Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Cassette Players

Analog Audio Design Introduces The TP-1000 Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck

The Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Reel-to-Reel Deck will hit your wallet hard at $20,000 and is playback only.

Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Reel-To-Reel Tape Player Lifestyle

Vinyl Records have made a solid resurgence in the consumer market, and audio cassettes have also made a mild resurgence. However, did you know that the market for new reel-to-reel tape decks has become rather competitive?

With that in mind, Analog Audio Design, has been getting a lot of attention for its $20,000 TP-1000 reel-to-reel tape deck.

However, there is one very important thing to point out, the TP-1000 is a playback-only deck. No recording capability is provided. 

Tip: A separate reel-to-reel playback and record deck with 15 and 30 ips support targeted to the professional market is expected to become available in late 2023.

Analog Audio Designs TP-1000 Reel-to-reel Tape Deck
Analog Audio Designs TP-1000

TP-1000 Core Features

The TP-1000 is the result of a four-year development plan. It is constructed from new components, utilizing technologies such as computer-aided design and advanced testing tools to optimize tape transport and minimize distortion.

AM Belgium-Made Heads: The heads used in the TP-1000 are sourced from AM Belgium, who also inherited the head technical specs directly from Studer/ReVox when they shut down. The cylindrical head shape with a large contact area reduces head wear and low-frequency head bump. This design supports consistent and resilient headwear that provides better performance. 

Tip: The Playback head on the TP-1000 is the same as used on the Studer A800, A820, A810, A812, and A807.

Analog Audio Designs TP-1000 Studer Playback Head

Motors: The TP-1000 is a three-motor machine that employs DC motors. The motors are coupled by a belt and a flywheel to a modern design. This reduces the cogging and flutter commonly associated with DC motors.

Strain Gauge: The TP-1000 incorporates “strain gauge” tape tension sensors. The sensors measure the tension on the tape during play or fast-wind conditions. Tape tension is held to 0.5 grams and is read/corrected in less than one millisecond. This improves tape handling so that playback quality is optimized. Also, the risk of tape damage is lessened – you don’t want to mess up those master tapes! 

Analog Audio Designs TP-1000 Strain Gauge

Operational Features: Multiple touchscreens are provided for setup options. The interface handles extensive setting management from spool speed to capstan speed, NAB or IEC, network information, tape tension, headphone output level, calibration settings, autoplay, last play, track repeat, and more.

Tip: The TP-1000 can also be controlled via an iPad or Iphone (no word on Android). 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Analog Audio Design TP-1000  Reel-To-Reel Tape Player Operational Controls

Firmware Updates: The TP-1000 includes an RJ45 ethernet connector that allows easy installation of firmware updates if needed. 

TP-1000 Specifications

  • Tape Format: 1/4 inch (6.35mm) reel-to-reel
  • Track Format: 2-track. 2-channel (DIN 0.106 inch, 2.7mm)
  • Max. Reel Size: 11.8 inches (30 cm)
  • Tape Speeds: Switchable two speeds: 15 ips (38.1 cm/s) and 7.5 ips (19.05 cm/s)
  • Tape Speed Accuracy: Within +/-0.05%
  • Pitch Control Range: +/-100%, resolution of 0.01 ips
  • Wow and Flutter: 15 ips = <0.045% peak, weighted (DIN 45507) 7.5 ips = <0.090% peak, weighted (DIN 45507)
  • Equalization: NAB or IEC, switchable
  • Reproduce Record Level: 320 nWb/m or 514 nWb/n, switchable
  • Frequency Response:
    • 15 ips = 30hz to 22kHz (+/-2 dB) at 0 VU
    • 7.5 ips = 30hz to 20kHz (+/-2 dB) at 0 VU
  • Signal-To-Noise Ratio: (THD-N, in CAL) / A-Weighting 15 ips = 71 dB / 78 dB 7.5 ips = 70 dB / 77 dB
  • Distortion: 0.8% or less at 1kHz, 15 ips
  • Channel Crosstalk: 60 dB or more
  • Wind Speed: Switchable three speeds = 2 m/s, 6 m/s, 10 m/s Wind Speed Control: 1 m/s to 12 m/s, resolution of 1 m/s
  • Capstan Motor: DC servo motor, belt drive Reel Motor: 2x DC motor, belt drive Dimensions (WxHxD): 466mm x 519mm x 305mm
Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Reel-To-Reel Tape Player Connections

Connections

Input 1: (not active)

  • Connector = XLR
  • Level, selectable = Balanced: +4dBu (in CAL)
  • Unbalanced: -10dBV (in CAL)

Input 2: (not active)

  • Connector = XLR (powered 48V)
  • Level, selectable = balanced -60 dBV (in CAL) -40 dBV (in CAL)

Tip: The reason the TP-1000 has inputs even though it is a play-only deck is because the forthcoming record/play deck will be using the same chassis. Doesn’t quite make total sense unless they are going to offer a recording capability upgrade for the TP-1000, but OK. 

