HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR SYSTEM IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS

Yes. Knopfler’s Ragpicker’s Dream is so well recorded — achingly real. Other go to songs are Mary Chapin Carpenter’s Come On Come On and KD Land singing Helpless on  Songs of the 49th Parallel.  

Also a big fan of Dire Straits and Mark's creations due to the fact that there is silence (blackness) between notes and large swings of sound that do no overwhelm the listener, but actually draws you in. IMHO, Money For Nothing deviated a bit from that and is perhaps the weakest offering on Brothers for Arms. Mark is a recording master of diminuendo/crescendo. 

Many artists - or producers - seem to believe that when a large swing of sound is purposeful, they up the ante and add db levels to boost or heighten the sound - such as TV commercials of old. Mark never fell prey to the 90's loudness wars.

I have noted that many here are touting Shangri-La, which is one album I have not purchased. So when I went to do so, I was surprised it was well over $150? Why? Is anyone expecting it to be reissued? While I have purchased a $150 Steely Dan Aja UHQR album, I cannot fathom spending $150 on an album that is not, in some way, different than what was offered up in 2004 at $30. Guessing that the CD is the better choice.. 

I bought a Pioneer RT-707 and am having it restored at J-Coder

It’s supposed to be a good sounding entry level R2R

Moving up from there are the Technics 1500 or 1720 decks

I agree with others here when it comes to Mark Knopfler’s vocals. He’s basically chatting. The band sounds great though.