Reel to Reel Machine for 15 ips playback

I purchased a completely refurbished/rebuilt Revox PR99 MK2 from this company 2 years ago: https://www.techtrader.ch

Cost and shipping to the USA was very reasonable for a R2R tape deck this good that looks and performs like new. SQ is the very best I have ever heard. For example, Lyn Stanley 15ips RtR tape London With A Twist, Live At Bernie’s. Stupidly expensive, but, SQ second to none IMHO. Everyone who has heard this tape on my systems simply say "Wow, sounds like live music".

This website has a wealth of information on R2R machines and music on tape:

@chauncey

if you are wanting to be in the realm of state of the art tape playback, you should try to acquire a ’master recorder’ level deck. there are a number of decks at that level that are all capable of sounding great. any of the new decks brought to market recently do not play at that level.

these new decks play at the 'Prosumer' and 'Broadcast' level.....but not at the 'master recorder' level.

my recommendation would be to find a really good condition Ampex ATR-102. you need to talk to someone who is an expert about it. i would recommend reading this thread on What’s Best Forum about a change i just made from my Studer’s to a pair of ATR-102’s. that thread should answer many questions and provide contact info to a couple of guys who can help you. tape can be awesome.

If you don’t want to spend big bucks, a used Teac or Sony would be your best bet.  

the question becomes what level of decks can make $500 tape titles from Acoustic Sounds sound better than great vinyl?

as i have a considerable commitment to vinyl; surpassing my vinyl takes great tapes and a great RTR deck.

the better your vinyl, the better RTR deck system you need to surpass it. it is cheaper to get very good sound from a few nice tapes and a decent tape deck, than to get top level vinyl and plenty of records. more than one way to skin the cat.