Welcome To The New TapeHeads.Net

[Des-Lab]

The 'original' TapeHeads.Net site was [thankfully] rather short lived as I discovered a cacaphony of issues with the software that was running it. As promised, I invested in an updated program; one that many of you are familiar with-V.Bulletin.

Well. Here it is up and running. It'll probably take at least a week or two to finalize the set up and tweak the appearance and make any other minor changes that might be requested or not otherwise forseen. I hope you all like it and enjoy it. I did create a new section titled the "Suggestion Box" where comments and suggestions pertaining to the site and its setup can be placed.

Yes, unfortunately, as I feared. It does appear that everything that was posted on the 'prototype' site was lost during the software upgrade and the move to the new host server. I posted plenty in there myself and will now have to re-enter most of that information. All of you will have to rejoin. But not to fear. All of you that had the site bookmarked before will automatically see the updated site. I'm sure that the much more familiar layout and user friendly interface should be more than enough to offset the minor inconvenience of having to re-register.

Anyway, I guess that's about it for now. I thank all of you for both your patience in getting everything up and running as well as joining. I certainly hope that word will get out to tape lovers everywhere and that we build a large and long lasting site here.

Welcome.

Matt "Des-Lab"

Wednesday, May 21 2008

[braxus]

No prob Des. I have decided to repost all my previous posts, including some on "the other" site which I often use. I want to make sure this site has all my best posts from that other site. I'll also get going on uploading my photos once I figure out where to put them.

[Doug_Olitsky]

Dont forget to post that program time card for all to use. I also have the following if you want

Quantegy AUDIO RECORDER SETUP calculator

Tape formulation spec sheets

ATRSpecs.pdf
Quantegy 406407.pdf
Quantegy 456 [1].pdf
Quantegy 467.pdf
Quantegy 499.pdf
Quantegy GP9.pdf
SM468.pdf
SM900.pdf
sm911.pdf

complete oratr mx-5050 B II 2 manual 80 mb pdf

[tapepath]

Hello,
No problem, Matt. Looks like a great site and I'm sure everyone will benefit from it. It's nice to be able to introduce ourselves.
Cheers, Ken

[braxus]

Matt-
Curious. Will you be doing some tape contests here like you did on AK?

[Des-Lab]

Ok. Found the glitch. Avatars are now enabled. Nothing too tacky or risqué please. The back-end control panel for VBulletin is a monstrosity. Really.

So it's going to take some time tweaking and prodding until we get this thing just right. But don't worry, we'll get there.

Now as for the Name Those Tunes contests, yes. I would LOVE to bring those back. But not until we reach a minumum membership of 100 and/or reach an activity level that averages a minumum of fifty posts per day.

Incidentally, if and when we do reach those milestones, I would like to 'hire' one or two mods that I can trust to keep an eye on the site. Because I still do have a day job and can't watch everything 24/7. I already have a few names in mind.

So again. Get the word out any way you can. I've posted bulletins everywhere I can think of: on AA. On my YouTube page. And in the immenent closure notice on the old TapeTalk Yahoo page. I would love to see some tapeheads from the Dark Side come here. But I can't ask any of yout to risk your memberships to post notices-though if you want to do it anyway, awesome. But I can't and won't ask that of any of you. Instead, maybe some of you can find some of the known hardcore tapeheads (such as Scorpion8) and instead send them PM invites.

[Fast Forward]

man, just when i get a comfort level in this new site ,,it,s gone WTH,e-mailed DES but I just got impatient and went to google found the site and resigned,,,any way glad to be back:)

[Fast Forward]

Ok. Found the glitch. Avatars are now enabled. Nothing too tacky or risqué please. The back-end control panel for VBulletin is a monstrosity. Really.

So it's going to take some time tweaking and prodding until we get this thing just right. But don't worry, we'll get there.

Now as for the Name Those Tunes contests, yes. I would LOVE to bring those back. But not until we reach a minumum membership of 100 and/or reach an activity level that averages a minumum of fifty posts per day.

Incidentally, if and when we do reach those milestones, I would like to 'hire' one or two mods that I can trust to keep an eye on the site. Because I still do have a day job and can't watch everything 24/7. I already have a few names in mind.

So again. Get the word out any way you can. I've posted bulletins everywhere I can think of: on AA. On my YouTube page. And in the immenent closure notice on the old TapeTalk Yahoo page. I would love to see some tapeheads from the Dark Side come here. But I can't ask any of yout to risk your memberships to post notices-though if you want to do it anyway, awesome. But I can't and won't ask that of any of you. Instead, maybe some of you can find some of the known hardcore tapeheads (such as Scorpion8) and instead send them PM invites.I noticed we are missing some original members has all the info on the old site been erased ,i know i didn,t recieve any notice that the old site was shutting down, I can contact a couple of members thru a non AK website

[Des-Lab]

Well again. I apologize for the inconvenience of everyone having to re-register. Even though it only takes a minute and the new site is infinitely better in quality. I also did announce the possible loss of all registrations when I announced I was switching over to VBulletin. I wasn't sure what was going to happen when I installed the new program and moved to the new server. Well, as it turned out, everything (including everything *I* did as well) was lost. No biggie. As I said, I think it was worth it.

