A head assembly according to one embodiment includes at least one module having magnetic transducers for reading and/or writing to a magnetic tape; electronics electrically coupled to the transducers, the electronics comprising at least one of amplifiers; bias circuitry; write drivers; write resistors; a memory device; and a chip with at least one of identification information about the head assembly, customization data, and firmware; and a connector for detachably interfacing to a drive having a head region for receiving the head assembly. A method according to one embodiment includes inserting a head assembly in a head region of a magnetic tape drive, the head assembly having one or more modules containing a plurality magnetic transducers and one of amplifiers, write drives, or bias circuitry; wherein upon receiving the head assembly the drive is at least one of a functional drive, an updated drive, and a legacy drive.