Studer Expert--Analog-Audio Kuhn

[c1ferrari]

correct me if I´m wrong
as far as I´ve understood, the A820 is all about the transport...
Leif

Well, I wouldn't say it's ALL about the transport
but it was the transport that persuaded me to acquire A-820's
rather than ATR-102's.

 

[Ron Resnick]

is that fair....a reworked TASCAM B20 vs A820?

Respectfully, Greg has made many modifications to the Tascam. Greg’s modifications include, among other things, no capacitors in the output stage; no amplification of any DC in the preamp from one gain stage to another; new pure copper circuit boards; audiophile grade power transformers; custom designed outboard power supply option; Cardas silver solder for all electronic connections; solid silver grounding configuration to enhance grounding and reduce noise; direct IEC equalization stage; no muting circuits for shortest signal paths; and a dual-mono configuration for the internal playback preamp.

I fully appreciate that the people who own Studers love them for very valid reasons -- and I agree with those reasons. People who have UHA decks love them, too, for very valid reasons -- and I agree with those reasons, too.

I have to assume that no transport mechanism will be more gentle on the tape than the transport of an A820.

I have not yet found anyone who has done a careful, leisurely, side-by-side listening comparison of a Studer with a UHA. Until someone has both machines in the same room in the same system and can compare them using familiar music I think that statements about the sonic differences between a Studer and a UHA will remain merely educated guesses.

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

well put
best
Leif

 

[microstrip]

Respectfully, Greg has made many modifications to the Tascam. Greg’s modifications include, among other things, no capacitors in the output stage; no amplification of any DC in the preamp from one gain stage to another; new pure copper circuit boards; audiophile grade power transformers; custom designed outboard power supply option; Cardas silver solder for all electronic connections; solid silver grounding configuration to enhance grounding and reduce noise; direct IEC equalization stage; no muting circuits for shortest signal paths; and a dual-mono configuration for the internal playback preamp.(...)

Ron,

Does Greg carry any modifications in the Tascam tape transport mechanism? IMHO the fundamental sound signature of a tape deck is due to its electro-mechanical tape path.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Respectfully, Greg has made many modifications to the Tascam. Greg’s modifications include, among other things, no capacitors in the output stage; no amplification of any DC in the preamp from one gain stage to another; new pure copper circuit boards; audiophile grade power transformers; custom designed outboard power supply option; Cardas silver solder for all electronic connections; solid silver grounding configuration to enhance grounding and reduce noise; direct IEC equalization stage; no muting circuits for shortest signal paths; and a dual-mono configuration for the internal playback preamp.

I fully appreciate that the people who own Studers love them for very valid reasons -- and I agree with those reasons. People who have UHA decks love them, too, for very valid reasons -- and I agree with those reasons, too.

I have to assume that no transport mechanism will be more gentle on the tape than the transport of an A820.

I have not yet found anyone who has done a careful, leisurely, side-by-side listening comparison of a Studer with a UHA. Until someone has both machines in the same room in the same system and can compare them using familiar music I think that statements about the sonic differences between a Studer and a UHA will remain merely educated guesses.

this thread might be helpful.....

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showt...h-Studer-bliss&p=301606&viewfull=1#post301606