I was buying some records from a couple that asked if I would be interested in their TEAC reel-to-reel deck from the 1970’s. I heard it play and the price wasn’t bad. I had been into reel-to-reel music during the 70’s, using a Sony deck. I might have bought their deck, but in researching prices of tapes, the cost astounded me. Open reel blank tapes that I used to buy for less than $10 are now about $50, and pre-recorded tapes were going for $150! I just could not justify spending that kind of money when I can buy record albums and CD’s, or stream music, for a fraction of that. I think R-to-R is a very niche market now.
Open Reel Curious
I am relatively new to audiophile level listening, with a respectable SS system, streaming mainly, with some discs and vinyl in the mix as well. But I am intrigued with open reel. Yet I am also a bit intimidated. There is clearly a learning curve regarding equipment, calibration, tape types, etc, not to mention a pretty major expense.
It seems like there are only a very few places to listen and learn - Brooklyn, LA, Vancouver, BC…? Anyone know of places in Chicago or Detroit where one can go to hear high-end open reel demos and talk to knowledgeable people in person? Anyone have any advice, like “Run! Run far away!” lol.