Why no interest in reel to reel if you're looking for the ultimate sound?

"As much as I can appreciate the best quality pure analog, today’s digital is so so-oooo good that I can’t spend $450 for the tape."

Indeed that would be true if the digital file is as good as the master tape. I can testify to that, having archived many 15IPS master tapes in my collection in a straight zero level transfer with a professional Prism Sound A2D converter. The digital file sounds pretty much indistinguishable.

The problem is that many modern digital files are not just transferred, but remastered from the tape, and are often made worse. This is particularly true if compression is added after the transfer to make the sound "better" on a phone, rather than on an audio system.

I purchased a TEAC 1000R in 83 when I was in Germany in the Army. It has been stored since the 90’s. It is not that I didn’t like it, but I never used it. CD was the new kid on the block and I bought a nice Dbx player and built a collection. The few years that I did have the RTR in the system it was more for show. I had 3, six hour reels that I recorded and played back once or twice. The unit has well under 100 hours of total use, again at that time I was all in on CDs. One of these days I will dig it out of the closet and service it and prolly sell it to someone that will use it. 

@topoxforddoc wondering what your tape playback equipment consists of?

@scar972
In my main system downstairs, I have a Studer A820 1/2 inch and a 1/4 inch Otari MTR12 with a Dolby 363 NR unit, containing Dolby SR/ Dolby A cards.

https://i.vgy.me/Rye2Pf.jpg

https://i.vgy.me/OfKMvT.jpg

https://i.vgy.me/0tcXOh.jpg

In my study, I have the 2 R2R machines, which I could carry upstairs. I have a pair of Sony APR 5000 units (5003 & 5002) and a Studer A807/!! (all 1/4 inch) with another Dolby 363 SR/A unit.

https://i.vgy.me/xvuxdA.jpg

@topoxforddoc Very nice collection of professional equipment you have there! I had a chance to pick up a Sony APR 5003 at a good price but had to pass it up, how does it compare to the others you have? I have no room left for another large piece of equipment.