Tape machines are obsolete technology. Simple as that. What did you think you were going to be using one for? Commercially pre-recorded tapes are hard to find, and are not as good as youʻd like. They are dubbed at 2x speed.
I ran a Revox A77 for 30 years doing location recording. My $150 Tascam portable digital recorder stomps all over it. I ***GAVE*** the Revox away.
Spend your money elsewhere. Buy concert tickets.
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.