Does J-Corder offer an upgrade to the record-playback section of the machine?

Yes. We believe “good sound” originates with a good recording. For that reason the J-Corder pre-amp upgrade improves both the record and playback sections, and our cost is usually less than half the cost of the other companies that offer an upgrade.

When purchasing a tape deck you will want to ask the question, “Does this tape deck modification address both the playback stage and recording section?” Even if you only plan on listening to pre-recorded tapes or the re-engineered masters you may find yourself wanting to do some recording in the future; by modifying only the playback section you will limit yourself.

How do the upgrades by J-Corder actually improve the sound of the music?

Our upgrade allows you to record at a much higher level resulting in a better sounding tape. Using a J-Corder machine with the upgraded record and playback section improvements produces a tape that sounds as good as or better than any pre-recorded tape you can buy.

Why would I want to record my own tapes?

Selection, Cost and Time.

Selection. You want Metallica – you record Metallica. You want the Ventures – you record the Ventures. You want Sergio Mendes – you record Sergio Mendes. If it is music pleasure that you desire, you will want to record your own tapes by choosing the genre and selection and create your own playlist.   

Cost. Recording your own tapes can save you money. The price on the pre-recorded tapes can be as much as $300.00 each. The cost of a high-end, new tape is approximately $50.00. And your tape contains only the songs that you enjoy.

Time. You listen to what you want as soon as you want. There is no waiting for a catalog release or order to arrive in the mail.

While we recognize the beauty and historic significance of the Re-engineered Masters sometimes you just want to hear what you want - when you want it. Being your own “mixologist” puts you in control. J-Corder decks allow you to enjoy both the beauty of the re-engineered pre-recorded tapes as well as giving you the option to record your own.   

Is it hard to make your own tapes?

No it’s actually very easy. You can record right from your vinyl LPS or CD and after you make your first tape you’ll get used to the process and it will be very easy for you to make your own tapes.

How long will a tape last before it starts to lose the sound quality?

As long as you use a newly manufactured tape like the ATR tape listed on our site and store the tape properly you will not lose the fidelity in your lifetime.

How much playing time will I get on a tape?

At 15 IPS you will get about 37 minutes. At 7 ½ IPS you will get 74 minutes. At 3 ¾ IPS you will get 148 minutes. If you have an auto reverse machine like the Technics 1700 you get these same playing times going in each direction so if you record at 3 ¾  IPS you will get almost 5 hours of listening before you hear the same song again.

This is old-school technology; does it really sound better than what is being developed today?

The “goodness” of sound is subjective. However at the 2009 CES show in Las Vegas we were told by the people listening to our machines that the J-Corder tape decks sounded much better than many of the other sources, including the other tape demonstrations that were heard at the show.

We don’t want to enter the two great debates: analog vs. digital and integrated circuitry vs. tube, that is for you to decide when you choose your source. However we stand by the warm, rich, full sound of our J-Corder tape decks. In side-by-side comparisons between CD and Open Reel the J-Corder tape deck always comes out ahead.   

Does the sound get degraded from the original source when you record?

No it doesn’t. Believe it or not, it will actually sound BETTER. I know it doesn’t seem possible but hearing is believing and once you hear the beautiful sound of that tape you will choose the sound of the tape over the original source every time. It is hard to believe but true.

Isn’t a tape deck notorious for hiss and background noise?

Again “good sound” comes from a good recording. Our upgraded system allows you to record with the VU meters nearly driven all the way with no deterioration in the sound quality at all. A tape made at a higher recording level will have much less hiss or noise. That is why the J-Corder sound is so quiet. You don’t hear that noisy hiss.

Those VU Meters may look cool, but are they really necessary?

The VU meters allow you to maximize both the record and the playback function of the machine. Without them you have no control over the setting of the playback level.

How can I integrate a tape deck with my current system?

There are several factors to consider when buying a tape deck. Size is one. The upgraded components of a J-Corder machine are incorporated inside the machine so the original design of the deck is kept in tact. With a J-Corder there are no extra boxes, mechanisms or wires to contend with.

The J-Corder tape deck can be customized to coordinate or compliment the aesthetics of your current system. Jeff will work with you to plan the body color, VU meters, lights, side panels and metal finishes that give you “the look” you want.

Are J-Corder tape decks complex and hard to run?

No. A J-Corder machine operates just like the original machine, the way it came out of the box.  Counters, VU meters and controls are all operable and guide you in the playback and record functions.

What about some other upgrades that are available from other companies, claiming to improve the performance?

Decide what it is that you want from your tape deck before making the purchase and develop a list of questions to ask. There are some modifications that harm the performance of the machines. Such as:

o         Removing the tape guides which will cause premature wear on the tape head and tape.

o         Disconnecting the tape counter which makes it difficult to find a specific spot on the tape.

o         Disabling of the VU meters limits your playback and record functions.  

How about the AC cord upgrades that are sold by other companies?

Every J-Corder gets a new 12 gauge, 3 conductor filtered power cord installed. We’ve listened to $1,000.00 power cords and we have heard NO IMPROVEMENT at all over our cord - either sonically or in the functioning of the machine. Our upgraded cord is standard on every machine so save the extra expense and spend your money on something else. Our upgrade also keeps the DC power source input intact and usable. The power cord upgrades provided by some of the other companies remove the DC power supply option.  

Are there any other benefits to having one of these J-Corder machines in my system besides the better sound quality?

Absolutely!

o         Quick turn around time. We stock our most popular machines, which are the black, and those usually ship within three days of the order being completed. Special colors take a little longer and usually will ship within 4-6 weeks of the order being completed.

o         Hand assembled deck, built to your specifications

o         Preserve your vinyl records and save wear and tear on your cartridge by using a J-Corder. Audio equipment is very expensive so saving wear and tear is a very big plus.

o         When you make your tapes, you can choose only your favorite songs and never have to listen to a song that you do not like. Why pay for something that you don’t enjoy?

o         Last but not least, no other tape deck at any price can match the beautiful custom finish that every J-Corder has. It will look incredible in your equipment rack and impress your friends with a beautiful appearance as well as great sound.