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.
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.