2. analog
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Reel to Reel uses -

My wife and I love to entertain.  It never ceases to surprise me how many will walk over to my stereo and stare at my Reel to Reel tape deck.  Some under the age of 35, will ask what it is? Others want to know why I have it, and what do I use it for?  Of course I answer their questions, but now it makes we wonder how others use their machines?  I have been following a couple of high end blogs that I really enjoy and see that one gentlemen uses his machine to play master tape copies.  I do this as well, but have no where near the selection that he does.  I make copies of my favorite LP's to play when guests are over, and also make my own master tapes using a couple of neuman's microphones.  I record small jazz trios and solo artists straight to the machine.  People are amazed at how 'real' these tapes sound.  My main reel to reel is a Pioneer RT-1050 high speed half track.  I have a second just like it that I use for the above mentioned site recordings.  I also have a ReVox B-77, a Sony TC-765, and a Crown 822, all half track machines.  Anyone out there making your own masters?

Norman
normansizemore
inna
7,388 posts
 
Norman,
If tape handling is smoother and the electronics is much better, how can it not sound better? I would guess it should.

wolf_garcia
6,734 posts
 
Nothing beats a great reel to reel deck…I've been a pro musician since 1967 and it's interesting that analog decks are back in a big way in pro studios, even when the recordings are put into a digital mix eventually. The Steely Dan guys loved Otaris, and a friend with a commercial studio uses his all the time. I'd buy a United Home Audio deck if I could afford it…way cool. If you didn't own a TEAC in the 70s you were a LOSER (kidding, but still). Made home demos on a borrowed Revox back in the day, all good. Splicing tape is an almost lost art…demag…clean your heads!
normansizemore OP
601 posts
 
Inna,
I suppose e differences that I notice are not so much with the Studer sounding better than the Otari ( some may disagree).  It's just the feel of using the machine.  It's silky smooth at every touch, and the engament has more finesse. That said, the Otari's while not as smooth handling have a sterling  reputation as excellent machines.
Norman

inna
7,388 posts
 
I am glad that there are still many enthusiasts of RTR decks. I hope, this is going to be my next big audiophile project. Otari would probably be more than enough, though Studer sounds very appealing. I think, I heard that Studer also has legendary quality and longevity heads.
Dream system - open reel deck, amps, speakers, cables. And that's it.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I have had my eye on reel to reel since I was a kid.  With the introduction of the tape project a few years ago, the cost of their tapes and the expense of a machine to play those tapes, I didn't think I would be able to participate. 

I probbaly looked for one of those machines on audiogon every day - and was able to pick up a modded (to play tape project tapes) Revox B77, Mk II (thanks, Scar) last week.  The machine is a pefect specimen and did not break the bank.  I ordered an Opus 3 tape and listened to 15ips 2 track IEC for the first time on my system and was totally floored.  There is nothing like it.  I never thought I would ever consider spending $300-$400 or more on one tape with just a dozen or so tracks but when you hear the live performance in your litening room, you will smile like you haven't since prom night.  My vinyl and digital sound awesome but this is just a different plane.  I cannot recommend reel to reel highly enough.  
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