How much quality is on a master tape?

the portable version of the A810 weighs 68 pounds.

the on stand version of the A820 weighs 200 pounds.

the stand weighs about 40 pounds. both these machines have the same electronics. so the 100 pound difference between the two is in the chassis, motors and tape path. the A810 has a sheet steel/aluminum bolted together chassis. the A820 has a one piece casting that all the tape handling mechanicals is attached to for perfect rock solid alignment. there is no piece of audio gear assembled like the A820. it's one of a kind.

here are links to pictures of the tape path of both models. quite a major difference.......that is audible.

Studer A810 Professional Reel to Reel Tape Recorder / New Flux Magnetic Heads Photo #2040935 - US Audio Mart

The RecorderMan

here are links to in depth information for both models.

STUDER A810 Professional Tape Recorder

STUDER A820 Master Recorder

the A810 is a fine tape deck. but it's not an A-820 for playback. there are good reasons A-820's sell for big dollars.

i am a fan of the A80 and if you can find a good one that does not break the bank then it's very good one to own.
 
If you’re into audio by the pound, yes that would matter. The weight of the A820 comes from it’s stand, sheer size and other structures internally as you have mentioned. The A810 was designed purposely as a portable unit, so areas for size and structure had to be cut. But the A810 (stock) shares the same internal cards and circuits as the A820. And for playback purposes only, they are at a minimum, very similar in many ways both electronically and sonically in their stock formats. The A820 far exceeds the A810 in recording. The A820 is an amazing unit, no doubt, but for most people simply interested in playback, the A810 is the better bet for budget, size constraints and availability of product.

Anyone should be glad to own either of these machines, but in stock format today, maybe not as much. The FLUX heads for one are better than the stock. Both my 810’s are complete rebuilds. Considerably better than when they were stock.
 
Mike said:
If you’re into audio by the pound, yes that would matter. The weight of the A820 comes from it’s stand, sheer size and other structures internally as you have mentioned. The A810 was designed purposely as a portable unit, so areas for size and structure had to be cut. But the A810 (stock) shares the same internal cards and circuits as the A820. And for playback purposes only, they are at a minimum, very similar in many ways both electronically and sonically in their stock formats. The A820 far exceeds the A810 in recording. The A820 is an amazing unit, no doubt, but for most people simply interested in playback, the A810 is the better bet for budget, size constraints and availability of product.

Anyone should be glad to own either of these machines, but in stock format today, maybe not as much. The FLUX heads for one are better than the stock. Both my 810’s are complete rebuilds. Considerably better than when they were stock.
Click to expand...

the A-820 is no more 'simply heavy' or 'by the pound' than the Magico M9's or the MBL Xtreme's. it's build approach is all business and performance.

no doubt 'most people' don't acquire the very tip top. but a few do. unless one is really into tape i agree it does not make sense.
 
I have NO experience with the A820. But as I've seen the internals of the A80 that I have, there is no way that those servos, motors would fit into the much smaller A810 box.

So I know they are not the same - there might be no sound difference - again no direct comparison experience.

That being said - In most ways, I'd rather have the smaller footprint and weight of the A810. And I don't have the A80 stand as mine was a portable (ha) version, so no meters etc. I'm going straight from the heads to the Doshi v3 tape pre with all other internals having been removed.
 
the professor said:
I have NO experience with the A820. But as I've seen the internals of the A80 that I have, there is no way that those servos, motors would fit into the much smaller A810 box.

So I know they are not the same - there might be no sound difference - again no direct comparison experience.

That being said - In most ways, I'd rather have the smaller footprint and weight of the A810. And I don't have the A80 stand as mine was a portable (ha) version, so no meters etc. I'm going straight from the heads to the Doshi v3 tape pre with all other internals having been removed.
Click to expand...

Yup, two different approaches for recording. A820 is the real deal for recording which tape machines were designed for back then. Today, the focus is more playback for most.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
I own a Studer A810, Studer A812 and several Technics RS-1500s. All have been restored/recapped. I use a Doshi tape pre for playback.

For playback, I prefer the Technics RS-1500. I find it has the smoothest tape handling, especially with the modifications designed by Jeff at j-corder.

For recording I prefer the Studer A810 although the A812 come close to it.

I have heard most of the tape preamps on the market. I have found the Doshi to be superior to all of them.
 
If you are using a 15ips capable 2-track (1/2-track) tape deck and have invested in the tapes, enjoy what you have.

Tape is a sub-niche of audiophile analog playback and I, for one, am happy to have the pro machines (5) and the tapes to enjoy the format.

No, I don't have as many tapes as I have for vinyl or for digital files. However, tape has to be heard to be appreciated for what it does. It is special.

Getting a proper exposure to the experience of hearing tape (15ips or 30ips) will not be forgotten: of that, I'm sure.

Whether one wants to have that format for themselves is another matter that only the individual can answer. To do it or not is ok.

I firmly believe this is a big hobby with many ways to get to our personal audio nirvana.

Dre
 
BottleHead, maker of many great kits, is really into tape. They modify R2R's for better sound quality.
 
i have recently been listening to the branka parlić ‎recording of erik satie - initiés. released in 2017, it is an all analog recording originally released as a double LP. i now notice that is has been released on 15-ips R2R tape [chf 390.--]

more info on the ALL analog recording here and info on the R2R release here

it is an interesting description of the analog recording and tape transcription equipment and process. (when i get an R2R, i want that telefunken rig!)

a remarkable recording just listening on qobuz [96/24], can only imagine what it sounds like on R2R !!

anyway, just thought those following this tread would enjoy the equipment and technical information.
 

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