 |
the Tape Project |
|
Tape Machines |
|
|
|
|
|
Impression I picked up my fully tricked out Bottlehead 1500 this evening at the Mission Street Studio. Dan used it for the demos we heard tonight. I couldn't wait to plug it into my system. |
It was late, but I played the first tape of the Arnold Overtures album. I was totally blown away. I have both the vinyl and the CD - the vinyl has been on the Harry Pearson TAS Super Disc list and deservedly so. My vinyl front end is very good (VPI TNT HR, Lyra Helicon SL, Herron Phono Preamp) but the combination of the modified RS1500 with the Bottlehead electronics and this incredible tape, makes the vinyl pale in comparison. Dynamics, depth of sound field, sense of being transported to the event itself - total involvement in the music. I have to go to sleep now, but I can't wait until tomorrow! Dan said I got the first completely tricked out 1500 - after people hear this, there will be a long line. Charter Subscriber Larry Toy |
|
the Tape Project playback machine, by Bottlehead We recognized early in the development of the Tape Project concept that there would need to be a reliable source of playback machines capable of delivering the full sonic quality of the Tape Project tapes. While a studio grade tape machine in well maintained condition such as an ATR Services ATR 100 or a JRF Magnetics Studer A80 is one excellent way to play the tapes, for some users there are disadvantages in the size of the typical studio tape machine and the expense of acquiring and maintaining it. What we decided to do was look at the many "prosumer" level reel to reel machines that were offered in the late 70's through the early 90's. These offered a more compact size that is a better fit with the typical high end home listening room system and greater availability than large studio machines. Some models were regarded highly enough for their mechanical quality and reliability to be used in large numbers in radio stations, recording studios and other commercial applications. The Technics RS1500 series, Otari MX-5050 series, Revox A77/B77/PR99 models, and models by Tascam/TEAC were all considered as potential subjects for a program of modification that brings them to as high a level of sonic quality as possible. For several reasons we ended up choosing the Technics RS-1500 as our starting point. They are attractive looking machines, they offer the versatility of both 1/4 track and 1/2 track playback heads and three tape speeds, and most importantly they have what we feel is a superior tape transport path, the isolated loop. The isolated loop is an evolution of a design first developed in the 60's by 3M. The concept revolves around the idea that the tape is completely isolated from the negative influences of as many of the rotating and fixed elements in the tape drive as possible as it passes over the heads. The RS1500 uses a servo reel control system combined with dual pinch rollers on a single capstan to maintain constant tension on the tape. This results in very stable, low flutter playback. The one possible shortcoming of the RS 1500 is its lack of IEC playback equalization. In actual practice this is not such a big issue, because the quality of the playback electronics in all of these late 20th century prosumer grade machines is dismal. The only way to get the full benefit of the sonic quality of Tape Project Tapes is to use better outboard playback (repro) electronics anyway. If you have the
space for a studio machine—and the budget—we can help you here too. We recommend the
Ampex ATR-100, built from the ground up by ATR
Service Corp. to be better than when it rolled off
the showroom floor. You have several choices of repro electronics: We
can fit it with The Tape Project by Bottlehead electronics mentioned
above. If you would like solid state, we can recommend the Aria
electronics from ATR Service Corp. Either of these options will give you
a spectacular sounding machine. If you would prefer a Studer transport, get one refurbished by JRF Magnetic Science, and have it fitted with your choice of electronics as listed above. It would also be a stellar performer. |
|
| The
machine
Custom "Tape Project Red" RS1500 built by Jeff Jacobs of J-Corder, modified by Bottlehead The process of refining the already good performance of the RS-1500 is a painstaking one. After an inspection and replacement (if necessary) of any tape path components subject to wear, we carefully align the components in the tape path to get straight and consistent tape travel over the heads and a flat, well centered tape pack on the reels. We take the mechanical improvements a bit further with refinements in the materials and configuration of the fixed tape guides. The end result is a machine that handles tape extremely well and sounds cleaner, with better low level resolution and snap.
