If your really want to spend $1000 on a R2R then that's what you should do to listen to your dad's tapes. I say great idea, worth a grand to me.
It is a completely different game if you're looking for a "satisfactory hi-end" machine.
Just the fact that you posted looking for a $1k machine...you answered your own question.
Many good advisory posts above if you decide to proceed.
Regards,
barts