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.
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 |
The speed at which you record impacts the cost, and comparing an analog to analog recording to streaming is ludicrous. Besides, you well know the cost of gear plus subscription makes streaming far from cheap. Jammer01 has archived a ton of analog music, and as he says, many are now unavailable. Please modify your responses to be more respectful. This is a discussion forum, not a competition. |
I was at the recent THE SHOW and I took that chance to listen to Reel to Reel Well, I want one !! but my wallet said, no you can't. growing up with Reel to Reels and TT in the 60 and 70s, this is nostalgia but at a higher level. With today's materials and technology, Reel to Reel is at a much higher level, BUT so is the price. Even if you can afford the deck, the software is 1) hard to find 2) there are not a lot of Artist recorded on that format 3) The tape itself is expensive. I cannot comment on mediocre gear as i have not heard it. All I can say is that what I heard in the show (Revox and Tanberg) is a dream to own. it's musicality and details are extra ordinary, spectacular tone and PRAT and that is from a show demo. How much more if that is in your listening room! If you have the resources to tune up these decks, I believe you can get some of these decks off eBay and have a resource who knows to work on these decks and bring it up to snuff. an example is a Revox B-77. But after you get all these done, you still need to source out software and there is not a whole lot out there, unless you are happy with whatever is just available
As for me, I will pass. |
