Sorry forgot to mention, Ron that temporary system should be sounding fab! It certainly looks like those VTL's are in full control of the Maggie's, such that full grip, control and drive with authority is truly taking place. That's what a great amplifier to speaker match up should be, and many quite get this very fundamental aspect wrong.

I've heard many great lofty systems, where they are either over-amped or under-speakered... and just a handful where the balance is perfect! That perfect combination of amp to speaker is the foundation of any system, regardless of price.

Just my 50cts worth.
Woof! RJ
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ron Resnick
IMHO probably you can't. There are some kind of mechanical induced time delayed distortions in vinyl that neither electronics or digital can't emulate. If we prefer them, nothing can surpass them. But it is a great project.

Howdy, Sunshine!

Mechanical induced time delay distortion is not my personal sonic preference. I seek to maximize emotional engagement and suspension of disbelief.
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: sujay and Johan K
Howdy, Sunshine!

Mechanical induced time delay distortion is not my personal sonic preference. I seek to maximize emotional engagement and suspension of disbelief.

I was just describing the instrumental aspects, not the emotional objectives.

And I referred to mechanical induced time delayed distortion, not mechanical induced time delay distortion - very different things.
 
Pangea Audio Vulcan X-Brace audio stands are a very good value for $250.

B339CC0B-85B6-49F5-9C12-6350A838A224.jpeg
 
Just curious, is that a drywall square? Things are coming along nicely.
 
7014007B-697D-496A-BAC3-2112E4453C31.jpeg
 
I just did a direct comparison of the now-vintage Chesky re-issue of The Power of the Orchestra versus Chad’s tape.

The vinyl is a little bit warmer and softer, but still fantastic. I think that Chesky is really fantastic, and I still do.

But the tape . . . the tape . . . is more transparent and more alive and more exciting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Johan K
This is extremely early days, and still pre-Pendragons.

I’m pretty sure the speakers have been pushed out of proper position.:rolleyes:

I have got a big ground hum from the tape machine.:( And I’m using the three strung together and mixed up interconnects.:eek:

The tape machine and the turntable and the Octave phono stage all are plugged into a Tripplite Isobar!o_O

And this thing still sounds fantastic to me.:D
 
From these two limited tape sessions so far I suspect that a well re-conditioned Studer A810 + Chad’s tapes will beat all or almost all vinyl playback.

Why aren’t more people doing tape for their favorite classical and jazz titles?
 
Why aren’t more people doing tape for their favorite classical and jazz titles?
For me its the time to load a tape. And I also need the mental space. My tapes are an asset and I want to preserve them. If I'm going to play them, I want to pay full attention. Most of the time I'm there for 1 to 2 songs. Then I'm bouncing. If my wife is not home, I will pour a drink, load a tape and relax through it.
 
I understand. Not only does my focus on only a few titles dovetail with tape, but I never do casual listening. If I’m in the room, then it’s 100% dedicated, focused listening.

Who are you preserving your tapes for? Your kids?

I’m probably going to outlive Lola . . . so it’s not an issue for me.
 
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: sujay and Johan K
How many plays before the highs start to roll off? 200.
 
That’ll probably coincide with the loss of my high frequency hearing, so it’s probably gonna be fine.
 
I understand. Not only does my focus on only a few titles dovetail with tape, but I never do casual listening. If I’m in the room, then it’s 100% dedicated, focused listening.

Who are you preserving your tapes for? Your kids?

I’m probably going to outlive Lola . . . so it’s not an issue for me.

You could preserve them for junior audiophiles
 
Last edited:
  • Haha
Reactions: christoph
Did Lola chew up one of your tapes already Ron :eek:
Oh no. Actually, she’s never had a problem with chewing anything she is not supposed to chew.

She knows special things go on in the listening room, but she knows she’s not allowed to walk into the listening room by herself.

2E88A891-7A65-4AB0-BA41-E55DBA248363.jpeg

So she’s very quiet and well-behaved when I carry her in and put her on the couch.

48ACF169-A3C3-4FD4-9B35-513C19A4467B.jpeg
 
Ron tape rules but cost and getting music you love as in old music from years ago is hard and expensive
Vinyl once set up has massive great sounding albums to buy. if your vinyl is way off your tape you need to fix things to get them closer find great pressings.
tape is dense and power full. but to me great vinyl while it may seem to be a bit less dense seems to me to be much faster
Much more lively like a live event
ask mike L to weigh in on this.
 

About us

  • What’s Best Forum is THE forum for high end audio, product reviews, advice and sharing experiences on the best of everything else. This is THE place where audiophiles and audio companies discuss vintage, contemporary and new audio products, music servers, music streamers, computer audio, digital-to-analog converters, turntables, phono stages, cartridges, reel-to-reel tape machines, speakers, headphones and tube and solid-state amplification. Founded in 2010 What’s Best Forum invites intelligent and courteous people of all interests and backgrounds to describe and discuss the best of everything. From beginners to life-long hobbyists to industry professionals, we enjoy learning about new things and meeting new people, and participating in spirited debates.

Quick Navigation

User Menu

Steve Williams
Site Founder | Site Owner | Administrator
Ron Resnick
Site Co-Owner | Administrator
Julian (The Fixer)
Website Build | Marketing Managersing