Now it seem like every time some one mention a new tape deck (machine) they just got the first question is, is it set up for external preamps, or what type of outboard repro preamps are you going to use, like this is what you need or should do, I like using the existing stock repro amp if it sounds good or could sound better with a re-cap or upgraded component, unforanitly this Tascam 42NB has a double sided repro circuit board and can not be easily fixed.
Since there seems to be a lot of interest wiring tape deck for external preamps I thought I would share some photos of how I converted my Tascam 42NB, I wanted to retain as much of the original operation and not chop up the internal wiring so I could easily put it back to stock if I wanted to, I did this by disconnecting the repro head cable plug connecters from the mother board and made a jack stand to plug head cables into and connect to the RCA plugs, this way I save the original cables and plugs, no unsoldering or cutting wires (see photos)
I don’t have a tape preamp to test what I did and check if it’s going to work okay, so I used an MC phono preamp and it worked quite well, the EQ wasn’t right but it had plenty of volume and there was almost no hum, so now I have to find a preamp that will work with Low impedance heads (20 ohms on a volt/ohm meter) and I want to use the stock heads Like mentioned on a previous thread, I would welcome any question or comments.
Since there seems to be a lot of interest wiring tape deck for external preamps I thought I would share some photos of how I converted my Tascam 42NB, I wanted to retain as much of the original operation and not chop up the internal wiring so I could easily put it back to stock if I wanted to, I did this by disconnecting the repro head cable plug connecters from the mother board and made a jack stand to plug head cables into and connect to the RCA plugs, this way I save the original cables and plugs, no unsoldering or cutting wires (see photos)
I don’t have a tape preamp to test what I did and check if it’s going to work okay, so I used an MC phono preamp and it worked quite well, the EQ wasn’t right but it had plenty of volume and there was almost no hum, so now I have to find a preamp that will work with Low impedance heads (20 ohms on a volt/ohm meter) and I want to use the stock heads Like mentioned on a previous thread, I would welcome any question or comments.