I am currently working on a couple reel to reel sampler tapes that I will transfer direct to SVHS video tape... hopefully everyone still remembers good old post DVD days where you had to watch movies on tape.  

This might sound odd to some of you, but recording hi-res audio onto a SVHS tape usually gives superior results to cassette, and even slow speed reel to reel machines.

So I though it would be entertaining to see if I can make a $75.00 SVHS machine sound better than most of the DAC's and even some vinyl rigs despite the SEVERE handicap of a $12 solid state output stage in the player itself.  Yes, this is how I amuse myself and thought it would be fun to include some of you...

Even with the handicap, this SVHS tape and player that I will be sending around will be a more than powerful demonstration of what good analog tape sounds like compared to the average DAC.

Just to make it interesting I am remastering some digital recordings with no computer or EQ's onto tape so that people can compare side by side known digital 16/44 CD recordings and hopefully find themselves wondering how I made a bone stock 75.00 SVHS machine sound better than their DAC which cost ten to fifty times more using the same recording.  And the answer is the tape process itself which includes the tape formula, speed, size, tape bias and CCIR or NAB equalization.  This particular tape will let you hear what is possible by combining these variables correctly to express the music being recorded.

Then I plan to take some samples directly from master tapes that I have so people can experience a real copy of a master tape via this inexpensive format.

This is just a heads up so you have time to think about if you have any interest in hearing it.  I'll need a volunteer to be in charge of making a list and overseeing that each person on the list ship it to the next in a timely manner and then report the results.  Of course he or she will be the first one to hear to tape.

Thanks,

Steve

I bet someone out there has a museum of audio products that never made the big time. The El Cassette was one of my favorites for this venue. It all made sense to me. The wider tape, and I don't know if the speed was different or not, but could have been a factor too. I also liked the idea of 4 track cassette decks that ran in one direction only for the same reason.

Being one of the few tape heads on this forum, I will volunteer.  It is a fascinating experiment and I would love to hear what you put together, first, before passing on to the others.  :)

Wonderful!  I know how it is and you certainly have more than enough on your plate.  Between your commitment to continual improvement, along with your willingness to connect with your customers, I am sure there is no "free" time to take on stuff like this. I am happy to help.  

Selfishly, I want more people to get excited about analog tape.  It is a nano community at best and until it grows enough to motivate manufacturers, the hardware and software options will be scarce.  I would love to see more people interested and excited about tape.  Every time I spin one up,  it is a stark reminder why I subject myself to the effort and cost of acquiring and maintaining a tape rig and library of tapes.  Because I have not heard anything better when the source-to-speaker chain is well tended to.  It is the gold standard when it comes to achieving a live performance in our listening room.  You introduced me to this idea over a year ago and I have taken it to heart, and can honestly substantiate everything you have stated with regards to its "holy grail-ness."  

My ears thank you, but my wallet curses you.  It's ok, because I just keep telling my wallet to shut the **ck up!  

You got it Stone!  You are next inline to receive Steve's SVHS system.  I will work on designing a Tour Schedule soon and once I do, I will publish the process for those interested to get on the list.  I will also post in the General thread in hopes of attracting the most people possible.  

It will be an interesting compare as I recently obtained a Sonorus custom Revox C270 reel-to-reel deck with a matched Sonorus external tube playback amplifier from the personal inventory ofSonorus creator himself, Arian Jansen.  For those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Jansen, he is a tape machine icon and well-respected recording engineer.  If you are familiar with Yarlung Records, he is their tape recording engineer and creator of the Sonorus Holographic Imaging process. Anyway, super smart guy (and so nice).  I had the pleasure of driving to his house in Paso Robles to pick up the rig at which point he treated me to his listening room for a few hours.  I was able to hear his Sonorus ATR-10, $18,000 tape machine with some of his holographic imaging reels on his electrostats.  It works!  Amazing stuff.  

