[Marc Harmon]

I have a Magnicord 1024 reel to reel which has not been used in near to 20
years when it worked fine. I want to use the microphone preamps but not the
tape transport. This model is a transistor (not tube) version.
1) On first turn-on after 20 years would it be wise to use a Variac (which I
do not have-but might be able to borrow or build an alternate) to warm up
the components slowly? Or given that these are preamps stages is this not
necessary? Ie no capacitors of any significant size that would need
reforming?

2) The Magnecord 1024 had the preamps and electronics separate from the
transport. Two cords where used to plug into the transport. In using the
preamps only, I had not intended to plug to the transport. Does anyone know
if running the electronics unplugged to the transport would hurt any part of
the electronics?

I am hoping it is designed such that this can be done. I am expecting that
the call to the biasing current occurs only when the record button on the
transport is engaged. And in it's absence, only the microphone preamps will
be on. Or anything else on has no issue being open ended.
But I am unsure.

Does anyone know?

Thanks, Marc