Cassette tapes were NEVER audiophile period. I only made cassette tapes for mobile and that was simplified when CDs got cheaper AND easier to make. I challenge anyone to hear any SQ difference in a PeterCar at 70 mph. 8 track before that. A buddy had cassette in his van 1970, claimed it was better, I didn't care. Another buddy had a 8-track recorder, plenty of mixtapes around. At least I had a splicer from my R2R to key them going.
Nowadays cassette decks are good for archival recordings and movie props.The only "compatibility" issues with R2R was speed and track layout. A 4 channel 1/4 incher can play anything. It won't be quite as solid with a half track recording but a half track head is worthless trying to play a 2 sided quarter track tape, which are the majority of consumer recordings. You can always digitize and correct the speed.
Now to find a 4 channel USB interface to turn tracks into files before mine is broken for good.
Nowadays cassette decks are good for archival recordings and movie props.The only "compatibility" issues with R2R was speed and track layout. A 4 channel 1/4 incher can play anything. It won't be quite as solid with a half track recording but a half track head is worthless trying to play a 2 sided quarter track tape, which are the majority of consumer recordings. You can always digitize and correct the speed.
Now to find a 4 channel USB interface to turn tracks into files before mine is broken for good.