The tube playback electronics on my new Sonorus consist of a nuvistor tube head preamp stage, which is built into the C270, plus an external playback amp with the EQ settings (IEC & NAB). The head preamp nuvistors are 7586 triodes and the external playback amp is using ECC83/12AX7 triodes, allowing for some tube rolling.  How sweet it is!  Live concert in my listening room   I was also able to pick up some master dupes from the LA Audio Show last week, which was a nice treat to myself.  

Here is a pic...  

WOW J of A! I'm at a loss for words from what you have obtained and have going on here.

I so look forward to your impressions of Steve's SVHS and then I appreciate being next on the list and will do it justice and report.

......look forward to when you post in the general forum and attract more for the list.

Jeff,

Congrats on the new tape rig!  I'd sure like to hear that.  

I'm finding it tricky to get the levels perfect when I make the recordings because the VHS recorders, even my industrial one, are not expecting this much dynamic range so to get it just right so as not to wake up the limiter, or saturate the tape.  So far every tape I've made is perfect except for one or two notes on one or two songs...  naturally it's going to take a few tries.

-Steve

Splendid gentlemen. Splendid indeed. Exactly J of A.....for the fun of it and understanding of how good this will/could sound.

Your encounter with Mr. Jansen, albeit more involved..... . This reminds me of meeting Prof Johnson of Reference Recordings and his time with the Minnesota Orchestra and other recordings as well. I met him when I was part of the MN Audio Society. I use his recordings for pleasure and to remind myself how all recordings should sound with DYNAMIC RANGE!  
https://referencerecordings.com/people/prof-keith-o-johnson/

Anyway, back to the real world and compression.....and a never established volume/recording level(s).....and so on and so on.



I look forward to this!  Keep the info coming gentlemen.

Steve, how about some direct to two track single mike stuff you did to your recording console, from the first house....your garage band and you on Drums man?!  This would be cool too!

Yes, I too, would like to purchase a copy of the master SVHS to compare to the digital.......... .

TAPE ONE is now completed.  

This tape is a never been heard before demonstration of a re-mastering process I have been developing over the years that has the ability to transmute digital back to analog and does so without a computer, solid state parts, nor even a circuit board.  It's a 100% analogue process... organic, non GMO if you will.

Since the only way to hear this process is to have an analog playback system and since I can't press records here at Decware, I am taking this opportunity to let all of you hear it by making the entire first tape using it.  

It's important to understand that the source for this tape was not high resolution digital files, nor even rebook CD, but rather a stream from the internet at 320 kbps, which is how so many of us are now listening to digital with our computers.  I figure if the process actually works, it will work on that.

This gives those of you who get on the list to hear the tapes, an opportunity to do direct side by side comparisons of the tracks on the tape with the original source tracks from the internet.

Some of the tracks on Palomino's original track list were omitted because the process highlights errors in the recording, such as tiny sibilances, and peak distortions that were previously masked just enough to sound OK.  Even many of the tracks on this tape have minor distortions that are notated on the tape as part of the process.  Remember this is a work in process.  Also, the presence that results from this process which is in part the 632 tape I use for digital sources, includes some tape hiss in this demo because I personally prefer it.  It let's me know I'm hearing everything.  Sometimes it's not even tape hiss but just the self noise of the microphones used in the recording.  Nevertheless, when you hear the tape hiss I want you to imagine what it would sound like filtered out so you couldn't hear it... and try to listen to the low level detail that is inside that tape hiss as if it were deleted.   That said, tape hiss is not a byproduct of the process, and can easily be avoided at will.

So here is the Tape One

Steve,
I am sorry to hear about the casualty - a true bummer.  Some people just don't understand that delivery services, all of them, will wreck your stuff if you give them the chance.  Crappy packaging is that chance once given, will lead to a box full of destruction.  Well, that is why Plan B's exist.  Great call on the Pelican, especially considering this national journey it will embark on.

