What makes tape sound better than vinyl ?

Good !  If you want to test the recording capabilities, TDK MA-XG metal tape is second best and available. Maxell MX-S is good but not reference level. Of Type II tapes I used Maxell XLII-S, there is also rare TDK SA-XG.

I have two Sony Cassette decks; Sony TC-KA3ES. The purpose for having two, was to make tapes in the listening room, and listen to them late at night in the bedroom. That worked out just fine, but when metal tape was no longer available, I began to lose interest.

That deck really popped with metal tape, but the music didn't hold my interest with lesser tape. Our oldest automobile had a tape, but after we traded that in, it made the deck totally obsolete. I only use it for the few spoken word tapes that I have.

What does anybody think it's worth?


      http://www.kenrockwell.com/audio/sony/tc-ka3es.htm

Digital far exceeds cassette at a far less overall cost factor and is far easier to manage and maintain.

Cost factor and maintainability are not necessarily convincing arguments when dealing with audiophiles. You know.....