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.
Look at this discussion if you want answers to this question: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/the-dangerous-world-of-reel-to-reel-tape For me, R2R tapes can sound better than any other format, albeit at considerable cost. For example when I play the Lyn Stanley London With A Twist, Live At Bernies people always say, "wow, sounds like live music". |
Here is a list of R2R pre-recorded tapes: https://thereeltoreelrambler.com/resources/where-to-buy-music-on-tape/ I still maintain a 15ips 2T tape copied from the original master can be the ultimate in terms of SQ, albeit at a vey high cost. One of my favorite sources of R2R tapes is Acoustic Sounds: https://store.acousticsounds.com/s/462?x=y&banner_id=317 There tapes, copied from the original master (or copy of), can sound about as good as it gets. In addition to a Revox PR99 Mk2 I also stream from an Aurender N10 and play records on a high end TT (Michell Engineering GyroDec, SME IV and Clearaudio Maestro V2 Ebony MM cartridge). A good R2R tape is often far superior to streaming or an LP in terms of SQ. |
This is where I purchased my fully rebuilt and upgraded Revox PR99 Mk11 deck: Shipping cost from Switzerland to the USA was reasonable and they do a great job packaging to avoid damage in transportation. The last time I went to AXPONA, Krell were demonstrating using R2R and the sound was best in show IMHO, using a +50 year old Dean Martin tape! |
