CD's or Vinyl?

@mylogic, I agree that cassettes are good alternatives to LPs. The only problem I face now is the maintenance/repair of  type decks (also that of cassettes). The Pioneer CT-F1250 that I bought used is a completely wonderful deck, in both, the reproduction and recording, but when it works properly. If failed some time ago but after some cleaning it recuperated, however, it started to fail again. The mechanics, fast-forward, rewind,  were too weak from the beginning. Finding parts and repair is a problem. I have also Nakamichi CD2, one of their latest models, it works properly. Sound reproduction and recording are ok but just incomparable with the Pioneer. So, it makes not much sense to use it. 

@billpete, You may still try to stream with the autoplay on. Take your favorite group/musician, once the reproduction is complete, Tidal, at least gives a nice selection of "similar type" of music. I thought that the blues was dead, but thanks to the steaming, I learned that there are young good bluesmen, similarly in jazz (unfortunately,  the rock seems to be basically dead except that some old guys still continue to produce, good examples are Robert Plant and Ian Anderson (pity that  Ozzy Osbourne just passed away). 

PS I just auditioned two well-recorded cassettes on the (properly functioning) Nakamichi deck, Thelonious Monk XDR on Blue Note and I am still listening to Pat Metheny's Secret Story, comparing to the CD  version via streaming on Tidal. Streaming has a bit more defined sound reproduction but also brighter and more agresive, while the deck gives more peaceful and softer sound (a rough comparison, SS vs tube sound). The current setting is with a tube amp.

Which one do i like more? Honestly, I enjoy more the cassette, and this with the Nakamichi (with the Pioneer, which does not now reproduce well, there would be an even more clearer cassette preference). 

@niodari 

It sounds like the Pioneer problems with wind and rewind are slipping belts. If this is the case l suggest some research on eBay. There are lots of compatible parts for cassette players, CD and DVD players that incorporate some belts. Your deck may even be listed with a full service set.
Tandberg cassette decks always had separate motors directly driving those functions which also resulted in rapid forward and reverse times. These motors cleverly slowed down near the ends of the spools to avoid snatching. If the Pioneer did this (like Tandberg) it may be some sensor problems. So get the cover off and have a look, new belts would be an easy fix

@zx10 “Gave up vinyl 40 years ago”

With regard to claiming “l cannot imagine a record player” sounding comparable to a SACD on a high end player. Maybe it does or maybe it doesn’t, and you admit you don’t really know. I can only assume you are thinking of 40 years ago?

One thing l do know is that phono amps have advanced technically a long way in 40 years. Most record decks back then (and a high probability yours) in general, were matched with amplifiers having variable quality onboard MM and MC inputs. Modern high quality phono amps are a stand alone different breed, designed just for that one purpose.

@mylogic , Thanks indeed for the suggestions, I'll try to get deeper into it. My main concern with the Pioneer deck now is not the fails in ff and rev  (which one can still tolerate), the problem is in the playback, the sound is dull with a very narrow frequency range. This happened also before, but typically, after several tries the reproduction was getting normal. The Pioneer is also direct drive, like your Tandberg - I'll try to check the belts and sensors, and probably the motors you mentioned also need repair/substitution.