No disrespect intended, nor, I think, given.
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.
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- 49 posts total
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. |
This is where I purchased my fully rebuilt and upgraded Revox PR99 Mk11 deck: Shipping cost from Switzerland to the USA was reasonable and they do a great job packaging to avoid damage in transportation. The last time I went to AXPONA, Krell were demonstrating using R2R and the sound was best in show IMHO, using a +50 year old Dean Martin tape! |
Using a reel to reel deck to preserve rare vinyl on tape is certainly a reasonable use of the technology, especially when one wishes to avoid the AD conversion inherent to ripping. Asking a question of whether / how dubbing vinyl to tape might affect SQ also seemed reasonable. @dishman442 it's okay to be upset, but indicating why and at whom always helps everyone understand where you're coming from. |
A few years back l bought an Akai GX-220D three motor, 4 track three head auto-reverse on impulse from eBay £79 Recapped and with no additional maintenance needed it is now in good shape. Bought 12 new and some used Agfa 7” tapes from one guy for £30 + P&P again from eBay. Soon up and running for £200 all in. I was so impressed (only had a Grundig mono R to R in my teens) I spent a little more on about 10 pre-recorded 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 ips tapes for good measure. l can’t put my finger on it but 7 1/2 ips (no Dolby) there’s just something about that sound. Yes it’s of novelty value, l do not play around with it often, but it adds some razzamataz to the music. |
- 49 posts total