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Less than top line reel-to-reel worth it?

My inner audio geek (expensive bastard, him) has been aroused by the recent resurgence of top of the line reel-to-reel deck re-fabrication units like United Home Audio's decks, and new (almost) master tapes becoming available from the likes of The Tape Project. Problem is I can not buy a $10k deck and $500 tapes, and simultaneously enjoy the benefits of matrimony. Consequently, I have been looking at much more affordable refabricated decks ($1000 - $2000 range) and used stereo 4-track 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 ips tapes.

I believe the expensive stuff can deliver with 2-tracks per 1/4 inch tape and 15 IPS, but should I expect 'better' sound than I can get from my Wadia CD Player, and J. A. Michelle turntable from the more affordable 4-track (two in each direction) slower speed stuff; or would this just be a trip down nostalgia lane?
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buconero117
2,311 posts
 
'tactile ritual' beats computer selection.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,603 posts
 
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I had a lowly Dokorder reel-to-reel machine back in the mid-'70's and I thought it was the Holy Grail of audio...played through my Sansui 771 reciever. I've never heard a pre-recorded open reel tape. The only recordings I've ever heard on a reel-to-reel machine has been recordings made from LP's. And to me they sounded at least as good as the LP, if not better.
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rockyboy
335 posts
 
Just a word of caution - not sure what the shelf life of a reel of tape is; but older tapes will dry out over time and gum up the player's heads. A lot of used tapes (and even NOS) sold over the internet have seen better days!
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,603 posts
 
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Do they still make new blank 10 inch reel to reel tape?
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clio09
3,346 posts
 
Yes they do. I use RMGI SM 911 blank tape. Many other brands to choose from as well.
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