A storage system can include a first tape storage drive (TSD), a second TSD, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) where the first and second TSD are coupled back-to-back, with the PCBA between the two. The first TSD can include a first enclosure, a first head assembly, a first actuator, and a first connector. The second TSD can include a second enclosure, a second head assembly, a second actuator, and a second connector. The PCBA can include a first side having a first mating connector configured to connect to the first connector for the first TSD, a second side opposite the first side, the second side having a second mating connector configured to connect to the second connector for the second TSD, and a controller configured to control activation of the first actuator of the first TSD and the second actuator of the second TSD.