Tape is a natural medium. It breathes. Tape has sparkle, air, warmth and musicality, you know, things that are conspicuously absent from tape’s digital brethren. Exceptions some digitally remastered cassettes such as the 1994 Jimmy Page Led Zeppelin remasters, digitally remastered Country Joe and the Fish on Vanguard.
Why no interest in reel to reel if you're looking for the ultimate sound?
Wondering why more people aren't into reel to reel if they're looking for the ultimate analog experience? I know title selection is limited and tapes are really expensive, but there are more good tapes available now than ever before.
People refer to a recording as having "master tape quality", well you can actually hear that master tape sound through your own system and the point of entry to reel to reel is so much more affordable than getting into vinyl. Thoughts?
People refer to a recording as having "master tape quality", well you can actually hear that master tape sound through your own system and the point of entry to reel to reel is so much more affordable than getting into vinyl. Thoughts?
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geoffkait, I agree with you. I read this thread very wistfully, because back in 1975, I bought Sony TC 558 RTR, and I had a lot of fun making mix tapes with my turntable, and even recording off of the radio. Even at 7.5 ips, it sounded great; but I just think that for the average Joe, those days are over. At that time, it was still only for audio guys, but now it's only for wealthy audio guys. |
Proper Reel to Reel is my dream, i wish to have one. Some of my old pictures on 35mm film: This is from my grandfather, it was a USSR hi-fi standard in the 70’s :) This is a killer Studer master recorder i’ve heard in the studio in Helsinki |
@johnss I agree with most part of your post. I have gone through the path of having my deck serviced, recapped, wiring head out to an external tape stage. See my system here: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/4524 What I'm listing here is the entry point to reel to reel and bringing attention to an analog medium that receives very little attention on these boards. A few years ago, I was sold on reel to reel when I got to listen to a 15 IPS 2-Track tape played on an un-modified stock machine. Yes, it sounded glorious even through the stock 1970's solid-state electronics. I have since bought and sold over 10 highspeed decks which include, Teac, Revox, Otari, Tascam, Technics, Studer, and Ampex. The Otari MX-5050 B2 and Tascam BR-20 were very reliable and needed little to no maintenance besides cleaning, lubing, and calibrate using an MRL calibration tape. So, I'm all for getting the most out of this format by getting the deck serviced and getting the external tape stage, etc. I just don't think it's a must to start enjoying and appreciating the strength of tape. |
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