Exciting news about the tape!  Looking over the tracks, it will be a treat to listen to.  I am very intrigued by your remastering process which is what makes this tour such an great opportunity - being able to actually listen to the difference in the digital steam vs. the SVHS.   And, as I mentioned prior, I would love the chance to borrow (on my dime of course) the 10.5" reel to compare against the SVHS if possible.   I would also be willing to foot the bill for a new blank tape and your time to dub another copy.  

Thanks for the update Steve.  Ive got my list ready.  Let me know how you want to proceed with the post to solicit those interested in hearing it and the "rules" of the tour whenever you are ready.  I will be the tour manager - keeping this baby moving along safely and efficiently.

Jeff,

I will make you a copy of the Palomino reel as compensation for managing this tour.

Steve

Jeff, put me at the bottom of the List. I realize I won't get the tape and SVHS unit for 2, 3 or 4 months. I want to read others comments first.

This is going to be cool. Maybe the end game could be Steve remastering with his process our music collections for our own private use..... . I have dibs on a SVHS unit.....if needed in the future.

This weekend I plan to make some additional tapes.  I've been pondering what to make and have decided that probably the best thing is going to be more samplers.  Since these SVHS tapes are my personal backups of my personal reel to reel tapes, I don't see any legality issues since they remain my property and I've only invited each of you to listen to them.  That said, Jeff will have a copy of the reel to reel master tape of tape one.  He can compare the difference in sound quality using his world class tube reel to reel machine to the supplied $100.00 VHS player and accurately assume the large gap in sound quality is the same across the board with all the additional tapes.

So I'll chime in this weekend with the next track list that is to make up Tape Two.

-Steve

Second player is indeed functioning... a nice commercial Sony unit.  

Probably would have been just perfect if it had more than just a single mono output jack for audio...  [smiley=ahhhhhhh.GIF]


EDIT:  This is how the audio gods that watch over me operate.  See what happens next.

Tape 2 is done.



It came out really great!

And the last two reels were 30 IPS which together total less than 20 minutes, so they only fill half of the VHS tape. Rather than add other stuff to fill the tape I have elected not to for the simple fact that if something happens to one of these tapes I want to be able to easily make another one. Once you start mixing tapes and tracks, essentially making a mix tape, you're talking about an all night gig.




Reel 2 = 8:41
 

Acetone,
I think some of your home crafted beer is an excellent offering in return for some time with my gear. Honestly, I am dying to share my Decware gear and SonoruS tape rig with anyone interested in listening. And since you are so close it would be a travesty not to have you over.

You will have the SVHS after me. As a matter of fact, I would love to have a second set of ears when evaluating the R2R next to the SVHS for tape #1 so this arrangement works out great all around.

Timing is good.  Now 85% done with room treatments and should be at 100% by time you cruise down.

Thanks Jeff,
Would love to hear another members set up. The LA Audio show proved to me that my Decware gear can run with the big dogs when room, cables, etc are all taken into account. Can't wait to hear this experiment!!

Jeff,

Please add me to the list. I've been enjoying the Palomino Mix at 320kbps and look forward to comparing that with Steve's experimental recording technique on SVHS.

TIA,
Rob

Hey Jeff,

Thanks for the thoughtful PM. Add me up here in the Great Northwest to the list.

Randy

Steve said:
"He declined the offer for extra and assured me he was an EXPERT at packing an it would arrive in perfect condition...  it didn't.  One inch of packing peanuts, single box... toast."


The extent to which people are swine is beginning to make me tired.  

Brian

Yes! Excited to read about and hear this (put me after bottlehead).

Jeff,  Let me know when your ready to have me over for tape and ? listening session...My home brew is in the fridge cooling.

Sign me up.  I still haven't quite gotten over the experience of hearing the Hendrix masters at Zenfest last fall - I gotta hear what this is all about !!

