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Reel to reel, cassette and other analogue tape formats.

RE: Which is most important: Transport or Electronics

Generally speaking, there are only a few things that 'wear out' with R2Rs. Heads, belts and felt pads that maintain tape contact with heads, scape rollers. Rebuilt transports? What does this mean? New motors, belts, pulleys, pads, etc.
I have found that a good cleaning and lubrication, a new belt/s and possible fresh tape heads usually bring things back to original performance levels. There is no telling how many hours are on the heads unless you buy from a studio which keeps logs regarding such things so you will have to examine them with a magnification device. Other clues are excessive tape hiss and of course low output, especially with high frequencies.
Personally, I would make sure the transport is healthy and spot on in terms of speed and wow and flutter issues. Then I would evaluate the head and pre-amp performance. Sometimes fresh tubes and a few new caps will bring everything back to life.
As usual, good common sense should guide the way.

Cheers and good luck.
J.


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  • RE: Which is most important: Transport or Electronics - finnman500@hotmail.com 01/21/0910:12:41 01/21/09 (0)

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