Can we finally put Reel to Reel out of its misery? Put it to rest people.

@viridian tubes are way way way more plentiful than reel2reels decks parts heads. Tube amps and tubes have never stopped being made. Reel2Reels have been stopped for 40 years. 

None of this is going anywhere. As long as people want to spend money on it, it will be around with the exception of wives. They just steal your money. On the other hand the only thing worse than being old is being old and alone.

Silly you. I’ll grant you it’s probably the not the best format for a modern audiophile.  It is however a very useful tool in the recording studio.  It’s far too fussy for someone who just wants to throw on a CD and sit back. I play 99% vinyl - easy- that R2R is fussy.For the most part you’ll have to make your own recordings from a good source. Ugh! The recorded tapes that are available are either outrageously expensive, have a poor selection of titles or are antiques. That’s why only professionals use R2R anymore, for the most part. Here’s how I use mine:  
 Synthesizer >Studio mixer >digital recording program>  Digital mixer > R2R > CDR/mp3 >  sound cloud. 
Look for my first ever release “new day May” by Bentunderground on sound cloud now. It’s a thunderstorm.  It sounds like crap on the phone. The R2R was critical in the recordings process as it enhances the soundstage and equalization for recording.
Please read and understand more before making blanket (trolling?) statements like you made.  There are many advocates of reel to reel on Audiogon - do a little research!

Bent

I have a Teac X10-R and about 15 (remaining) Maxell dbx 224 type II recorded reels.  At one point, I had about 40 reels but my Ampex reels deteriorated to the point where they were unplayable. 

Back in the 80's, I used two Technics SL-1600 MK2 turntables and a Rodec mixer in my home "studio."  I would spend months recording individual R&B and Jazz tracks to make a reel for my personal enjoyment.  I recorded albums and selected songs from albums that you cannot find on any streaming source.  I love vinyl, but it was so much easier to just play a reel of the songs I liked.  

My vintage gear is over 30 years old and I've tried to maintain it in like new condition.  No one's post is going to change my opinion of what I like or use.  I'm 71, more than likely, my R2R will die with me. But until them, I will continue to play and enjoy a reel now and then.

Can you say (or spell) STELLAVOX?  STUDER?

Better check it out before you declare R2R deceased.

ALSO, SOME older recording studios (Muscle Shoals, for example) still use analog (Scully 1", Ampex, etc).

SO, yes, not many use R2R today, but it has its place and is still used when needed i specific places.

Sorry to bust your digital ballon, but most digital recording is total garbage as anyone who has an ear or is a real musician will tell you.

Cheers,

Richard