our new ball bearing and ceramic edge guide upgrade, now incorporated as a standard part of the tape path upgrade Along with the tape path improvements we install improved brake pads that better maintain the factory brake tension specification, replace any worn springs in the tension roller arm assembly and update the tension arm roller bearings with higher quality parts - stainless ABEC 5 or optional ceramic hybrid ABEC 3 bearings, modify two of the fixed guides to ABEC 5 ball bearings with abrasion resistant edge guides and remove other guides altogether. We carefully adjust the reel servo controlled tape tension to factory specification. Revox style NAB hub adapters for 10.5" reels are now available to replace the balky Technics front-mounted-hub-adapter-and-rubber-spacer system. Rebuilt pinch rollers are available at extra cost if necessary, though the stock pinch rollers seem to hold up quite well, particularly after we carefully clean them, burnish the bearing surfaces and reassemble them with a proprietary lubricant. We can also replace your reversing idler bearings with ABEC #7 ball bearings. And of course we take special care with the heads. The two track and quarter track playback heads may be replaced with custom extended response heads manufactured by Flux Magnetics for optimum performance with 15 ips tapes. Other heads are inspected for wear and refurbished where necessary. Optionally, a dedicated playback only machine can be fitted with long wearing ferrite dummy heads in the record and erase positions. Once the head block is set up as required a careful alignment is done using test tones recorded on our own Ampex ATR duplicating slaves (which have themselves been aligned with MRL test tapes), so you know that your machine is adjusted as closely as possible to those that record your master duplicates. The output jacks of your machine may be rewired to allow the playback head to be connected directly to an outboard reproduction amplifier that has CCIR/IEC1 playback equalization necessary for play of the Tape Project tapes- our own Bottlehead repro amp or another amp of your choosing. The stock power entry panel on the back can be replaced with a panel that accommodates high end IEC terminated power cords. The stock wired remote socket can be replaced with one that allows connection of the Bottlehead Remote Possibility infrared remote control receiver. Any downsides? Well, in terms of pure convenience perhaps two. They are only important if you elevate ease of use above getting the best sound possible: We disconnect the tape counter. It screws up the sound. You can tell how much the counter influences the smoothness of the reversing idler if you've ever heard the dreaded SCREEEEECH of the cheesy tape counter belts and pulleys when you rewind. The tape counter is not that accurate anyway. Our tape path mods make the tape sound a lot better and also make the tape sit a little closer to the heads when running in fast forward and rewind. So you will hear more of the "mickey mouse" effect. So you will want to switch inputs or hit your mute button when fast winding. Trust us, the improvement is worth the trouble. |
|
| The
Repro amp
The prototype We love the articulate, natural, enveloping sound of tube electronics. Bottlehead has been putting out highly regarded tube gear for 13 years. The Bottlehead tube repro amp is a statement piece that will run with the best of what is out there. The Repro is designed as a versatile tape head preamp that works well with medium to high inductance playback heads. It can output both single ended signals at the consumer level -10dB and balanced signals at studio level +4dB. CCIR/IEC1 and NAB/IEC2 playback equalization are each available with the turn of a switch, and other playback EQs are possible on a custom order basis. Most any modern tape recorder, once modified to direct output from the playback heads, will work with the Repro.
The Repro's circuit is designed to keep the signal as pure and uncolored as possible, while avoiding the harsh and sterile sound that can come from some gear that claims "great detail and speed". EF86 pentodes are used at the input, chosen for their high gain, low noise and sweet sound. The signal passes thru a direct coupled passive equalization network to a 6DJ8 type dual triode. From there the signal can be taken at the single ended outputs. To achieve a studio level balanced output the signal passes through a 6CM7 gain stage to a balanced transformer output. The power supply utilizes a separate hybrid tube/solid state shunt regulator for each channel which tightly regulates the high voltage, giving a sense of bandwidth and separation unparalleled by other means of power supply regulation. Each signal tube is isolated from power supply noise by a Camille Cascode Constant Current Source, giving the sound a black background and bringing the dynamics to an elevated level of realism. Premium quality components are utilized throughout, Schottky diodes, premium Panasonic electrolytic capacitors, high quality Teflon and polypropylene coupling capacitors, and a range of premium resistors from tantalum to metal film to carbon composition, each one chosen for optimal performance in the job at hand. Individual PEC trim pots for level are accessible from the front panel, as is a selector for playback equalization. Tubes and output transformers are socket mounted on the back panel in the tradition of classic studio gear, to allow for quick and easy changes to suit the listener's taste. |
|
| The
Remote Possibility
IR remote receiver Adding a remote to these machines makes them an absolute joy to operate. Fortunately Panasonic saw fit to incorporate a jack on the rear of the RS 1500 for a wired remote control. In later years they also offered a very limited number of battery powered infrared remote controls. These are so few and far between as to have become collector pieces selling for insane prices. Bottlehead has come to the rescue with a simple IR remote receiver that complements the classic look of your RS1500, controlling play, stop, fast forward, rewind and pause. The constant tension servo mechanism and updated brakes on the Bottlehead refurbed decks makes cueing, rocking and shuttling possible from your listening chair. A row of positive indicators across the front of the receiver sits conveniently between ten inch reels, flashing the appropriate command indicator as you press the remote. To incorporate the remote control the obsolete wired remote connector on the back of the RS1500 is replaced with a modern 11 pin relay socket, allowing the remote receiver to be attached and detached at will. |
|
| Pricing
Plan A - We originally advertised complete machines available for sale. We have exhausted our stock fror the moment, but we are happy to send you to a very competent associate of ours who has many machines in stock. We are nearby and will be happy to modify an Technics deck you purchase from him. Contact us for more info.