I made a dupe of the Palomino Master Tape today, so that completes everything and the package will ship tomorrow as planned : )

Steve

Has not landed yet, but today would be the 5 day mark which sounds about right.  Ill post back when in hand.

Hey Jeff, I think that 2 weeks is a good amount of time for people to experience/evaluate the sound. I personally don't plan on keeping it longer than that.

Randy

Not a problem...going to dodger game Jul 29...so, Sunday might be first day I'm avail...I'm retired so anytime after the 29th is fine!
Ace

UPDATED: SVHS Tape Tour List (Preliminary, Informal):

1) JofA/Acetone
2) Linton
3) Bottlehead
4) Stone of Tone
5) Maddog07
6) DB2
7) Lonely Raven

Done LR! #7

Palomino would like to be added to the list for the Palomino tape.

I don't really need the machine.  I have two SVHS decks (maybe three).  One is prosumer and the other is pro grade.    I used to be into video.  Weddings and such plus my wife used to edit research focus group tapes.

I could bring one to the Fest if anyone is interested.  Raven, I smell a CDApS brewing.

So, I have had my Torii MKIV in place for a bit now and am getting really comfortable with this amplifier and confident enough with its sound to embark on this Tape Tour journey, despite my ZMA being in for some work.  My intent is to actually listen to this SVHS tape rig with BOTH the Torii MKIV and the ZMA before passing it on to the next recipient.  

That being said, Acetone, how is your schedule looking like this coming week and next?  Definitely want to have you join this party!

And Beowulf... your in San Diego.  You are welcome to join as well.

No worries at all Ace.  It is life.  And balancing such is a what we do.  

Quick question, are weekdays off limits?  Not sure of your work/retirement status but I have full flexibility during the week as well.

Off topic, but are you planning on going to T.H.E. Show in Anaheim?

Cool J of A & Ace. Jeff, thanks in advance for being the lead on this from Steve. No hurry, your impressions with your IV and ZMA will be interesting. Ace should/will hear it in your System and then in his to report both impressions.

I look forward to receiving the machine & tape down the line in approx. November......as planned.

Best thing was my ZMA going in for a 3 year checkup, the beefier resistor's, volume pot adjustment and now backlit. She is better than ever/sound + beautiful!  You should be getting yours back soon.

You bet Jeff. This will be fun!

Hey Jeff,

I won't be making it to Decfest this year, but if it helps with the scheduling/timing/shipping, I'm perfectly fine with waiting until after the fest to begin my evaluation.

Randy

Great news Steve!  I'll give you a call tomorrow.

Thanks,
Jeff

Jeff, I look forward to the impressions from you & Acetone first and then the Fest attendee's. No hurry, to get it to me.

It needs to be at the Fest, after you and Acetone. People can witness, from that particular VHS machine....from that tape(s)....we will be hearing or have heard in your case and Acetone.
....and of course, Fest goer's, get to hear from the master tapes and Steve's machine, as well.

and how can I forget..........you're getting your ZMA back!

The Tour kit includes the Samsung VR8460 player and (4) SVHS tapes - Tape One being the "Palamino Mix."  Between the four tapes, a really good mix of music genres is represented.  

With the Torii MKIV in place, before the return of my ZMA, it is hooked up direct to the Torii via my ZSB.  After some decent hours of listening, I will them move it to my Zen Ultra pre-amp where it will feed into the Torii.  

Unboxing:
The unit and tapes came nicely packed in the Pelican case, so removing the contents was a breeze - and so will be the case when time to pack it up and send it off.  No joke, you all will be able to get this thing repackaged safely in less than 60 seconds.  

Having been awhile since I handled a VHS player, the first thought that came to mind when I picked it up was, "wow, this thing is a real piece of $&*t - weighing no more than a couple pounds and full of 80's era flimsy plastic buttons.  But that is what makes this whole experience pretty bitchin.  

