Why Not Bring Back Analog, Reel to Reel Tape

10-12-08: Jsman
I would agree with you as for the time part, but for the best sound the analog tape is hard to beat.

Yes, we actually have no argument here. If one were able to buy open reel 7.5ips direct real time copies of the master tape, and the copy was on a high quality high output low noise, minimal shedding, highly polished oxide on polyester backing, or better yet, on ferrochrome, the sound would probably blow you away.

On top of that, turntables have gotten crazy in price, complexity, and close tolerances to achieve a good setup. I posit that a $2K-$3K open reel tape machine--playing tapes of the quality I described above--would sound noticeably better than a 180g audiophile pressing on a $30K turntable rig, especially if you're including the phono stage, cartridge, and platform isolation in the total cost.

If I want to get a R2R player in the range of 2K-3K , what would you recommend?
Thanks

Studer 807, 810. Absolut wonderful gears.

10-12-08 I would agree with you as for the time part, but for the bes ...

Well I have a subscription to the TP tapes, and I assure you that they are the best source my system has ever seen. That was a big reason for getting them, all the time, money, and effort into the system trying to get it to sound as good as it can get. Well the only way that will happen is if you put the best possible source into it!!

Viridian,

"Norman, a killing? These guys can't even sell enough home theatre receivers and MP3 players to make ends meet. A killing?"

Well maybe that is the problem! I don't know your age (I am 46) but I can vividly recall walking into Stereo Systems, Playback, Pacific Stereo, etc., and stores were always busy. Reel to reels were big ticket items that sold well. If you are serious about music, hell if you just enjoy listening to music, why would you purchase a 'home theatre receiver'? Now one has three choices, crummy stereos sold at Best Buy, Exotic high end that most can't afford, or mid market home theartre goods. That is why Ebay and the like are thirving today, selling 30 year old hi-fi gear. That is why I still have and enjoy my 30 year old Citations.