DBX 3BX Dynamic Range Expander
I use a pair of DBX 3BXs in my system. With their 3 bands up to 50% range expansion......they are the greatest thing since sliced bread for 8-track tapes! Set properly, they are pretty much transparent for 8-tracks, reels, FM, and even the overly compressed CDs they've been selling us for last few years!
The 3BX also has a 10db reduction in "source" noise reduction. So while they help with tape hiss and lp surface noise, I use DBX SNR-1s (Source Noise Reduction) to really eliminate tape hiss/surface noise.
The great thing about the SNR-1s is that unlike regular DBX noise reduction, they do not require "encoding/decoding". They work on ANY source material and as they are a real-time dynamic noise filter, they don't just chop off the highs at a certain frequency. They actually track the audio signal and ONLY eliminate the steady state noise. With them in, you not only don't lose any high freq. information.......you can hear the High frequencies better as they aren't buried in the source noise!
The combination results in being able to enjoy 8-track tapes and lps with almost the clarity and detail of a CD. Nothings perfect, but its more than enough to blow away audiophiles when I load up a lowly quad 8-track!!:uzi: