I recently heard an expensive copy of the Nora Jones tape and it is indeed terrific sounding. But, not only are good tapes exceedingly expensive, the selection of music is very limited. Still, I have been pleasantly surprised by what does occasionally show up, like a tape a friend has of Shostakovich string quartets; that seems pretty obscure to me.
At a show I heard a new reel to reel machine that has come on to the market (can't remember the maker) and it was quite good. I hope the new Revox is also good even though I don't think I will ever get a tape machine myself (I am way too lazy and lacking in funds for that).