I am on Tape 3 now, and just taking some first passes, but I am certain at this point that I could fool 100% of the people, 100% of the time, if I stuffed this somewhere out of sight during playback.  The look on everyone's faces would be    without a shred of doubt.  

Yep, this thing has got to come back to Peoria for all to listen to at the Fest.

OK... I went to the link - I don't see a schedule - what am I missing?

Here is an easier/shorter link to access the Tour Schedule:  https://tinyurl.com/y87fmkv8

Update:

Notification from FedEx says the deck is now planned arrive Saturday -- will let you all know when it arrives.

Rob

Cool/exciting. Look forward to my run after Bottlehead.

s_o_t,

FedEx had a problem finding Montana...the gear finally arrived Tuesday but I'm out of town through the early part of next week. My plan is to have it set up and listen Wed. through Sun. next week. I'll report back soon.

Rob

Wow, FedEx dropped that way bad.

No hurry here, enjoy Rob.

I'm looking forward to this! Looks like I'm early December, if we're still on Schedule. That works out for me as I can hand it off to Palomino and I'll be out of town the week before Xmas.

Is there room in the box for me to add one more tape?  If I can find an S-VHS tape, maybe I'll put my "Demo Tunes" on a tape and add it to the collection/tour.

The Tubes, .....that brings back some memories. of 1978 - 1983!

Enjoy Rob. Having a nice Pre into Decware is sweet right?! I'm enjoying an older classic ARC LS-2B MkII into my ZMA.....she is sticking around for awhile.

Tape Tour Update

Stone of Tone is next in line to receive the SVHS tape rig, after Linton.

With the Fedex shipping debacle that delayed Linton receiving the gear in a timely manner, I had to update the Tape Tour schedule.  You can see where you stand on the current schedule HERE:  https://tinyurl.com/y87fmkv8

Contact me to get added to the list.  Next available slot is in March.

PS-Linton.....yes, my LS-2B MkII adds convenience of volume for my beloved ZMA... . Most importantly, the transparency and definition density of this unit with a single Mullard in her class A Hybrid/FET......driving through my ZMA.

Cool part is....I have five Amps:

LS-2B/Mullard 7308/E188CC (Cryo'd) to Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8 ...inputs ZMA
LS-2B/Mullard 7308/E188CC (   "   ) to Tungsram 6922/E88CC ...inputs ZMA

ZMA direct from ZDSD with Ediswan (Cryo'd) CV2492/6922 ....as inputs
ZMA direct from ZDSD with  Mullard (Cryo'd) 7308/E188CC ....as inputs
ZMA direct from ZDSD with Russian 6N23N/P-EB ....as inputs

......constant inverter/ZMA, is.....Telefunken /6922/E88CC ~ 1 pair (painfully expensive/worth it)
......all input tubes and inverter's.....NOS Platinum
......RCA NOS 0A3's
......new production Tung-Sol KT66's (replaced on average/22 months)
......input and inverter 6922 tube variants....good for 7500 to 10,000 hours...worth every penny!

https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/vacuum-tubes/6922-6dj8-7308-pcc88

PS-do not get the Matsushita National PCC88/7DJ8 = not good in ZMA/Decware. Now, the Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8....incredible pair of tubes. .....and what my single Mullard from the LS-2B, puts forth to the Tung' 7DJ8 or Tung' 6922....matches made in heaven, when running my ARC to ZMA. ZMA alone, thrives on my Mull's and Edi's alone as inputs...Not driven into by my LS-2B. .....you can say I've found my tube combinations for my 5 ZMA's in one!

The gear is on its way to Stone.

I agree with Jeff; The experience with the SVHS gear is worth it...I'll post my impressions asap

The Eagle has landed.

Look forward to hooking her up tomorrow morning with coffee. I wish I had J of A's Joe.....but mine will have to do.

And Linton...  where you been?  Been waiting to read about your impressions.  

