Reel to Reel decks

I suppose if I threw in, "Maxell XLII, Position "EE" tape into this equation, that would realy "discombobulate" some minds. With this tape, the soundstage is so "holographic", that you feel as though you can walk among the musicians.

I think the piece of this puzzle that might be missing is that there is not just a synergy between different media and equipment but also the reproduced sound and human auditory physiology and the resulting perception of it by the human brain. Is a recording better because it is mechanically measured to be more accurate when compared to a source, or when it evokes the perception of "walking amongst the musicians"?

Petepappp, I just got some new Rhino CD's of some old recordings; these are recordings I heard in the 50's. They have never sounded this good; it's like I can walk among the musicians. This has to do with the recording process, and nothing to do with the "digital analog debate".

I think you are right, along with the different media, "or quality thereof, 100% agree with Maxell high bias tape comment", I think there are a number of factors that can be involved in a great recording. Digital recordings of high definition files on superior media, ie. "Japanese Taiyo Yuden cd media", can also produce amazing results. Different copies of the same vinyl pressing can sound entirely different,variations in the pressing process I suppose. Equipment compatibility I'm sure is a factor. The interesting part of this discussion for me is maximizing results,while dealing with an industry that produces recordings for the masses and generally not for audiophiles. Listening to the recording,the equipment, and the music, I'm guilty.

FWIW, you don't want to just 'change tape' for a different sound (unless maybe you are looking for an effect??). To get the best out of the machine, if you use a different formulation the machine should be calibrated properly to use that tape. Otherwise you will get frequency response and distortion colorations.