What makes tape sound better than vinyl ?

I would be remiss if I did not mention that this whole thing could simply be another case of copies always sounding better than the originals. You know, like copies of CDs always sounding better than the originals. I know, I know, you thought that was some kind of aberration. Just one of those things, just one of those craaazy things...🎼

orpheus10, thank you. Yeah, that's the one, but A810 and perhaps A807 would be enough for me. There are A810 and A807 on ebay now, sold by some Germans, with custom tube outboard playback head preamp. That's how I would eventually want it. I'll get there in time, no doubt.

I just cranked my reel up (a Technics RS-1500), and right off the bat Lee Morgan's trumpet was in the listening room; I didn't have to make any effort to know that the reel was better than anything else I have, it just is.

If I didn't own a reel, I wouldn't buy one; there are a lot of things you have to know when you own a reel. Although I have learned those things, I still have to go over the check list in my mind when I get involved with the R to R. Magnetism is so taboo, and you have to demagnetize the heads. When you do this, you have to remember to move all your recorded tapes a good distance away, or you will mess them up; over the years I've accumulated quite a few, so that's a headache.


Bigger is better. When you compare the size of a cassette tape head, to the size of a R to R tape head. Stereo half track sounds better than stereo quarter track, assuming that both tape decks are of the same quality.


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When you compare the convenience of all the digital methods of record and playback, one has to be an extreme audiophile to opt for reel, but for those who must have the very best, there it is.

Besides, what about 1/2" tape machines ?

They're awesome! Not many titles available, but you can record your own. The format is a bit pricey...

Yeah, that's perhaps too much even for "extreme audiophiles", as Orpheus10 put it. But why not ?
Ralph, which one sounds better, 1/2" four track or 1/4" two track ? Assuming 7 1/2 ips and 15 ips speeds.