series housing kits will be back in stock?

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#465

I had a PMD-430 serviced at Superscope. They are great. Quick turnaround, very open communication. I would recommend.

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#466

i am familiar with their 468 (high bias), i like it and prefer it to the LPR35 (also bcs my revox is calibrated for the 468).

“clearer recordings” depend not only on the tape type but also on the condition of the heads. are they still in good shape? i have seen people showing off high end tape machines e.g. nagra and using them to degrade the sound doing things that personally make my stomach churn (like pressing the tape against the heads with their fingers, a thing that will degrade them very quickly since the metal their are made of is very soft). to eache their own but for this kind of things why not use an already fucked up machine? ok I digress.

#467

Hi, thanks for the reply. Yes the heads are in good shape. I have a demagnetizer and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning them. I did also hear that new tape is less abrasive than old tape, perhaps a new formula ?. I don’t intend to wear them out any sooner than is natural :slight_smile: