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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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mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 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
1,610 posts
 
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Do they still make new blank 10 inch reel to reel tape?
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clio09
3,355 posts
 
Yes they do. I use RMGI SM 911 blank tape. Many other brands to choose from as well.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
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Back in the late 70's, I used TDK Audua and Maxell tape.

Has tape gotten any better since then? Since everything is all digital, I'm not sure it's worth the time for mfgs to improve on reel tape because the market is so small.
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