System used for evaluation:  
Sources:  Samsung SVHS, DAC (16-bit, R2R, battery powered)
Pre Amp:  McIntosh C220
Amp: Decware Torii Jr.
Speakers:  Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower w/Raal

Hi All,

I finally found time to jot down my experiences with the SVHS rig – thanks for including me on the tour!

As I’ve mentioned before, my primary goal was to A/B the Palomino tape with my 320kbps steaming playlist and compare Steve’s recording technique with the digital stream.  Unfortunately, that tape seems to be balanced about 3-5db louder on the left channel: This caused the soundstage to jump to the left and then back to the middle while doing a dynamic A/B switch between the two sources (the other 3 tapes were spot-on with regard to balance). Not sure if Jeff and Stone have experienced this with the Palomino tape or not – I’m curious to find out.

My C220 doesn’t provide a feature to configure balance per source, so I decided to adjust the balance for the tape, sit back and enjoy.  When comparing that tape with my digital source, the sound -- to me --was very similar – there are the added (enjoyable) tape artifacts that I like, but I wasn’t really blown away by this tape compared with my streaming set-up. But then I loaded the Dick’s Hat Band tape…

I was blown away by that tape! Dick’s Hat Band. Great music, analog tape lusciousness. I was really drawn-in to that recording. Surprisingly good sound quality from the SVHS rig. For me, there’s no fair comparison between streaming and that analog sound.

The Ed Pong tape – Amazing talent, the recording made me feel like I was right there in the room with them. I think this was the best example from the set of how good tape can sound – truly realistic audio. I wish there were a few more tracks on this one.

The Toronto Mix – I enjoyed the live venue, with the interesting show introduction and subtle crowd noises – very realistic, great music, enjoyable tape.

My conclusions from this exercise:
1.      Steve has done an amazing job, sharing his experiments with the SVHS format and encouraging those who are interested to try new things with old gear. Thanks for all you do for the Decware community.

2.      SVHS sounds very good to me. However, I have a small room and listen near field; I could hear the relatively noisy deck during quiet passages and between tracks – that bugs me and tends to take me out of the flow.

3.      I’m going to buy a Reel-Reel deck ASAP and begin the journey. I thoroughly enjoyed the analog tape experience and kept saying to myself, “I’ve got to hear more of this” – I love analog, phono being my source of choice. I prefer to sit down and listen to albums, not individual songs. Like the phono, the tape will continue to facilitate the full-album, analog paradigm that I crave and enjoy.

Jeff – Your reviews are detailed, impressive and fun to read, I look forward to hearing from the others on the tour.

Headed off to eBay,
Rob

maddog & J of A....I have been mum...till linton had a chance to respond and ....getting my 3rd session in this weekend.

Maddog....I will get it out to you on Monday and get you the tracking # in PM.

linton! ....same here, the Palomino tape drove me nuts with the left channel skew....but, the Dick Hat's ....was fun too.  I'll say more later..... .

System for Listening:


Room Treatment by Mike Green and my home brew

Samsung VCR HI-FI

WBT RCA Kimber KS1030 ~.5 meter


Audio Research Stereo Line Stage Amplifier w/remote volume & mute LS-2B MkII
NOS Platinum/Mullard 7308/E188CC / Cryogenic


WBT-0102Ag RCA Kimber Select KS1030 ~.75 meter


currently.....NOS Platinum Tungsram PCC88/7DJ8 ~ 1 pair....in for Inputs/ZMA

Decware Zen Mystery Amplifier
~BIASED at *56* mA~
NOS/Platinum/Mullard E188CC/7308's in my A12 an B12 Input positions Cryogenic~NOS/Platinum/Telefunken E88CC for Inverter Tubes~NOS RCA 0A3's & matched Quad/Tung-Sol KT66's

ZMA adjusted at  70-90% Gain ~ w/ARC Line Stage, running via Remote Control



***************************************************
Kimber Select KS6063 Speaker Cable 8ft WBT-0681-Ag Spades
***************************************************
Kimber 8TC new/white & clear jacket/to remind me of how fluid/timbre correct and good the KS6063 are
Also Read.....the lowest noise floor you will ever witness....that a $5180 pair of speaker cables should have....and they do.....(I was fortunate to get them for $2680/Demo pair/mint, from the CableCo....worth every penny/extraordinary realism.....)



