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.
@devinplombier +1 "Using a reel to reel deck to preserve rare vinyl on tape is certainly a reasonable use of the technology” yeah, expensive and inconvenient way though! My Nakamichi Dragon cassette deck captures vinyl-record's sound for long time, using type IV (metal) cassettes.. cartridges as well as media aging too, it’s a double win! |
@terraplane8bob Your experience and if still having access to your R2R Decks and Tape, it seems to me you should be a person of interest to others interested in pure analogue audio. I don't see why those with a healthy disposable income does not make an offer to Hire You for a night of your sharing in your Career and presenting Analogue Recordings. I would take a wild punt in the right City with the a particular venue and right organisation being involved, a few hundred attendees will be the minimum expressing an interest to be paying attendees. Individuals with such an experience are in small commodity in the present time. |
Pindac's proposal is very flattering but I would imagine that at this late date and at my age there might not be the enthusiasm for such a forum. "Can that Ol' Coot even hear what he's talking about "? Digital has its merits among which is the relative ease of editing without destroying the master recording. But, after editing an album with razor blade and tape, digital editing definitely has my vote ! I must relate an experience I had about a dozen years ago when in Vancouver, B.C. My dear wife gifted me an hour consultation with a recording engineer to get a nodding acquaintance with digital sampling. I thoroughly enjoyed the session despite being equal parts enthused and confused. Afterwards, in casual conversation I mentioned that I'd just finished producing an album totally in the analogue format. The engineer responded with an unexpected comment. "You know analogue" !! Apparently there is a Mutual Admiration Society among digital and analogue proponents. To my ageing ears there is a warmth, sweetness and lack of fragility in analogue recordings that digital offerings just can't match but others might disagree. I can only attribute those conclusions to a lack of education and experience, I no longer have the heart to argue the point. I hope that those who understand will enjoy their dark secret and not waste time trying to convince others to follow your path. Enjoy the music ! |
I have had R to R recorders since I was a teenager..Radio Shack,Sony,Teac,Technics. I remember when Columbia house was selling them i bought a bunch and still have them.I also have tapes,from my uncle..the only thing is some of the tapes are very brittle and break.They sound was great and better than lps.Buy I have seen the prices for tapes on ebay and there crazy expensive. |
