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launderess

launderess

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Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage
Have always been easily bored, but that is me for you.

Vintage appliances, detergents, and so forth are all fine and well,but sometimes one just wants more. Sides, am getting that sick of soap and water, not to mention ironing.

What to do? Well aside from firing the cook or changing how one does one's hair, suppose one could redecorate the house.

Or, pick up yet a new hobby.

Opted for the later!

This arrived today!

launderess++7-17-2010-18-34-12.jpg
 
Was cleaning under one of the large cabinets and came upon a long forgotten basket of cassette tapes from my youth, college days and first few apartments. Went to play one (one does like a little background music whilst cleaning), and our old Fisher "Studio Sound" cassette deck wouldn't co-operate, so a hunt began for a replacement.

Of course can hear the youngsters thinking ole Launderess has inhaled too much bluing and is off her rocker. Afterall this is today, the era of Ipods, DVD's, and so forth.

Well am here to tell you this cassette player ROCKS! Am listening to Handel at the moment and the sound is so clear and rich,nothing like the condensed "digital" sound one has from modern devices.

launderess++7-17-2010-18-40-43.jpg
 
That is one serious cassette deck, Launderess. I still have (and use) my Nakamichi mid-80's deck (although mine is their BOL model). I also have a 1986 Nakamichi deck in my car. Still works!

Have fun with your new home audio interests!
 
i also still use cassettes-indeed when high quality equipment
is used,cassettes as an analog playback method,do truly have
a truer,more accurate sound than CDs or other digital playback
method.
my main cassette decks:
-1981 akai GX-F60R
-1982 revox b710 mk2
-1985 revox b215
 
A more powerful amplifier.

I've heard good things about the McIntosh MC275 both new and vintage. Since those cost a pretty penny, I'll stick with my early 1960s Magnavox consoles with their tube amplifiers. It's old technology, but they sound so good!

Enjoy the good music,
Dave
 
This is the turntable. All this drives a pair of 1976 Advent original Small Loudspeakers. I have three sets of Advents, IIRC that again, Jon may have been an influence in these as well...

I had a very nice 1976 Pioneer(?) cassette player-recorder but got rid of it when the playback started to get sluggish and cassettes were on the way to the pages of Wikipedia.

gansky1++7-18-2010-00-51-23.jpg
 
You'll have some fun with the vintage audio components, L. I think some of the purest sound ever is through vintage equipment - before all this newfangled digital tomfoolery came about. I don't use the turntable very often, Ben tried it out a couple of years ago for the first time and it was truly spectacular sound. Vinyl through the Marantz and out of the Advents - just like being there.

(yes, the black cord over the CD player goes to my iPod - it just so easy!)

I bought a Nikko amp and pre-amp at an auction from a huge audiophile estate (where the turntable came from as well) but the right channel in the amplifier failed and I never had it repaired after I got into the Marantz stuff. That Japanese audio had some serious power! I've never used any of the McIntosh, someday I'll stumble upon it at an estate sale. One can always hope.
 
Good buy! Nakamichi made some good tape decks. Some would even say that their best was the best period...although that's one of those things always open to debate.

The Meridian should be fun. Meridian has been a highly respected CD player maker. I have a vanishingly small CD collection--and the only reason I ever bought a CD player was because my-then local library had a good CD collection. Even so, I have half-dreamed of having a Meridian CD player.

I agree the JVC receiver (and--you may not like this news, Laundress!--possibly your speakers) should be upgraded. It's not just power to annoy the neighbors, but the fact I'm guessing it's too likely to seriously limit the Meridian and Nakamichi. It's like washing whites in cold water (in Maine in January), using no-name detergent, for 4 minutes--and expecting them to be their whitest.
 