And I'm glad you decided to re-join. Besides. It's not as though the site NAME has changed. So as people go to check out "TapeHeads", they will see the new version. And hopefully sign up. Hopefully you can forgive my failure to send a notification (which I thought I was doing when posting a general announcement) and remain an active particpant and ecven recruit some new members.

[Scorpion8]

Seems to be running fine. Like a 2nd home. Comfy! Thanks, Matt!

[stuwee]

Guess I missed out on all the "fun". I like the way it looks and using it is easy for a 'puter challenged person as myself, I'm sure to find something that throws me a loop. I'll just ask.

Peace
Craig

[iamhifi]

Hello to all,
A while back I asked in Tapetalk for recomendation, and Matt you told me to go for the X-2000R and I just did, Ebay item 300246711695. I am stocking on some Empty reels and some full as well. However i had no clue on what to get, so I read here.
Top of the list:
Maxell XL 1
Maxell XL UD,
Stay away from EE
Now I just bought some new in the box seal for 25.00 2 Ampex 456 metal reels and 1 Quantegy. Mya father also gave me 2 TDK AMR-10 and 1 Ampex 456. Plus 2 half an inch that I will be selling on Ebay.
How is my start, any other recomendation.
Matt where do I get a block all in one.
Killer site,
Angel

[Des-Lab]

Very nice! Good choice in deck. As for tape, you won't go wrong with any Maxell UD or XLI.

XLII (EE) isn't one I'd avoid because it's a bad quality tape so much as I'd avoid it because it's so expensive. It sounds ok, but is really nothing remarkable. And pretty much any other 1.0 mil tape will sound equal or better. And almost always at substantially lower cost.

I can also highly recommend Quantegy #407 and #457 (if you can find it). 407 is pretty much identical to the XLI and the 457 has a very deep and rich sound to it that I think you will like. Though you'll need to turn down the bias a bit. Because at flat or neutral, 457 is a little dull. Reduce the bias a bit to get some of those highs. The tape has enough headroom to still deliver fantastic sounding mids and lows.

The new RMGI/EMTEC LPR35 is also pretty good. It's also very close to XLI and 457.

The only tapes I would say to stay away from are anything that say Ampex, Scotch, or Sony.

Sounds like you are off to a great start. Let me know what else I can help you with. Thanks for the compliment on the site and thank you for coming aboard. I hope that you will join those of us that chose to call TH our 'home' site for tape related activity.

[bogdyx]

Hi,
my name is Bogdan , im 36 years old and I love music, interested in quality of sounds , respect for analog years wich brings us so many good music albums and a lot of memories.
Hope I'll find here people who share the passion of music and love of audio equipment who makes the music most of it.

Nice to be here !

Bogdan

[Satcom123]

Yes I too come here for the love of music to the ears and soul. I loved Germany in my travels there. I got to see some vintage Honda 750 bikes and well...music was there also. I am now into restoring Quadraphonic 9001 receiver in hopes of expanding my musical ear towards two more speakers*thumbsup*

I have been listening to the old group Focus a lot. My kids really like the band. I tried to turn them on the Thisus Van Lear's solo work but they like more the Focus group.

I am currently getting a linear turntable in hopes of converting it to 4 channel via a cartidge.

Well, wanted to touch bases with you and welcome you.

George

[jayoung1]

*reelspin*
Hello

Being fairly new to posting introductory comments on a newly found web page let me begin by saying that I truly appreciate the theme of this site (analog music and its proper useage). I own several Reel to Reel recorders (mostly Akai) and turntables (VPI, Rega, Thorens and Technics). I consider myself on the lower cusp of the audiophile genre (can only afford so many toys) hence the handle "audiophile wannabe." Thanks to the webmaster for creating this page - looks like I will enjoy lurking!

*reelspin*

[oldskoold]

Hi, my name is Derek, and I am a 42 year old living in London, England. I gave up on cassette in 1999, as I went over to mini disc, and the ipods. But of late I have tired of compressed music, and relying on my computer to input or delete my portable. I recently got hold of my wife's old hi-fi, brought a tape deck, and started making compilation tapes again, re-using my vinly LPs: what joy. Whilst it is done in real-time, I remember how much I enjoyed the experirnce. I have. A portable walman, but would like to know where I can purchase blank tapes, and a better portable player, apart from Ebay. Good to see that there are people out there similar to me.

