Best REEL TO REEL blank tape?

Hi,I have been collecting open reel tape decks for over 30 years,i currently have about 40,including Studer,Revox,Otari,Teac,Tascam,Pioneer,Akai & Technics.I prefer the 2-track machines,but some of the 4-tracks can also sound good,including the Pioneers. As to tape,i have never had any problem with Maxell UD,UDXL,UDXL-1 tapes,they do not stick or shed,so if you want to buy used & if they are wound correctly, you can save a little money on them.Look for the white & black boxes or the blue & black boxes as they are the most recent production.I also agree that the RMGI tapes from us recording media are great tapes to use if you want new,they will give a little discount when you buy more.I have used all these tapes on my Studer 810 & Tascam BR-20 & they all sound great.

Quantegy 456 reel to reel with black backing is what I bought last, it's good. They will also tell you how to convert the bias instructions in your manual to their tape.

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I'm curious why you want to do this. The tape will be as expensive if not more than the record plus the effort of recording. Tapes also deteriorate just sitting there, records don't. You also need to be concerned about setting up the deck properly and whether or not the heads are properly aligned and the bias is set. You gain nothing in convenience as playing the tape is as much or more of a hassle than the record. Seems like a lot of work and expense for no benefit.

Why not play the record and just buy extra copies of your favorites if you are concerned about preservation, it will be cheaper in the long run. I do see why people would want to digitize something; that does it make it more convenient and portable, but what is the benefit of R2R?

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Great comments - all. My interest in buying R2R is a romantic one. And romance makes no sense. One of my first "higher end" audio experiences was listening to Supertramp's CRIME OF THE CENTURY on an open reel deck (Teac) turning at 15 ips. The music was SO MUCH MORE INVOLVING than listening to the LP or the cassette. I get bored just sitting and listening to a SACD/CD today. Vinyl is a bit more involving but I just love watching those 10" reels turn. EVERYTHING posted so far makes sense to me. But why we love what we love (passion) comes from within and to try and figure it out logically will only cause frustration and conflict. I figure, audio is my hobby. I want to have fun with it. Thank you ALL for your input. Audiogon is a great place.

Dramapsycho, you are a man after my own heart. Reel to reel is superior to everything. With my 2 track Technics, the speakers even get bigger.

Once you record that vinyl, it will sound better on playback than it did when you recorded it. Find "Reel to reel" on the analog forum; there were some fantastic discussions which will be highly beneficial. When you are sitting in the sweet spot watching those 10" reels turn and enjoying that liquid sound of R to R, think of Orpheus doing likewise.