Vintage Hi-Fi-yes I still use cassettes.The music I have on them is hard to find on CDs.(Band organ music)My car has a cassette player-Mark Levinson-it works really well. The Nakamichi cassette machines are still the best-used to use those in radio stations.They were common in rqadio studios at the time Nakamichis came out-were also sold thru radio station equipment suppliers as well as Hi-Fi places.The sounds of cassettes isn't as bad as first thought-esp if you recorded in proper levels on them.And I have repaired and set up Hi speed cassette dubbing machines-these do well if set up and tuned properly.At speed dubbers are best-many "Hi end" cassettes were dubbed that way-and their quality is excellent-easily as good as a CD.And of course for the cassette medium to work at its best both the recorder and player heads MUST be properly aligned and the PB Rec EQ must be properly tuned.I have done a lot of that.Maybe I should keep an eye out for a Nakamichi cassette machine.At the radio stations we had the model(Hi end one)that would flip over the cassette to play the other side-was fun to watch!I still like analog-and beleive it or not the Library of Congress archives its audio material to analog tape!They will transfer digital material to an analog form.Analog archives better and can always be reliably played back.Have a couple of broadcast quality reel-reel tape decks-just don't have them connected to my sound system.Got them for free from a radio station by doing transmitter and studio work for them.
Cassettes and AM radio don't get ANY respect---If most would like to know AM broadcast transmitters can be flat in response from 50-15Khz.Currently AM is flat to 10Khz.I have proofed and set up LOTS of AM transmitters.It is actually amazing to hear AM on a wide band receiver.
 
"At the radio stations we had the model(Hi end one)that would flip over the cassette to play the other side-was fun to watch!"

I'm guessing you're thinking of the Nakamichi Dragon. I once had a chance to see one, although--unfortunately--not in action. Still, it was an experience seeing a legend even if it was just sitting there.

Although, if I can believe Hi-Fi World, the Dragon wasn't the best they made. (Their vote is for the simpler Nakamichi CR 7e).

Link to article about the Nakamichi CR 7e:

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/nakamichicr7e.html
 
"It is actually amazing to hear AM on a wide band receiver."

I imagine so. I've long suspected that one huge problem with AM (or a reason for lack of respect) is equipment the end user is using. Most people only have equipment that supports AM as a "convenience." By many accounts, this convenience is as cheaply engineered as the equipment maker can possibly get away with. That $800 surround sound receiver may have a .25 chip that handles all radio functions. That may be good enough for listening on those days to find out if the snow outside will cancel school. But that's about all it will probably do.

Then, you have the nature of AM radio today in many places. I haven't listened recently, but as I best recall, all my area has is news, sports, and far out extremist political commentaries on the AM band. Frankly, with fare like that, many will say, "Who cares about AM?"

It's too bad. Radio was such a big thing historically. Once it was the only electronic communication system in place--no TV, no Internet. It was a part of history, like the Depression years (the 1930s one, that is, not the current economic mess) and World War II. And--back then--radio came in one flavor: AM. I can't speak about how well it performed then, but I have to think things were better. Back then, no junky radio that had trouble getting a signal from a strong station two blocks away would have survived on the market long. Radio was too important. Past that, broadcasting was so much more vital. I've heard old radio shows (an addiction of mine, once) that were--unlike so much of modern TV--actually entertaining. Sigh. As always, sometimes progress really isn't progress.
 
While on the topic of "unloved" formats...

...another one came to mind: the 78 RPM record. Something that is relegated to dusty antique shops as far as many people are concerned.

And yet, the humble 78 holds so much important history, so many important musical performances.

78s are also, I've been told, capable of amazing performance when properly played back. I think some even feel they at least have areas where they out perform later media. One huge plus pointed to is the sheer simplicity--back then, it was a microphone, an amplifier, and a record cutting lathe. No tape deck. No bank after bank of equalizers. The simple solution is often the best performing one.

Even oldest records, which were acoustic, like the Victrola, are supposed to be surprisingly good, although limited in many ways.

Link to Hi-Fi World article discussing old acoustic phonograph:

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/emgmodel10b.html
 
Actually stereo manufacturers came to the conclusion that the stereo format in analog was developed as far as it would go about 1986 or so. The ones that survived the late 80's shake out in the industry converted their R&D development to home theater multi-channel sound.

I think what you all are trying to say here is that the warmth is missing in CD pressings and digital equipment. I agree. Digital sounds so flat compared to analog.