Acoustic Zen Adagio - Black Pearl (Modified)
.....enjoying from 8 ohm ZMA Taps


Caintuck Audio Eminence Alpha 15" OB BASS Unit
at 53Hz, with my Velodyne CHT 130 watt plate amp and 0 degree phase.....at 1/6 volume on plate
Plate Amp....regen'd clean ~ plugged into P3


Acoustic Zen Adagio's x-over's Modified/Full Range with Mundorf MCap Supremes-single Cap to each Tweeter/4.5k cross
(Gutted: 3kHz/18dB/Octave, Linkwitz/Riley Crossovers....with all crappy parts = gone)


XLO Pro Power Cord to ZMA
PS Audio P3 Power Plant / Pangea AC-9SE from wall to P3
(Transport, ARC Pre, and ZDSD, Regenerated/*120*~ Multiwave off...ZMA on High Current Output).

Well, it didn't go well.  There are lots of little micro pops for lack of a better term, little holes where there is no music.  I used an old tape that I thought would be good... Lesson learned.  Will try again tomorrow with a fresh tape.

Tape is ready.  I'll need someone to email me (steve@zenamps.com) mad dogs address.

Thanks,

Steve

On its way to Maddog.

Got the address and the package will ship tomorrow on 11/15

Thanks!

Steve

the spousal unit just pinged me and told me that a package arrived this morning from Stone.

I won't have a chance to fire it all up till the weekend... will post more after I give it a listen....

I enjoyed these tapes very much. I could hear where you guys are coming from and your passion for the format. I hope to hear Steve's masters someday by appt. and gear.

Haha... Rapid fashion... that's a good one.  

It makes for a great opportunity though to point out that the trick with hi-end tapes is that there is always a one-to-one transfer rate. It's real time. So if the tape is 50 minutes, the copy will take 50 minutes plus the setup and take down time, so 100 minutes to make the tape. The price of a real of high bias master tape is around $80 a reel and it takes two reels to do an album... so it it makes sense to see prices of up to $250 a reel if the person's equipment is worthy of the dupe, and his time is worth anything it's actually a deal. You have to realize that noone has a music library that is all tape in todays world. And master tapes are rare jewels that if you own a few you can have some real fun amazing yourself and friends with your stereo gear.

On a different note, there are those who heard the defective Palomino tape, that if they had a HI-FI VHS player and wanted to hear a non-defective one I'm sure I could probably make another one and send it out if you wanted to report on the tape.  Otherwise wait until I do another one, from better source files and we can do another tape tour.

If people purchased their own HI-FI VHS or SVHS players, we could make the tape tour a regular and ongoing thing, the only requirement would be a full report posted here in the forum on each tape you hear.

-Steve

I have two SVHS players laying around.  One Panasonic and one JVC.  So bring on the tapes..!!!  

Since DB2 is not responding... and I still have the tour player and tapes - I think I shall give the new Palimino tape "another" listen on the rig I currently(I swap components in/out quite a bit) have in my listening room. Which is a set of Randy's Betsy Baffles (baffle enhanced/braced from the stock Betsy baffle) driven by my beloved Torii III.

Raven....

I am having trouble contacting you.  Please check email and PM's.

We will be tag teaming on this one as I think I am next on the list.  Maybe we will have it for the upcoming CDApS meeting.

Hey Maddog,
Any comments and opinions you can share regrading the tape rig and the tapes that were included in the tour?

Geese guys, I've been sick with the flu for 11 days and have still managed to listen to quite a few tapes.  I realize it's the holidays but lets try to focus here !