[Dazen1]

Hi, my name is Derek, and I am a 42 year old living in London, England. I gave up on cassette in 1999, as I went over to mini disc, and the ipods. But of late I have tired of compressed music, and relying on my computer to input or delete my portable. I recently got hold of my wife's old hi-fi, brought a tape deck, and started making compilation tapes again, re-using my vinly LPs: what joy. Whilst it is done in real-time, I remember how much I enjoyed the experirnce. I have. A portable walman, but would like to know where I can purchase blank tapes, and a better portable player, apart from Ebay. Good to see that there are people out there similar to me.

Welcome to Tapeheads Derek.

If you are not going to use eBay and are looking for blank tapes and a better Walkman, try car boot sales and charity shops. You will be amazed at what you can find.

You could also try Gumtree (http://www.gumtree.com/) and Tapeline (http://www.tapeline.info/site/).

[Elite-ist]

Hi, my name is Derek, and I am a 42 year old living in London, England. I gave up on cassette in 1999, as I went over to mini disc, and the ipods. But of late I have tired of compressed music, and relying on my computer to input or delete my portable. I recently got hold of my wife's old hi-fi, brought a tape deck, and started making compilation tapes again, re-using my vinly LPs: what joy. Whilst it is done in real-time, I remember how much I enjoyed the experirnce. I have. A portable walman, but would like to know where I can purchase blank tapes, and a better portable player, apart from Ebay. Good to see that there are people out there similar to me.

Hello Derek,

Good to have you aboard! There seems to be a recent wave of converts who have returned to their analog roots. That's inspiring! One of our members, stuartypoorty, from N.W. England, is a good source for NOS tapes, close to you. Here's a recent thread:

http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=728

One of our members may be selling a portable player. Any specific one you are after?

Nando.

[oldskoold]

Hello Derek,

Good to have you aboard! There seems to be a recent wave of converts who have returned to their analog roots. That's inspiring! One of our members, stuartypoorty, from N.W. England, is a good source for NOS tapes, close to you. Here's a recent thread:

http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=728

One of our members may be selling a portable player. Any specific one you are after?

Nando.

Nando, thank you for your greeting. Reference portables, I'm after something with megabass, and graphic equailler, if such a thing still exists>

[oldskoold]

Welcome to Tapeheads Derek.

If you are not going to use eBay and are looking for blank tapes and a better Walkman, try car boot sales and charity shops. You will be amazed at what you can find.

You could also try Gumtree (http://www.gumtree.com/) and Tapeline (http://www.tapeline.info/site/).


Thanks, I'll have a look on these sites.

[BrickLaneTapes]

Hi there, I am new here today, welcome to me...thank you everybody, I am not here just to plug my shop that is not on Brick Lane in the east end of London that could sell fancy cassette tapes.
But I may have a shop at the end of Brick Lane on Redchurch Street where the rent is much cheaper, open til 7pm everyday (including sundays). One day I hope to sell enough tapes that I could sponser this site.
I have some good contacts in the UK for supplies, but I know little about what I am selling, so that's why I am here to get some advice and find some new customers, I mean friends.

[Scorpion8]

Hi there, I am new here today, welcome to me...thank you everybody, ....

Welcome. Drop by the Meet-n'-Greet forum and let everyone know about you. Sponsor? Talk to "da man", Des-Lab.

[speakerman1]

Good Luck
Larry

[Styx_II]

Well, I'm not new here but it seems that my privileges have been revoked. I would have PM'd someone about it but I'm not able to do so. Was it something I said? *grin*

[Des-Lab]

Well, I'm not new here but it seems that my privileges have been revoked. I would have PM'd someone about it but I'm not able to do so. Was it something I said? *grin*

No. It was what you didn't say, which was nothing. You hadn't been logged in for several months. As per the rules (http://www.tapeheads.net/rules.htm), inactive members may be subject to account suspension and/or deactivation at any time following three months of inactivity.

I also deleted your second account. One username per person please.

Thank you.

[Styx_II]

I also deleted your second account. One username per person please.

Thank you.

Not a problem....hadn't heard from anyone about my situation so I register again. Not a big deal either way.

[r2rdude]

Hello to all,

My name is Wil. Although I have been a member here for a while, I have not been very active; mostly because I originally joined the site to sell some analog audio gear and media that came my way (DCC, 8-Track, Cassette, DAT, among other things). I guess this site does not have a Buy/Sell area. If it does, I have not figured out how to use it. Or perhaps Buy/Sell here is 'frowned upon".

Anyway, as state earlier, I originally joined this site to sell some analog audio gear/media but rather than selling it via EBAY, I thought it would be more appreciated here.

Can I sell at this site?

