Reel to Reel; Digital players ; & Turntables/LP's


There is always an ongoing discussion of analog versus digital. What I have been reading lately appears to indicate that digital is making major steps forward and moving away from CD’s and closing the gap: e.g., Bryston’s BDP 1 digital player.

I have a couple of questions. First how does the new technology in digital players compare with analog?

Second, I am old enough to have been around when reel to reel tape recorders were prevalent among audiophiles. I always thought these were far superior to turntables & LP’s in sound & convenience. You could increase sound quality by increasing the tape speed: e.g., 3¾, 7½, or 15 inches per second. Of course, you could only get sound quality that was equivalent to what you recorded from. You did not have to worry about LP records wearing out from play or getting a scratch; you could create compilations; and it was analog. You could also buy pre-recorded reels but they were not very common.

Any opinions with regard to turntables/LP’s versus reel to reel recording for quality and sound. Also, how does the new new digital player technology compare with analog.
hobbyist_and_reader
I was just enjoying my Technics 2 track today, and thinking how far superior it is to everything else I own.
I recorded my albums to a Teac x2000r with dbx and without. Great sound especially using dbx, but not as good as the needle hitting the record on a Linn Sondek 12, less work too. I've owned 3 x2000r's but still prefer the sound of the TT. I've also gone from cd to rr, cassette to rr, rr to cassette and to cd-r for cars. It's still up to you what sound you like and your idea of work and fun. Happy listening.
All these sources have a place. Often it is the 'recording' that governs which sounds better, assuming it is all the same artist performance. For instance, I have Miles Blue in every format that existed after 1960, the best is a reel to reel 2 track, 7.5 ips. I'm waiting for the Blu Ray edition of this music to see what I've been missing.

I remain an advocate of analog tracking, mixing, and mastering -- AAA :-)

Then, releasing these titles on 1/2", 2-track, 15 ips, IEC!! Well -- okay, as a concession...we can go 1/4".

With that said, DSD is darn AWESOME ;-)

I could be quite content with analog reel media and DSD...

Vbr,

Sam
Related question is whether or not digital will be as good or better than both vinyl and tape one day. And I mean both "unrealized" and "realized potential".
I don't know, maybe.
reel to reel is still number one.

LP is right behind.

Both analog formats have continued to improve.

The best digital is number three. Digital has a lot more potential than is ever practically realized. Unfortunately **too much** unrealized potential is usually a bad thing :)

The better your system, the easier to hear why.