Reel to Reel decks

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.

The best sounding source must be master tape, the best sounding recorded tape in market is the third copies from the master tape like Tape project's product and I don't know how many generations from the master were those before 1970's 4 track 7.5ips tapes but if you have a good machine they still sound better than vinyl but hard to keep in good condition, so if you looking the top sound quality in play back, then create your own master tape, buy a pro machine like Studer(price are really bargain today) and a pair pro Mic with tube pre amp record live music will have a perfect sound in play back

Tonykyma, I have to say I am moving in this direction. I have a nagra iv-l full track 1/4" and seeing that head coverage makes me realize the potential (not using yet, waiting for a pinch roller). I have some 14" 1/2 track masters and they are an eye opener in terms of what is possible the closer you get to the original tape (these are just people that recorded some music and not people that are known). But the results are obvious. I keep thinking, lets see, my sister can play a violin and does play in some groups, my dad knows some old country songs that I could record, why not just make some high quality recordings to listen to?