Post by RdM on Aug 18, 2022 15:58:31 GMT 12
Chrome at 120 to squeeze out a bit more HF and for compatibility in non-hifi cassette players.  Even more important (granted extended HF) I think is the greater dynamic range - it's able to be imprinted with a stronger magnetic signal, so in effect it has a lower noise floor. Metal is even better still in both frequency and dynamic range. I even recorded quite a few tapes of each type without Dolby, B or C, because the tape was quiet enough without.
But many non-hifi (cheap) decks wouldn't even have a chrome setting. If one did, let alone metal as well, it was a sign of better quality. IMHO. 
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Post by Citroen on Aug 18, 2022 16:07:09 GMT 12
So any idea why the normal Chrome setting is 70 RdM?
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Post by RdM on Aug 18, 2022 16:24:21 GMT 12
So any idea why the normal Chrome setting is 70 RdM ? Oops writing on another thought or thoughts I skipped over the µ 70 or 120 part! Time for some research then. I'll have to get back to you. Where to start? ;-)
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Post by RdM on Aug 18, 2022 17:06:29 GMT 12
So any idea why the normal Chrome setting is 70 RdM ? But is it? would suggest that the normal (original ferric) [Type I] was 70 and that chrome [Type II] was 120 µsec.
Even more general info on cassette tape formulations from Wikipedia. Although I imagine there are better and more discussions.
And yes I'm being a smart ass using the correct µ symbol but here's how you do it, on Windows at least: Just hold the Alt key down and on the keypad (NumLock must be on) then type the correct Alt code for the symbol and release. In the case of µ it's either Alt-230 or Alt-0181 - both work.
View or download this for future reference.
And you can search on alt codes for more and online presentations.
Cheers!! ;=}))
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Post by Citroen on Aug 18, 2022 17:34:45 GMT 12
My reading of both of the First referenced links suggest 70 µsec for type ll or chrome...
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Post by michaelw on Aug 18, 2022 20:00:24 GMT 12
Another tape tidbit... Most "chrome" tapes aren't chrome ! The big Japanese brands are cobalt doped ferric tapes. If you want a real chrome look at European brands like Agfa, BASF, Phlips.
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Post by Citroen on Aug 18, 2022 20:10:56 GMT 12
Yeah, only just read that on rdm's Wiki link.
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Post by RdM on Aug 19, 2022 11:51:52 GMT 12
My reading of both of the First referenced links suggest 70 µsec for type ll or chrome... Yes quite right - sorry, I got it exactly backwards in my haste!
Now I've been looking at my tapes; some actually have 120µs or 70µs printed on them. A sprinkling of pure chrome BASF Chrome Super II but mostly TDK SA-90 (still have 8 unused) and a couple of TDK SA-X100. Type I mostly TDK AD-90 and some plain D-90. Metal, about 10 Sony Metal XR-100, Sony's budget metal.
I used to buy them from Marbecks in the early '90s, especially when they were on sale.
Interesting to read too on that Wikipedia link that good Type 1 tape can take slightly more bass than some Type II. Also came across this from the links there.
That forum seems to be pretty active. I seem to recall having a login there on another PC.
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Post by michaelw on Aug 19, 2022 13:34:07 GMT 12
There's so much variation in tapes, even amongst the name brands, that to get the best performance you really do need a deck with full set-up like the ZX7.
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Post by Citroen on Aug 19, 2022 18:10:10 GMT 12
I'm amazed just how good tapes can sound. Yes, some are just horrible, but others are just so effortless to listen to. It may not sound so clear or resolved (and a bit smooth) but its generally a pleasure to listen to. I don't remember my Denon deck sounding this good!
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Post by Citroen on Aug 19, 2022 18:30:07 GMT 12
Second surprise is the cost of secondhand cassettes.
And new cassettes.
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Post by michaelw on Aug 19, 2022 19:41:07 GMT 12
Analogue magic
Were you pleasantly surprised at used/new pricing or shocked ?
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Post by Citroen on Aug 19, 2022 19:53:07 GMT 12
Shocked and surprised!
As with classical Lps, super cheap classical tapes only FOUR CENTS each. $1 for 25!
BUT, equally shocked at the likes of Lou Reed, Nirvana, AC DC, Metallica used at $10 to $20 plus EACH!
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Post by RdM on Aug 19, 2022 20:04:15 GMT 12
I'd be leery or wary of buying s/h prerecorded cassettes.
You don't know if they've been played on a deck with increasingly magnetised heads, progressively stripping HFs out and replacing them with noise, hiss.
Ending up dull and muffled. You could re-record such from a CD if the original tape formulation was worth it and you wanted to keep the cover.
Maybe classical tapes might not have had much use? Like some LPs.
And what about new cassettes? Maybe Ebay has some offerings? (I haven't yet looked.)
