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

dill,

I have nothing against reel-to-reel decks but if every manufacturer abandoned it, it is hard to understand why many claim it is a thriving format.

There are people who can restore artefacts from many centuries ago so having an occasional technician who is willing to work on a tape deck hardly shows significant viability.

Having said that, I am not sure why OP calls for reel-to-reel annihilation. Let people have fun with their toys as long as they can.

By the way, both of your above links brought me to the same webpage.

I doubt anyone with a Stellavox or Studer, first, needs parts except possibly heads, and second, would part with it for less than several thousand dollars at least.  Of course, I could have mentioned Nagra if I knew someone wanted to buy one, but you can go to ebay or whatever if you wish to buy an analog R2R.  I don't have the available funds, personally.  You can send it back to Nagra for a complete refresh using original parts as well.

Today they are surviving very well with high-end digital, but that's another story and involves actually producing products that are capable of high quality digital recording AND they have analog inputs as well to use on film sets, etc.  I am certain that Foley people have many historical sounds on analog tape in their libraries that they still use.

When the OP posted that this format was dead--obviously just a troll trying to stir up whatever--I was motivated to remind audiophiles that many of the "live" recordings they love so much and almost all first-tier films were done on these analog machines, to their great credit and sound quality.

Regarding musicians and digital, sure it is easier.  It is also easier to eat at McDonalds than to cook your own food.  Choices, choices...

Cheers!

I remember when everyone said record albums were obsolete. Same time when CDs were going to replace them. The only format I would say is dead is 8-track. My player ate all my tapes...eventually.

+10 @elizabeth

I am first in line for the caning though.....

Got an old 8 track so I am not worthy!

@2pysop.
Have you checked eBay of late for 8 track tapes and machines for sale. I guess someone forgot to tell them it was dead ....lol