Can we finally put Reel to Reel out of its misery? Put it to rest people.

Like Vinyl, analog tape is of course and older technology.  Is it dead, well that depends on your perspective.  I have a VPI turntable, Wadia digital, Tuner, and Revox A77.  This is of course a mix of vintage hardware and much newer technology.  To put it simply, not all available media is either affordable or in good shape but I do have some older recordings (family type stuff) that I cherish and that was recorded on m A77.  I also have recording that were made from sources that are no longer available to me in any format.

Do I enjoy any format over another? Simple answer: they are all great given the restrictions or the very character of the playback device. Noise, hiss, pops, etc. are part of the media and enjoying the music simply requires a mental step; what's more important the content or the delivery .... I go fo content always!

Sam

@samuelb 

Well said Sam.

+1

I have some 50s pre-recorded RRs that are amazingly good but transferred them to CD via the Alesis Masterlink.

I've used the Masterlink extensively. Its OK, but is really an artifact of the early 2000s and not up to snuff with modern digital recording gear, studio grade reel to reels or LP. I've compared it side by side plenty of times. Nice for what it is though. I've got one for sale cheap.

I honestly believe after cabling, music delivery medium is probably the least important aspect of a solid hi-fi system. If you have a properly performing and well attended to setup, you can get lost in well made mp3 files just as easily as tape. You might not listen as long, but a good deal of pleasure can still be had.

With tape, there is something so unmediated and transparent its hard to explain.  As a delivery medium tape will just knock your mouth agape in awe and wonder.