Our intention is to offer these services on fully functional Technics RS1500 (RS1506, RS1520,RS1700,RS1800 etc.) family tape recorders. While we do not offer a restoration service for broken recorders or parts machines, if parts other than those listed above need replacement contact us to discuss repair options and pricing before you send us your tape machine. At this time we are not equipped to handle cosmetic work such as repainting, relettering or polishing, but we now have a business associate who specializes in excellent cosmetic restorations and custom paint jobs like our custom Tape Project Red machine shown above, including restoration of the stock Technics lettering. Contact us for more info. We offer the following upgrade options "ala carte" (please note that prices are subject to change due to the extreme fluctuation of copper and other material prices used in electronics these days)
|
|
| Plan
B -
Some of us really want to get into the Tape Project subscription program and get a nice machine to play the tapes on, but the budget won't allow for a full blown Bottlehead RS1500. For these fine folks we offer a program that will get you about 85% of the way there at a substantial savings: You send us your RS1500 in a shipping box we provide and we perform the basic tape path update described above. We will also install the direct tape head output you will need to play tapes back through an outboard tape preamp with IEC equalization. Price is $675 plus a $75 shipping box deposit (which is refundable upon return of the box) and shipping. While we work on your machine we can send you a Bottlehead Seduction tube tape head preamp kit with switchable IEC/NAB playback equalization, which you can build yourself and connect to your modified RS1500 with some 1/2 meter interconnects in your favorite flavor. Bottlehead has a reputation as the best place to go for a first time builder and the Seduction has a reputation as a great small signal preamp. The price for the tape head preamp version of the Seduction kit is $375. Don't want to build it yourself? Ask a Bottlehead tech to build it for you for an additional $275. If you build the Seduction yourself you'll be ready for the awesome sound of Tape Project tapes for under a grand plus whatever you paid for your RS1500. You can take it to your high end audiophile buddy's house and watch the look of horror as your budget tape machine playing Tape Project tapes makes their high dollar digital rig sound like MP3s... |
|
| Plan
C
|
Do you desire a studio grade machine? We recommend an Ampex ATR 102 from ATR Services. When we needed bombproof, no compromise machines to record Tape Project albums ATRs are what we chose. Here's one of our duplicating slaves doing tape demos at CES2008 in the TAD room. Tell Mike Spitz at ATR Services that the guys from the Tape Project sent you. And yes, the Bottlehead Repro amp can be mated to an ATR. |
|
Want a Studer? They are great machines too. Here's our Studer A80 running Tape Project tape demos in the On a Higher Note penthouse suite at CES 2008. Contact John French at JRF Magnetic Sciences for more info on building a killer Studer machine. |
|
| We
buy Technics tape machines
If you have a Technics RS1500, RS1500US, RS1506, RS1506US, RS1520, RS1700 or RS1800 that you are interested in selling or trading please contact us. Bottlehead and our associates are always looking for these Technics machines and parts, in any condition. |
|
| interested?
Contact us at dan@tapeproject.com or call Bottlehead at 360-697-1936 M-F 9-5 for more information on product and service availability. |
|
