Just an observation here, but????????

Tom, you have left out too many specifics and specifications for your post to be valid.

How many reels did you own? I have owned Akai, Teac, Technics, and Otari.

The reel does not compete with the turntable, it is used to make vinyl more enjoyable with less work.

The best 1/4 track reels will duplicate your turntable precisely enabling you to listen to your records without the hassle, and danger to your precious record of being handled. Quarter track decks use half as much tape as half track decks, and deliver less quality.

When speaking of record and playback, 7 1/2 IPS is my preferred speed for home recording, 15 IPS is reserved for live or professional recording.

The size of the tape head makes the most significant difference in the quality of sound, which is why a cassette does not sound as good as a reel, and 1/4 track won't sound as good as 1/2 track, other things being equal.

The reason the playback sounds better on 1/2 track is because of the size of the tape head; what you have recorded will be magnified, made larger.


    https://www.google.com/search?q=difference+between+1/4+tape+head+and+1/2+tape+head&tbm=isch&...

Tom, like many things in high end audio, it's difficult to explain, but easy to demonstrate.

Sleepwalker, 

Here is a Teac 2 track


      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vagaEhC567Y

First off, you want 2 track reel as opposed to 1/4 track; it delivers much more. When you record vinyl or CD's to 2 track, the playback is always better.

Tape is such a problem, that I wouldn't recommend getting into reel, but if you can overcome that obstacle, you can experience the pinnacle of high end audio.

If you have springy hardwood floors, you need a suspension, like a good Sota. I don't think high mass without suspension corrects that problem, but might have other benefits.

I have eliminated the need for a suspension by recording reel to reel in the basement on a concrete floor; you could jump up and down next to the turntable with no effect; I have a lightweight Rega.

I think high mass costs more as opposed to a Rega; while delivering the same comparable sound. Of course one would have to audition the two in order to discern the benefits of high mass, but high mass, or low mass without suspension will not protect from foot falls.