The dangerous world of Reel-to-Reel Tape

Mijostyn - 

Many of the old Nagra decks were truly amazing, and if refurbished well, can hold their own against some of the best today.  Streaming HRes saves you most of the fuss and the physical interaction with your media.  If you just want to enjoy the music, I dare say HRes is probably the way to go for you.  For me, a big part of R-to-R is the way it brings back the memories of live recording sessions,  mix tapes, and special events I worked.  For some folks it offers a different sound signature than either digital or vinyl.  For others, it is an experience unto itself-  perhaps a unique sound, or perhaps a trip down memory lane that can never be recreated any other way.  Bottom line - take time to enjoy the end result.  May it leave a smile on your face! 

For some folks it offers a different sound signature than either digital or vinyl.  For others, it is an experience unto itself-  perhaps a unique sound, or perhaps a trip down memory lane that can never be recreated any other way.

@knittersspouse +1 - Those were the days!!

You want proof that R2R tape is becoming fashionable again? Revox are once again offering essentially brand new B77 tape decks for sale! Check it out:

https://thereeltoreelrambler.com/2023/11/22/in-the-market-for-a-mint-condition-revox-deck-how-about-a-b77-mki-or-mkii-refurbed-by-revox-themselves/

@oldschool1948

I hope you mean that the dbx box preserved the dynamics of those recordings you were capturing. Me, I wouldn't want the original dynamics altered in any way when taping (it audibly "pumps" if you push dynamic restoration more than 5-8%).

I have an Akai open reel that's 7.5 ips only, but I've done some experiments with my 3bx and some old green-box EMI tape. The resulting recordings are slightly airless, but there's still more air there than digital! I must have 20 ways to play a cd or digital file, all with different results, none do "air" well.

As for recording your vinyl today, surely your phono preamp before the BHK has a fixed line-out. You could use a splitter cable at that point, send the signal to the BHK Pre AND the tape deck or dbx box at the same time. Then monitor your recordings thru the BHK in your chosen tape input.

All I can say is that IMHE, with modern digital recordings, High Res digital is superior to analog R2R.

@mijostyn

please describe your most recent experience supporting that viewpoint. the particulars of the digital source and tape.

it is exactly the opposite for me.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/ak-hot-rodded-ampex-atr-102s-w-mr-70-preamps-replaces-my-studers.36288/page-6#post-861206

agree that digital is wonderful; however.....the best tape is on another realism level

I am being given an old Nagra portable deck. I expect it will be more of a display item than anything. It is a beautiful thing, precision to the max.

i do agree with you on this. owned a Nagra IV-S and Nagra T; both visual works of art. not the tip top level of tape performance, but still very fine when all is working properly.