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Post by michaelw on Aug 19, 2022 21:15:09 GMT 12
Buying used pre-recorded is a lucky dip, like used cartridges, you never know for sure how the tapes were treated in a past life. plus 99% pre-recordeds used cheap and nasty blank stock that stretch and shed oxide... Plenty of new cassettes coming from indie music producers like Strange Behaviour in Wellington. I've been buying the recent releases, they sound pretty decent and it's good to support local talent. strangebehaviour.bandcamp.com/
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Post by Citroen on Aug 22, 2022 18:31:54 GMT 12
Anyone want to get rid of any of their pre-recorded cassettes? pm me
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Post by RdM on Aug 22, 2022 18:54:02 GMT 12
Chrome at 120 to squeeze out a bit more HF and for compatibility in non-hifi cassette players.
Finally I get some clues and readings on what michaelw was referring to.
One could tape over the II indicator slots on the shell to trick it to use I experimentally.
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Post by RdM on Aug 22, 2022 19:20:04 GMT 12
Anyone want to get rid of any of their pre-recorded cassettes? pm me
Coincidentally I found another box I'd forgotten I had, some world music and other genres, that I got when a local Trade Aid bookstore+ closed down.
They might be new. I've only sampled two. Might want to keep some. I was thinking about taking pics the other day. Before that, I'd only found 3-4 prerecorded tapes I had, hand-downs from friends - was going to take pics of those too.
But I'd need to check that they sounded OK or not before I did anything with them. I mean in replay quality, not musical genre judgement.
Like you, even just checking the former, to find out whether it was terrible, good, or great! ;=})
I'll get around to making notes and taking pics.
Even just for fun !
Cheers
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Post by Citroen on Aug 22, 2022 19:26:57 GMT 12
Let me know if you want to pass any of them on.
Did you ever get to the Dom Rd op shop?
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Post by RdM on Aug 22, 2022 19:52:02 GMT 12
Let me know if you want to pass any of them on. Did you ever get to the Dom Rd op shop? Sure, I'll get around to posting pics here, let alone offering any.
No, I just haven't felt up to traveling much beyond library local shops and supermarkets lately. I could bus, sometime. Wonder if it's still there? I still haven't found my former copy!
Thanks and cheers;~ )
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Post by Citroen on Aug 22, 2022 20:05:28 GMT 12
I'll try to pop back to the op shop sometime this week and will let you know if any are still there.
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Post by RdM on Aug 22, 2022 20:23:40 GMT 12
I'll try to pop back to the op shop sometime this week and will let you know if any are still there. You're so very kind! I think we were just talking about Lisa Ekdahl Nature Boy, the missing CD. Weirdly one of the tapes is the Moulin Rouge film soundtrack, a very different version of NB on its first track.
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Pundit
Post by harvey on Aug 26, 2022 12:47:39 GMT 12
I had a feeeling it might have been you who pipped me at the post on this.  Worked out ok though as I bought an Audio Research pre that came on the market not long after (something I've had a hankering to try) and had I bought the Nak would've have had to pass on the preamp. Still jealous though...
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Post by Citroen on Aug 26, 2022 12:59:37 GMT 12
I'll try to pop back to the op shop sometime this week and will let you know if any are still there. Couldn't find it. 😥
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Post by RdM on Aug 26, 2022 18:34:29 GMT 12
I'll try to pop back to the op shop sometime this week and will let you know if any are still there. Couldn't find it. 😥
Thanks! No worries. It'll turn up some time. I see two on D Rd, I only ever went to the one near Valley Rd.
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Post by RdM on Aug 26, 2022 19:04:38 GMT 12
In the early '90s working at an audio visual library (old school 16mm film and the latest VHS!) I used to make tapes from CDs to listen via headphones on the bus and walk to work.
I don't do that now, walking out - I like to keep situational awareness.
But back then I had and still have, a bit battered now, but still functional, a Sony Walkman WM-20.
Since I had access at work to a photocopier (and could borrow CDs) I used to copy cut and paste my own labels for the card tape insert.
Photo of those later. But here's that WM-20 late this afternoon tonight.
Can take normal chrome & metal tape, the latter on the same chrome setting. 40-15kHz with Dolby B off.
Great pleasure with headphones at the time. It also had a plastic belt clip, broken off now.
I might try a repair, now I have it out again, and the part - it was the attachment to the back that broke.
And a further clean!
Cheers! 
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Post by Citroen on Aug 26, 2022 19:15:30 GMT 12
My walkmen have seized.
No doubt rubber belts turned to dust or sticky residue.
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Post by RdM on Aug 26, 2022 19:58:08 GMT 12
My walkmen have seized. No doubt rubber belts turned to dust or sticky residue. No belts in that one;- direct drive!
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Post by michaelw on Aug 30, 2022 19:05:24 GMT 12
You guys seen this doco ?
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Pundit
Post by papahemi on Aug 31, 2022 17:06:10 GMT 12
Technomoan's latest:
We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.
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