I have a friend with R2R. He points out all of the challenges which are much more than most realize. but he says when he has time and freedom for a R2R listening session, it is worth it.
The dangerous world of Reel-to-Reel Tape
It feels like I re-entered the world of tape knowing full well of all the downsides, yet I did it anyway. I spent much of my youth glued to my dad's decks, making recordings. As cassette and digital came of age, I always appreciated the sound of tape.
Whether this adventure is worth it is a subjective exercise. For folks who plop down $500-$1k on cables or those who swap gear often, tape is really not that expensive, relatively speaking. Titles are limited though.
The sound quality and experience is quite something. Before jumping back into R2R, I had 4 versions of Muddy Waters' Folksinger. Hearing Chad Kasem's firm's work on it in 15ips it's just something else. Body, size, and presence are just different than very good vinyl and digital. And this is with the stock reproduce board from a Revox PR99 MKIII. I can only imagine what's going to happen when I rebuild that card, put in a modern one, or run directly from the head out to a preamp.
Maybe I'll see some of you in R2R Rehab, where I'll try to get sober from tape.
- ...
- 58 posts total
@jbhiller I have an Otari 5050, & finding NEW blank tapes are so hard. Rebuilding that card would open up a Rabbit hole (LOL), & I'm sure it'll be worth every cent. Good luck my fellow audio man. |
@jbhiller thanks, but didn't see any blank tapes |
- 58 posts total