Output:

  • Connector = XLR
  • Level, selectable = Balanced: +4dBu (in CAL)
  • Unbalanced: -10dBV (in CAL)

Other:

  • IR Input: Infrared remote control
  • Headphone Output: 1.5 W maximum (8-ohm load)
  • Ethernet: RJ45 10/100Base-T for remote control and firmware update
  • Weight: 61.73 lbs. (28 kg)

Power Supply

  • Connector = IEC 3-pole
  • Voltage Range = 90 to 264 VAC
  • Frequency Range = 47 to 63 Hz
  • Power Consumption = 40 W maximum
Analog Audio Design TP-1000 Reel-To-Reel Tape Player Front View

Pricing, Availability, and Deals

The TP-1000 retails for $20,000 in the US and that price includes a hard shell shipping case designed for the deck. The TP-1000 comes with a two-year warranty 

Deal: TP-1000 purchasers can get a free carbon fiber RX reel. 

When you purchase a new TP-1000 from Pro Audio LTD, ask for the “TP-1000 RX Bundle” and it will come with a new carbon fiber reel from RX Reels at no charge!

Click here to inquire about or buy the TP-1000

Where To Buy Pre-Recorded Reel-to-Reel Tape Content

Since the TP-1000 is a player-only tape deck, you need some tapes to play on it. Unless you do your own reel-to-reel recording using another deck, here are some sources to check out. 

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. AJP

    August 16, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    The prices of these decks and the tapes must be some kind of joke!! Definitely a rich man’s hobby and for those who have money to burn. Hard to believe there are people who would pay this kind of money for a source that is only marginally better, if that, than vinyl.

  2. Karl

    August 20, 2023 at 10:11 pm

    $20,000 for a machine that can’t record? Glad I held on to the TEAC X-10R I purchased in the 90s for $75!

    • Ian White

      August 20, 2023 at 10:19 pm

      Karl,

      That raised a few eyebrows to say the least.

      IW

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

Latest Products

T.H.E. Show and IASCA Logos

Car Audio

Upcoming T.H.E. Show events to showcase the latest in car audio systems in partnership with IASCA.

Schiit Audio Mimir DAC Schiit Audio Mimir DAC

DACs

The Schiit Mimir DAC offers high-res 32-bit PCM sound, digital preamp functionality, and balanced outputs, all without the fluff of MQA or DSD—just pure,...

NAGAOKA MP-700 Phono Cartridge Playing Vinyl Record NAGAOKA MP-700 Phono Cartridge Playing Vinyl Record

New Products

With a non-traditional phono cartridge design, NAGAOKA's MP-700 elevates the vinyl record listening experience at a rather steep price.

Anker Nebula X1 Projector Anker Nebula X1 Projector

New Products

Go wireless with the Anker Nebula X1 projector—perfect for creating a backyard movie theater without the hassle of cords. Maybe one.

JL Audio C6-653cs Speakers for Ford F-150 JL Audio C6-653cs Speakers for Ford F-150

Car Speakers

Upgrade your Ford F-150's audio with Garmin's new JL Audio C6 three-way speakers and Stealthbox subwoofer. Experience powerful sound and custom fit for your...

Bowers and Wilkins Px7s3 headphones in Indigo Blue and Anthracite Black. Bowers and Wilkins Px7s3 headphones in Indigo Blue and Anthracite Black.

New Products

Some of our favorite over-ear wireless noise cancelling headphones are getting a major update. But will tariffs make these practically unaffordable in the United...

Gift Ideas?

Cost-no-object Audiophile Gear

Floorstanding Speakers

When money is no-object in building a high-end audio system, this is the audiophile gear you'll want to check out first.

You May Also Like

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

The well known TV reviewer and tech journalist extraordinaire has announced the launch of a new company, CD Creative Media LLC and a new...

Home Theater

On this episode Caleb Denison, formerly of Digital Trends, shares his thoughts on 2025 TVs along with the launch of his new YouTube channel,...

HDTV 4K & 8K TV

With a 120 Hz OLED panel, perfect blacks and an affordable price, LG's B4 may be the value pick for price-conscious TV buyers right...

News

Does it make sense to spend more than most audiophiles spend on their entire system on a little box that makes your power clean?

Podcasts

Nick Brown, SVS VP of Marketing reveals some surprising ways to get better sound from your hi-fi and home theater system, and gear you...

Headphone Amps

Suzi by Chord Electronics delivers compact, modular high-end audio with a built-in phono stage, ULTIMA tech, and flexible DAC/streaming integration.

New Products

Some of our favorite over-ear wireless noise cancelling headphones are getting a major update. But will tariffs make these practically unaffordable in the United...

Headphone Amps

FiiO is slapping U.S. audiophiles with a brutal 40% price hike starting May 1st, thanks to new tariffs. Get ready for sticker shock on...

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers