I often notice that people who have open reel decks and/or tube equipment are nicest

Exactly, that's what I thought. They are often true "vintage" audiophiles with decades of dedication and experience. And they know what good sound is and how to achieve it.

Indeed, they are challenging but so rewarding.

Yes, warmth, and palpability.

Yes, reel to reel endeavour is something that one should have passion for, especially these days when cost is high and finding people to service your high end deck may not be easy. But they are great timeless machines. I don't have one yet, thinking...

I do have Nakamichi 682ZX cassette deck and Panasonic AG-7350 SVHS deck to play music. Both sound very good but they cannot be like true reel to reel deck. I love tape.

wolf, get a RTR deck, it will make you nicer.

Of course, we are good looking, and our equipment may look even better !

" Not having to process idiocy is indeed calming ".

Great way to put it.

It is a journey. A lot of thought, a lot of effort.

johd, I think I understand you.