I looked at it a couple years ago and came to a couple/few of conclusions; If you do not already have many prerecorded tapes it is probably not worth it. New prerecorded tapes are silly money (think $200 each and up) and unless you’re quite wealthy not worth it. And tape machines need significant maintenance from time to time and every tape you play need to be aligned to that machine. used blank reals are $200 up and considering not many new tapes come with reals that adds up. And the used tape machines are getting old and do need significant updating.
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.