BTW - While I am not into cassette, etc... I am into reel to reel*reelspin* and vinyl *djparty*.

[Des-Lab]

The Tapeheads Classifieds (http://www.tapeheads.net/classifieds/).

The link is about two-thirds down the bottom of the front page.

[audiophile]

Hi everyone, loving looking at all the classic equipment people have still in use. It just goes to show how well built this equipment was in the first place!

[migueldisco]

Hello every body i'm new here and hope to meet som e cool people,
i love tapes and i just started collecting some i will post some picture later*hope*

[cristo]

Hi, new to this forum but old to cassettes for about 40 years.
Even had a R to R about 25 - 30 years ago.
As my Yamaha KX-360 is starting to develop some issues (sometimes goes into fast forward when I try to start recording),
I decided to go for a used Tascam 122Mkiii - it's still on its way and I don't know if it's going to be in as good shape
as advertised yet, but I hope so.
I'm thinking these days the best used decks are ones that are durable, reliable, and repairable, and hopefully the 122mkiii will fit that description.
Will still keep the Yamaha as it's still working fine 95% of the time, and will probably get it serviced sooner or later.

[Bandwidth]

Welcome! Hope your Tascam is what you expect. I've purchased 3 tape machines recently and two of them had issues beyond what the seller's description stated! One of them is essentially DOA and a pile of rubble (cassette). The other one, a RTR, has a non-functional transport. Beltage, I'm sure, but the description mentioned no deficiencies in this area. Both machines from seasoned sellers with 100% feedback. This points to the fact that many of these "resellers" are parcelling out their estate sales and often don't understand anything about tape machines other than "power on", and "lights work". The usual disclaimer about "couldn't test the machine fully because didn't have tape". How lame is that? Like its a big deal to have a tape or two of each format laying around to test the machines - especially the bigger guys!

Like I said - "good luck".

[cristo]

Well, the Tascam 122MKIII arrived and it looks good except the VU lamps are out. Sounds very good recording music with Dolby B.
Measures fair.
Transport and all the controls work fine except a slightly noisy headphone level control (only when turning the knob).
Taped some signals from the Stereophile test CD 2 (tracks 27 and 28) at -10 then -20 db (dolby off of course) after setting the bias and levels.
Good response to about 12 KHz, then drops off several db by 15 KHz.
I can't hear anything above about 13 Khz anyway, so it's probably good enough for me,
especially since I haven't checked azimuth alignment yet (waiting on a TEAC MTT-114na 12.5KHz tape and an oscilloscope
with x-y capability before I fiddle with that).
My ancient military surplus scope is no longer serving me very well, so a new, much lighter DSO is on order.

Overall, I think the Tascam is well worth the $250 + $30 shipping I spent on it.

[Pacific Stereo]

I was trying to move a post from a new user (Robin5) to the appropriate area and somehow managed to clobber it and Dazen's reply, instead. Doh! I'm sorry.

Robin5, please start a new, independent introduction thread about yourself here in Meet-N-Greet, not in this thread.

[Dazen1]

I was trying to move a post from a new user to the appropriate area and somehow managed to clobber it and Danzen's reply, instead. Doh! I'm sorry.

New guy, whoever you are, please start a new, independent introduction thread about yourself here in Meet-N-Greet, not in this thread.

I *think* it was robin5 (http://www.tapeheads.net/member.php?u=6054) that mistakenly posted here.

No worries about the deletion. :)

[audioversity]

Hi all Tapeheads.
What a site for recycling heavy oversized and overengineered tape machines, I love it. My radioshack if full of unfinished projects from valve (tube) radios, 70s cassette recorders and reel to reel machines, all too good to waste or trash. I need help with finding spares, will send out an appeal when I get used to using this site.
Regards Douglas.....Couny Antrim. Northern Ireland

[stuartypoorty]

Hi Douglas,

Welcome to Tapeheads.

[kelvinmunson]

Welcome to Tapeheads Douglas *Hi5*

[fAtkAt]

Greetz all!

I'd like to introduce myself to the forum, one in which I've had lots of fun reading through in effort to find some helpful tips on well, purchasing a cassette deck. First, I just want to say that I'm amazed at the mix of class and enthusiasm here, it's great looking forum.

As a music lover, I've dutifully allowed my tastes in music to keep evolving. Now it seems that I'm into a few labels that release on tape! (I also thought I'd venture this way.. honestly). To compliment my bare bones, yet hungry studio (which includes my rega planar 2), I'd like to keep building and go down the "good ol reliable but oh yeah, frickin' superior" route.

I may ask some questions, may, but if not thanks for the info (if only i can decipher it) and I'll be sure to find my friend, the search button... which... i'm going to go look for now because i couldn't find it earlier. *lmao*