D Peter Maus wrote:
David Eduardo wrote:
"none" ""dave\"@(none)" wrote in message
...
Telamon wrote:
In article ,
"David Eduardo" wrote:

The problem with these over many years is the tape formulation kept
changing to improve the high end so you needed to have amplifiers
with
selection switches depending on the tape formulation. Some even
required
different heads (gap) depending on the ferro grain size in the tape.
I never experienced that. By 1960, the format for 2 track mono
(forward and reverse) and, later, for two track stereo were the
same in consumer and boradcast applications. You are likely
thinking of the mid to late 50's stuff, which was not as standardized.
Nope. Before my time.

Consumer decks used 4 tr stereo, 2 tracks in each direction.

Not all of them. The early ones like the Wollensak were mono, one
track each way. And many consumer decks, like the Sony 777 series,
came as either two or 4 track, depending on the consumer need. The
break point was around $500 with those below that cost being as you
describe, and those above having options. Even the $2000 Otari of the
late 70's and 80's came with either configuration.



The Wollensak T-1500 series, common as crabgrass, was available mono
record/Stereo reproduce. Ampex 600 series could be had with a stereo
play head, as well. Both half track.

I think the MX-505BII came with a 4th head, for quarter track stereo
playback.