From roughly the early 50's to the mid/late 60's, RtR tape sources delivered the highest fidelity possible for a home listener. The average home hifi system was of mediocre or worse quality for a long time. LPs were compromised to ensure playback on the average home record player. Most people aspired to a large console, with decidedly low quality components. It was only when the masses began to embrace higher quality home equipment did the average person begin to have the ability to create playback system that was better than RtR. Cassette offered convenience, but it was never a serious rival for the best one could have. It was inferior to LP and certainly to RtR.