I have a SAE A301 amp, with a P101 preamp and a pair of AR-3A speakers. Just totally fantastic sound. As a backup, I also have a pair of JBL-4311 control monitors. I switch back and forth. Combine that with a record collection of about 3,000 disks and I am still set.

As far as CD's go, I have a Nakamichi CD music box. It sounds just fantastic, well as far as CD's go. Nakamichi made some very good equipment.
 
Nakamici Dragon--that was it!!!Just couldn't fully remember-that refreshed my memory.Each of that radio stations studios had one.Certainly better than the Tascams(Trashcams)found today.
AM radio can be appreciated if you can get a GE "Superradio"these have wide band TRF AM sections.
Actually "Hi-Fi" sound appeared on 35MM cinema soundtracks in the 1930's when Westrex and RCA developted optical fim sound recording.So--many folks in those days had to get their "Hi-Fi" expreience at the movie theater.
Some disc and cylinder analog recordings were made in the days before electric amplification and recording-just a large horn the performers played or sang into that was connected to a recording cutter-the vibration alone powered it-a cotton ball moved in or out of the horn throat varied the record level.When some of these recordings are playedback on modern equipment-the quality was amazing.What killed a lot of analog was the sloppy "EQing" and multitrack mixing and recording-if these are properly used they can be OK.But the simplest approach is best-note many "Hi end Hi-Fi" recordings took this appoach of nothing more than two properly placed microphones connected DIRECTLY into a disc or tape recorder.The quality of these has to be heard to be appreciated-early Mobile Fidelity Sound records were made just this way-no mixers or Equalizers.
Oh yes at WLW in Cincinatty,Ohio-has a 50Kw AM transmitter that was custom built by Crosely-and certified by McIntosh labs to have 20-20Khz frequency response at less than .1% distortion.FCC specs for AM say anything below 3% is legal.The transmitter is still there and still can be used.They have another RCA 50Kw transmitter that was used to drive the 500Kw one they used for a short period.The 500Kw one is still there but not operational.They cannot get the Modulator and PA tubes for it.And the power and modulation transmformers and reactors have been drained of their PCB containing insulating oil.The FCC will not let WLW run the 500K transmitter even if they could get tubes or fix the transformers.They keep it as a "milestone" in early broadcasting-was built sometime in the 30's.A joint venture between RCA and GE.
 
Launderess---Now you need to find yourself a great turntable. I owned one of these Bang & Olafson TX-2 machines until an accident involving my cat sent it falling 4-1/2 feet to its untimely death in 1999.

Anyway, it's a linear tracking design, which solves the two bugaboos of tonearms/cartridges: skating and cartridge angle. They can be had at E-bay or in the marketplace at Audiogon.com

Pull out that stashed-away vinyl and rock, girl!

frigilux++7-18-2010-06-43-34.jpg.png
 
Yes, I think a turntable could be a nice addition for Laundress's new system!

I know next to nothing about B&O--although I have heard that they have one huge problem: the styli (or "needle" in non-audiophile circles) are not easy to come by. Making matters worse, I think B&O forces one to use their own cartridges. (Non standard mounting, or something like that.) This is not an impossible situation to work with--but it's frankly one I, myself, would want to deal with. Which is too bad--B&O is unique.

I don't know what I'd suggest. The easy choice, I think, is probably Rega. English company that--the last I heard--was still making their equipment in England. They are still very committed to turntables--last I heard, the founder still had little interest in CD (even though they now make some very well respected CD players). The turntables are simple, easy to use, and apparently durable. They are common--a ton (by audiophile standards, at least) have been sold over the years--so they are easy to find used. What else can you ask for? They even have your choice of color on one model!

Link to the Rega P3. (Other models have links on top. P1=cheapest, P9=Best, and the P78=a 78 RPM only turntable.)

http://www.rega.co.uk/html/p3-24 colours.htm
 
Audio cassettes share a problem with digital (CD) and FM radio - limited bandwidth. In all three cases the reproduction of higher frequencies cuts off at about 15,000 Hz. This is justified by the fact that the adult human ear, by testing, can't detect discrete tones above that frequency (and in many cases, a lot less).

