Analog Section

[jtwrace]

I propose an Analog Section for the site. I really enjoy have specific sections. I just think with the amount of vinyl rigs on the site it would be cool to have. It's also really nice when you have specific sections to make the "surfing" more pleasurable IMO.

The search function is great, but just for searching...

Anyone else agree?

[twich54]

JT,

I actually posed this question last month and asked that all those interested please Pm me and I'd take it to Tom and Tim for discussion. I would gladly be responsible for all moderating , etc.

Guess what........not one single response !!! Regardless you know I'm interested and my offer stands !

[jtwrace]

JT,

I actually posed this question last month and asked that all those interested please Pm me and I'd take it to Tom and Tim for discussion. I would gladly be responsible for all moderating , etc.

Guess what........not one single response !!! Regardless you know I'm interested and my offer stands !

Sorry about that...I missed that post of yours.

anyone else interested?

[DrJRapp]

JT,

I actually posed this question last month and asked that all those interested please Pm me and I'd take it to Tom and Tim for discussion. I would gladly be responsible for all moderating , etc.

Guess what........not one single response !!! Regardless you know I'm interested and my offer stands !

Why don't you put it up as a poll. That way lazy bums like myself won't have any excuses.....

[Satch]

I'm all for it. I just hope I don't kill this thread by saying so...

I'd like to find a good reel to reel. Do they make those anymore?

Satch

[Dreamer]

Satch,

Look for a good-condition used Otari MX5050 mk III or a MX5050 B-II. We had the B-II's in our production studios in the radio and TV stations when I was in college, and they are just a DREAM to use. They have "memory" functions, a built-in splicing block on the head assembly cover, and can be set to run either 3.75 / 7.5 ips or 7.5 / 15 ips. They have balanced XLR ins and outs ONLY though, so you'll need adapter cables/boxes or a preamp with XLR ins and outs to use it in a home stereo.

I've used a lot of RTR decks (Otari, Studer, Teac, Pioneer) and without a doubt, the Otari is my favorite. It's easy to learn, rugged as a tank, and they stay in adjustment even with years of use (and even abuse). The head assembly is relatively easy to swap out if they need replaced, and ALL the sub-assemblies (meters, preamps, motor asssemblies, etc) are modular, and easy to pull, service, or swap. And since they are so widely used in the "pro broadcast" world, Otari still supports all models back to the early 80's, and there are still a lot of technicians out there who are qualified to work on them.

They come up on EBAY all the time, but you need to be careful, because some of them are cherry, and some have really been "rode hard and put away wet". A well-maintained Otari with a recent go-over by a tech should have a decade or more of trouble-free life left in it in a home use environment, but a raggedy one is going to end up costing you several hundred (if not thousand) dollars to get back up to spec...

Good luck. I've been eyeballing the Otari's on Ebay for a while. I saw some that were driving distance from me last fall, and were taken out of service from "Voice of America" studios, so you KNOW they were meticulously maintained. They looked factory new, came with all the manuals (user and service) and even came with cables, and if I remember correctly, they went for under $500 each. I'm still kicking myself for letting that one get away.

[Satch]

Thanks Dreamer,

I'll look into that...

Hey, I like this new Analog Section! :D

Satch

[jtwrace]

Satch,

Look for a good-condition used Otari MX5050 mk III or a MX5050 B-II. We had the B-II's in our production studios in the radio and TV stations when I was in college, and they are just a DREAM to use. They have "memory" functions, a built-in splicing block on the head assembly cover, and can be set to run either 3.75 / 7.5 ips or 7.5 / 15 ips. They have balanced XLR ins and outs ONLY though, so you'll need adapter cables/boxes or a preamp with XLR ins and outs to use it in a home stereo.

I've used a lot of RTR decks (Otari, Studer, Teac, Pioneer) and without a doubt, the Otari is my favorite. It's easy to learn, rugged as a tank, and they stay in adjustment even with years of use (and even abuse). The head assembly is relatively easy to swap out if they need replaced, and ALL the sub-assemblies (meters, preamps, motor asssemblies, etc) are modular, and easy to pull, service, or swap. And since they are so widely used in the "pro broadcast" world, Otari still supports all models back to the early 80's, and there are still a lot of technicians out there who are qualified to work on them.

They come up on EBAY all the time, but you need to be careful, because some of them are cherry, and some have really been "rode hard and put away wet". A well-maintained Otari with a recent go-over by a tech should have a decade or more of trouble-free life left in it in a home use environment, but a raggedy one is going to end up costing you several hundred (if not thousand) dollars to get back up to spec...

Good luck. I've been eyeballing the Otari's on Ebay for a while. I saw some that were driving distance from me last fall, and were taken out of service from "Voice of America" studios, so you KNOW they were meticulously maintained. They looked factory new, came with all the manuals (user and service) and even came with cables, and if I remember correctly, they went for under $500 each. I'm still kicking myself for letting that one get away.

Dreamer-

So, does this mean that we can count you in as a Analog Section supporter? TomDac will need to know to make his decision. :D

This Reel to Reel looks VERY interesting. Geez. Something else to research. err.;)

[MiTT]

Sorry guys, I was out of pocket most of the day yesterday.

Dave, I don't even remember seeing the post where you were proposing an analog section. Otherwise I'd have chimed in.

Of course you know how I feel about anything analog. I'd sure support it and obviously assist in moderation. Tom's only objection might be "Whell then the digital guys will want their own section too", and he'd have a good point.

We could say pretty please!?!

[jtwrace]

Tom's only objection might be "Whell then the digital guys will want their own section too", and he'd have a good point.

We could say pretty please!?!

Very true. I would say to that, then it should be done. I think this site is certainly big enough where having separate sections makes sense. The really nice thing about that is finding what you are really wanting to see is much easier. As mentioned, the search function is great but it doesn't always find what you want unless you keep trying. I do appreciate all the time that you guys spend on this site. I'm wiling to help if needed.

[jtwrace]

One more thing, TomDac. By adding sections you get to have more page sponsors. :D:D:D

All things Analog=tonearms, turntables, cart....Sponsors!!!=$$=Tom:D

[TrumpetDoug]

I'm all for it. I just hope I don't kill this thread by saying so...

I'd like to find a good reel to reel. Do they make those anymore?

Satch

Yes they do Satch. Revox makes a great one but is big $$$. I'm sure you have seen the one on my system thread page. Mine is a older model but in mint condition.
Another thing to know is the blank tapes are very expensive. There is a web-site called The Tape Project where they sell recorded music but WOW big prices. They make expensive vinyl look cheap!!

Doug - out

[jtwrace]

Yes they do Satch. Revox makes a great one but is big $$$. I'm sure you have seen the one on my system thread page. Mine is a older model but in mint condition.
Another thing to know is the blank tapes are very expensive. There is a web-site called The Tape Project where they sell recorded music but WOW big prices. They make expensive vinyl look cheap!!

Doug - out

Doug,

So does this mean that you also support an Analog section?

[TrumpetDoug]

Doug,

So does this mean that you also support an Analog section?

Hello! PM was sent, and yes, yes, yes. Besides I think its a done deal anyway. WHOOHOO!!

Doug - out

[User211]

JT,

I actually posed this question last month and asked that all those interested please Pm me and I'd take it to Tom and Tim for discussion. I would gladly be responsible for all moderating , etc.

Guess what........not one single response !!! Regardless you know I'm interested and my offer stands !

Hey I replied! I just didn't PM...

I think I said if you're gonna have an analog section then really you need a digital one as well. Otherwise it's a bit imbalanced, I think.