What makes tape sound better than vinyl ?


Even when making recordings from vinyl to cassette, in some aspects it sounds better, though overall in this particular example the turntable sounds better than the deck. Tape sound appears to have a flow and continuity that vinyl lacks. 
inna

When you transfer vinyl to reel to reel, it sounds better on playback. The same goes for CD. Many professional audiophiles have concluded there is nothing better than reel to reel.

Since I just enjoy the results, and breaking down each element of why it sounds better takes the pleasure out of basking in the sound of a good reel, I can't help you on specifics.
Many years ago I noticed that the tape seemed to do something nice to the sound of vinyl.

Turned out the reason was because I was using headphones and the turntable didn’t like the vibration from the speakers. So I went about the process of providing for a vibration-free stand, platform and turntable and then the difference vanished- in fact went in favor of the LP.

Stand: custom Sound Anchors on Aurios Pro bearings
platforms: UltraResolution Technology (n.l.a.)

The best way to eliminate unwanted vibration is to get rid of the needle and of the arm, that's, theoretically, laser-based playback. But it was never really developed. Maybe one day.
Besides, what about 1/2" tape machines ? Not that decks don't have vibration interference, they do, so you deal with it as much as possible. Replacing lamp cord power cable should improve it further, I guess.