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View Full Version : Where can I find new tapes?


jorsan
10-05-2008, 08:58 PM
Hi,
Since last 3 months I've been trying to find a good R2R deck, a turntable, buy some LPs and return to analog. At the moment Im in the opposite side: all my CDs are copied under looseless format (FLAC) in my HDD. I have a very good audio system and until now I was very happy with it, but the bug of the "old days" bytes me, and need to feel and hear that again (Im almost 50 now).
After buying a very fine condition OTARI 5050 BIII in Ebay, found a Tandberg 20A SE (the highest in the Tandberg line with the special eq system that makes this model special and one of the best around) with 30 hours of use and couldnt resist; the seller is not a " Ebay professional" and decide to take the risk; paid high ($1.650,-), but finally when the deck arrives .... was really in "like new" condition: motors are powerfull and fast, lights are strong , no scratches, marks, dings, nothing; inside everything looks clean, there is not even dust!, this machine was very well care for sure and the guy was honest in his description. Included was the reel plastic cover (clean, no scratches or marks), a remote control (never been used), original manuals, original boxes, two 10.5 Maxell XL1 tapes.... even the original invoice!. Im VERY VERY happy with this machine, I know I could find a much cheaper one if I wait but in my opinion, this is one in a lifetime opportunity that I have to take.
Anyway, now Im interested in buying new tapes and here is where I need some advice: this machine is calibrated using the Maxel XL1 and will be great to find 3 or 4 tapes, better if they're new but I think this is not easy or have to pay a lot for them, your comments in this matter will be apreciated. By the way, any idea where can I buy 2 track prerecorded tapes?
Thanks in advance for your help and hope this site grows,is very nice and deserved for sure. Everyday more and more people are interested in the analog sound again.

Des-Lab
10-06-2008, 07:12 AM
First of all, welcome to TapeHeads. I thank you for joining. And I'm sure that you will find our little community to be fun and informative.

Anyway, to answer your question. Probably the best place to get new tape would be from the good folks at USRecording. (http://www.usrecordingmedia.com)

I say that not just because they are a sponsor of the site, but also from actual positive experiences myself and many others have had with them both before and since they agreed to partner with us. If you are using Maxell XLI, probably the best closest alternate choice tape is the LPR35 (http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=4).

It's not cheap (but then what NEW tape is these days?), but will probably work quite well for you.

OTOH, if you are looking for Maxell XLI's (all considered NOS "New Old Stock" because they are out of production), Ebay is probably your best choice. You'll likely pay a small fortune for them; procuring a single unused roll for under $50 is considered a bargain score. You might get lucky but realistically speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $75-$100 APIECE for one. But they are proven champion performing tapes.

I would not recommend you buy any used tapes. There, you are truly entering a murky area and rolling the dice. It's easy to be seduced by the sometimes really low prices of used tapes. Sometimes you can get a one or two pass tape that's otherwise in good condition. But other times, they have hundreds or thousands of passes on them and are all chewed up, worn out, wrinkled, shedding, etc. You can take your chances there. But my advice has always been that unles you are either feeling really lucky and want to take your chances on something to just mess with, or are only after the reels, I don't recommend buying used tapes.

jorsan
10-06-2008, 07:56 AM
Thanks for your help and the welcome; is good to be part of a site that help us to stay in tuch with people with the only purpose of enjoy and share our passion.

Scorpion8
10-06-2008, 07:58 AM
Welcome! You should stop by the "Meet & Greet" forum and tell us about yourself. Where ya at?

BroonsBane
10-06-2008, 09:58 AM
Welcome jorsan :-)<-

Skywavebe
10-06-2008, 10:10 AM
Hi Jorsan,
While XL I was a fine tape in it's day and I have used them almost exclusively at Teac calibrating thousands of decks. The tape from RMGI called SM911 does a really nice job and is slightly superior to XL I. In fact on a good machine the LPR35 I tested with did a very good job as well. Why spend a lot of money on an older tape but get new fresh stuff from a known
good manufacturer at this point. I can also recommend US Recording- they treat customers well.

Sam,
Skywave Broadcast Engineering

jorsan
10-06-2008, 06:03 PM
Thanks to all for the welcome and help, will try the LPR35 tapes. Im in Miami FL. Will post my profile soon.