However, the higher frequencies lend "presence" to a recording. Quality vinyl LP's preserve these high frequencies, provided they are played back on quality (elliptical) turntable equipment.

The other problem inherent in digital is indeed the "warmpth" problem, however that can be alleviated by the electronics in the CD player. I have a Yamaha component CD player that does just that - CD's played in it sound warmer than those played back in most other equipment.

The advent of DVD's and Blu-Ray, with 5 or more channels of sound, and greater frequency response promises to improve the digital sound world considerably. However that also depends on the playback equipment, and is probably a subject for another post if not another thread.
 
I'm Baaaaaack!

Well gang stayed up until the wee hours listening to cassettes that havent' seen the light of day since GWB1 was in office, and am that happy with this Nak!

Once hears subtle nuaces and such on tape one never heard before. By the time all was said and done and things were shut down for the night, the Nak deck was quite warm to the touch.

Just nabbed a slightly older Marantz receiver (NIB so the owner states), model number SR-8400 for less than $400.

While one wanted to go vintage, at the price and for what one plans (routing television, cable, future DVD player et al) through the thing, went with slightly modern instead. Perhaps at some point will have two systems, one for great music and another for home theather.

Say this because will probably add a dual CD recorder deck to my collection at some point. This will allow one to burn and archive all those cassette tapes, thus preserving them longer, and reducing some clutter. Sides, have heard that cassette tapes slowly degrade over the years, so sooner or later sound quality will go anyway.

My current speakers are Advent Baby II's, and yes they are going to go as well, or at least a new set will be required as a main/front pair, and will move the current speakers to become secondary "surround" sound.

Speaking of turn tables, yes have quite a collection of LP's, much of them quite new since they haven't been played since one moved away from home. Big Daddy's record player (part of a huge Hi-Fi console that sat in our living room), was the last time one had bothered with vinyl.
 
Nakamichi Dragons

Are very highly sought after, with prices going for well north of one thousand dollars. Restored, mint or such condition units complete with all original goodies (manuals, remote, etc) fetch near 5K or so.

Originally was going to try and nab a Nak Dragon, but don't roll with that kind of money for a "tape deck"! *LOL*

Nak's BX and a few other model series are just as great in many an expert's opinion. What matters is the head count (best Naks have three tape heads), and other features.
 
"Perhaps at some point will have two systems, one for great music and another for home theater."

There are many people who do that. There are huge advantages in that one can configure each system ideally for its intended use and the particular needs and values of the buyer. The only problem is that one needs more space, and it can be cheaper integrating the two systems since some things can be shared.

I have, from time to time, done separate music and TV sound systems--although I have never done surround sound. But it has, at times, been convenient having the two worlds kept apart.
 
As for CD recording

I don't record CDs from analog. But I suspect it could be expensive getting a CD recorder that can do the Nakamichi justice.

Plus my attitude is generally that digital recording of analog recordings can open the door of having the flaws of BOTH mediums.

Years back, the advice was to buy semi-professional equipment, which could be used with cheap CD blanks. ("Audio" CD blanks included a "tax" that went to the recording industry.)

I'm a little cynical about the CDs "lasting" argument. I think that it's in many ways a marketing ploy. Magnetic tape does age--but there are people with open reel tapes made who knows when who can still play those tapes.

Meanwhile, CD may or may not last. Some blanks apparently can "lose" the data in as little as two years. One huge plus to analog is that as it ages it MAY not perform as well, but it has to get pretty bad before it will stop working. Meanwhile, digital works well with minor flaws, but when those flaws get too huge, it stops working--period.
 
It Just Keeps Getting Better and Better

Played some Wagner earlier, now am listening to Depeche Mode.

The later is rather naughty for a Sunday, am sure Madame Ma Mere is turning the statues of saints and crosses upside down in our house as I type! *LOL*
 
I have an RCA dual cassette deck hooked up to my stereo, and at some point in time I want to get a turntable for it as well. CD's and MP3's are great but sometimes I like to listen to my records, and cassettes. I have a box of cassettes that have some mixes from when I was a show cast member at one of our bars. I listen to them now, and wonder what the hell were you thinking, LOL.
 

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