Best Analog for $10K

@atmasphere  : I remember that  in other thread the stereo/mono issue was under dialogue and you posted something like this: that CD can be recorded with stereo bass but the " operators " because " to lazy " they did not and in LP can be recorded in stereo too but is expensive to do it.

You don't mentioned the recorded information in the tape in the way you are doing here.

""" 
Saying that tape doesn't suffer EQ is ridiculous. """

no it's not because I refered in specific to the exactly and precise RIAA eq, additional I was precsie to post: whole LP playback process that between other things means a second inverse RIAA eq. and all the other " problems " through the analog rig.

I don't have any experience with a studio recordings for CD/LP sesssions but after that hot discussion in the thread started by RM ( designer Music Reference. ) about the RIAA issue I left to have 100% trust in you about the whole recording process.

So and because my ignorance/no experience I can take your word as 100% true or maybe not but still your " observation " is not was the OP ask. Yes you are free to post whatever you want.

R.

no it's not because I refered in specific to the exactly and precise RIAA eq, additional I was precsie to post: whole LP playback process that between other things means a second inverse RIAA eq. and all the other " problems " through the analog rig.

@rauliruegas Tape has a pre-emphasis curve (recording) as does the LP; in playback both have an EQ curve. Here's a nice link that explores the topic in detail:
http://pspatialaudio.com/tape%20equalisation%20correction.htm
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With regards to my suggestion about the Technics SL1200G, Technics had done some of the best work with servo controls in their direct drive machines years ago. This culminating in the SP-10 MkIII which by no coincidence goes for 5 figures on ebay as its one of the best 'tables ever made. The new SL1200G takes that servo work to a new level- but instead of all analog controls the speed is computer servo controlled. Its firmware can be updated via an internal USB port. In a nutshell the competition is very hard pressed to come up with a machine that ticks so many of the boxes for this sort of price. We've been selling a turntable for the last 15-20 years (the Atma-Sphere 208) which I've seen take on turntables that cost multiples of what we want for ours but IMO the Technics is a better machine.

Thank's for the link.

R.

Is a good learning " lesson ".

R.

I know digital has come a long way but how can it be better than original pressings if they are in good condition when the tapes were fresh and mastered with tubes?  i would say that tape of it was just recorded on a R2R would be pretty hard to beat.  I still think that vinyl is great for the older stuff.  maybe newer recordings do sound better in digital, but I doubt the older golden age stuff is better in digital.

@tzh21y

Try to listen Illinois Jacket’s Swing’s The Thing album on Qobuz streaming. The album was originally released in 1957. This recording will most likely shatter all of your preconceived notions about golden age stuff on digital.

i will give it a listen