The dangerous world of Reel-to-Reel Tape

All I can say is that IMHE, with modern digital recordings, High Res digital is superior to analog R2R.

@mijostyn

please describe your most recent experience supporting that viewpoint. the particulars of the digital source and tape.

it is exactly the opposite for me.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/ak-hot-rodded-ampex-atr-102s-w-mr-70-preamps-replaces-my-studers.36288/page-6#post-861206

agree that digital is wonderful; however.....the best tape is on another realism level

I am being given an old Nagra portable deck. I expect it will be more of a display item than anything. It is a beautiful thing, precision to the max.

i do agree with you on this. owned a Nagra IV-S and Nagra T; both visual works of art. not the tip top level of tape performance, but still very fine when all is working properly.

Please allow me to ask a question because of my ignorance. What is the source of music for these reel to reel tape decks. Well, cared for tapes last without deterioration for 10 - 30 years. So, where do you get the music? And if you simply record from your vinyl or CDs… are the taped recordings supposed to sound better?

I recently read an article on how VHS is back and stores are opening up… with refurbished decks becoming really popular. What next the 8 track? I am confused. 

all 3 ( 4 really if you count DAT ) have merits and flaws…. but the sweeping generalizations are typically those who don’t really know….i call them small sample size audiophiles

Since i didn’t go so far as buying my own record lathe, i have very direct experience w comparing the other formats…. Ultimately library size issues across multiple systems / geographies won out w high speed half track tape going by the wayside…but for slam and impact IF the outboard deck electronics can keep up TAPE ( 15 ips half track  ) is IMO unmatched… And yes, i had a fantastic A2D…

IF it fits your needs and wants… go for the ride…

@ghdprentice besides the microscopic commercial tape selection, there is a thriving pirate trade in so called protection copy masters ( n generation )…. akin to messing w fentanyl…. but more $…. ha

@dogberry great and hilarious post… long live the obligatory christmas card ritual 

@thom_oz 

I hope you mean that the dbx box preserved the dynamics of those recordings you were capturing. Me, I wouldn't want the original dynamics altered in any way when taping (it audibly "pumps" if you push dynamic restoration more than 5-8%).

I can only tell you that, in general, my tapes sounded better than the source vinyl albums - especially those recorded 15 ips.  Back in the day, I also used a dbx 3bx to tweak the dynamic range a little bit during playback. The sound was a little fuller with a tad more bass. I still have the 3bx, but I no longer use it.

As for recording your vinyl today, surely your phono preamp before the BHK has a fixed line-out. You could use a splitter cable at that point, send the signal to the BHK Pre AND the tape deck or dbx box at the same time. Then monitor your recordings thru the BHK in your chosen tape input.

I use XLR cables between my Stellar phono pre and the BHK.  I may give the RCA cables with splitter idea a try.  That would be a lot cheaper than buying a new preamp or integrared amp 😂!