Reel to Reel Question?

Hey David99,

I see a lot of R2R's going for decent prices on ebay -- some are even auctioned with tape collections. Garage sales are also a source of tapes. You can probably get into it (find a decent machine plus some tapes) for under $500. I'd go with a machine that is reported in excellent working condition or one that was recently serviced since they can be expensive to tune up or overhaul. I'd also look for one with either Dolby B or DBX, because these would indicate newer low-noise models. Two-speeds (71/2 & 33/4 ips) and 7 to 10.5" reel capability was desireable for me. I like the more recent Teac decks, but there are other good companies to consider, like Tandberg, Revox, Pioneer, and maybe some models from Sony and Akai and others. Good Luck!

Reel decks never fell out of favor with many. I have over 400 pre-recorded reels going back to the mid 50's and 4 reel decks. LOL I love it when someone new catches on to this! Many used record stores may have a dusty pile of used pre-recorded reels. Yard sales too, although Ebay has taken a big bite out of many things we used to find at the yard sales it seems.

You can go really crazy and pick up great broadcast machines for decent dollars - ampex 440's - ATR100's - even the odd A80 - although they do take up more space in the old listening room and not as asthetically pleasing as a Teac 7300 let's say - in the end it always comes down to:
analog = good
digital = bad

Personally, I think that the studio console that houses my Tube Research modified 270 Scully looks very nice. However, please don't ask the wife!

Factory prerecorded R2R tapes are perhaps the most astounding sound that you will here on this earth. They are scaled down copies of first generation masters. We all should know by now, The more difficult the playback meduim,
the better the reward. I have a 41yr old recording of Belafonte at Carnegie Hall & I borrowed the audiophile pressing of the LP, & the R2R blew it away(Table VPI TNT-3
tape deck, pioneer Rt1020L) The table lists for about 10X
the amt of the reel to reel. Perhaps the secret should be now released, look to the past for the best sound.(yes I own a SACD player) I hope that this does not drive up the price or reels on Ebay. When I leave the Stereophile shows,
listening to equiptment 30 fold more expensive than mine, I do not feel bad that I will never be able to afford ANY of these fine products. I go home, put a Ampex 7&1/2 ips tape,
and I smile.