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. 

mattsca

Showing 1 response by johnss

@mattsca, if streaming is your primary source open reel will blow you away especially if you hear high speed tape. once you hear tape going back to streaming is akin to returning to AM radio. 

But as others have mentioned, its not for the faint of heart. For most audiophiles hearing a high speed tape is akin to taking a magic elixir. Once you hear it you will want more of it. Would suggest you take a pass on the consumer level decks and look for something like an Otari 5050 MK2 or newer, or a high speed B77, or a Technics 1500. Above that you can get into the Studer 810, Otari MTR-12, Somy APR 5000 series or Ampex ATR-102.  I have 7 decks so have jumped in with both feet and a bunch of wallets.