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Open Reel Curious

I am relatively new to audiophile level listening, with a respectable SS system, streaming mainly, with some discs and vinyl in the mix as well.  But I am intrigued with open reel. Yet I am also a bit intimidated. There is clearly a learning curve regarding equipment, calibration, tape types, etc, not to mention a pretty major expense. 
 

It seems like there are only a very few places to listen and learn - Brooklyn, LA, Vancouver, BC…? Anyone know of places in Chicago or Detroit where one can go to hear high-end open reel demos and talk to knowledgeable people in person? Anyone have any advice, like “Run! Run far away!” lol. 

mattsca
vuch's avatar
vuch
172 posts
 

+1 @fa8362 

dogberry
824 posts
 

I "borrow" records and CD's and record them.

This may be a stupid question: surely a home recorded R2R tape of an LP or a CD cannot sound any better than the source material? Which makes me ask what the point is? I can see that buying pre-recorded tapes, or recording a live performance (if done competently) would be advantageous, but not copying an LP.

dishman442's avatar
dishman442
62 posts
 

Not stupid. The reason is he is borrowing them so free music but for the cost of tape. 

devinplombier
844 posts
 

The reason is he is borrowing them so free music but for the cost of tape.

@dishman442 

Maybe that made sense in the 70s, but now (a) blank tape costs more than the LP being recorded on it, and (b) music is (almost) free to stream anyway.

So since financial gain isn’t the reason, what is? Good question @dogberry asked. Maybe @jemmer01 will chime in smiley

jemmer01
31 posts
 

Since you asked, 

I had 30 or so blank reels from way back when, all still in shrink wrap.  I also recorded over some less than stellar recordings from the past.  I now have about 65 reels full of music. Many I'm sure are not currently available.

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