Can we finally put Reel to Reel out of its misery? Put it to rest people.


The format is dying and too expensive to repair properly. Heads wear out so easy and many out there are all worn.
High quality technicians are either retired or long gone. Its such an inconvenient format that can be equalled by nakamichi easily in tape decks.
Retire it please put them in museums. 
vinny55

Showing 3 responses by larryi

At United Home Products, in Virginia, I heard several rebuilt and highly modified machines (they specialize in rebuilding Technics, Otari and Tascam machines).  They have some Tape Project pre-recorded tapes, but, their favorite use of tape machines is to make recordings from LPs.  They don't do this to preserve LPs, rather, they contend that LPs sound better after being re-recorded on tape.  I heard the comparison and I don't quite agree, although I can see why some might prefer the taped version.  The sound is smooth, open and beautiful sounding after being re-taped, but, I thought it lost a bit of dynamics and the hard edge to the initial attack of some instruments.  Still, really good pre-recorded tapes sounded terrific. 

I know that companies associated with The Tape Project also modify machines, offer better electronics, etc. (e.g., Bottlehead makes tube electronics for tape machines).  I have also heard a re-built Studer machine with custom electronics from Doshi and the tapes I heard on it were fantastic.  High speed reel tape has an open top end that is so extended without being harsh or edgy that one does not hear elsewhere.

I will never own a tape machine because of the extreme inconvenience in threading tape, rewinding, re-spooling tape when it spills, splicing breaks, etc.  It is not for me, but, I don't deny that well recorded reel to reel is something special.
I am not saying that anything should go away.  I am merely pointing out that the OP has NOT made the case for putting R2R "out of its misery" and that if there is any logic at all to his argument, it cuts against cassettes because they do not excel in either convenience or sound quality while R2R DOES excel at sound quality.

I don't currently maintain either tape formats, but, I certainly don't want either to go away.  I think it is great that people are happy with whatever they are happy with, I know some people still love 8-track; to each, his own.  I like, and use gear that is truly ancient--tubes that are 60 years old, and a midrange compression driver that is 80 years old.  
Yes, R2R is inconvenient, expensive to maintain and repair, expensive to get high quality pre-recorded tape, expensive to buy blank tapes, etc., but, there is a reason for it sticking around--it offers superb sound.  The OP seems to favor cassette and elcaset as better options.  Really?  The only benefit to either is convenience and portability, and on those fronts, digital machines are vastly superior and sound better too.  If any medium should be "put out of its misery" it would be the cassette (elcaset was stillborn so it needs no euthanasia).