Abstract: A magnetic data transfer system includes a tape drive with a magnetic tape cartridge insertable in a cartridge receptacle in the tape drive, and a magnetic data transfer head having at least two data transfer elements disposed in succession along a transport direction of the tape drive. The vertical position of the magnetic data transfer head in the tape drive is adjustable along a vertical adjustment direction. The data transfer elements monitor a monitored feature of the magnetic tape, such as a tape edge, a reference track or a servo track, and generate respective signals which are supplied to a controller circuit. The controller circuit, dependent on a difference between these signals, generates a control signal which is supplied to an adjustment mechanism.