I'm assuming when you said 'play' you meant pre-recorded tapes (like me).
Don't go by specs,
my 1/4" 7-1/2 IPS pre-recorded tapes are my noisiest format (lowest S/N ratio).
YET, they are my BEST sounding source when the music plays!!! Are you near Plainfield, NJ? Drop by.
I inherited some Classical 2 Track Pre-Recorded tapes from the 50's (stereo tape came out in 1956. Stereo LP in 1958). They are the very best sounding I own, but they need a true 2 track head to sound their best, and those heads will not play the much more common pre-recorded 4 track. (A 1/4" wide tape 4 track head can play a 2 track tape, just to hear it's content, but not with great sound).
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2 track 1/4" tape: 2 wider tracks and wider pick-up heads = double the magnetic material to hold/retrieve the signal.
PRO: even wider tracks and/or faster speeds is also more magnetic material for the same content.
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I've messed with recording/playback, 1/2", 15ips, but it's a library of pre-recorded tapes now.
PRE-RECORDED CONTENT: is limited by the era the tapes existed, search for your favorite artists, see what's out there.
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These Teac's are beasts, check the heads for wear, the other stuff can all be cleaned, lubed, adjusted.
I finally am using one vertically (in my office), which finally let me use my 'Mickey Mouse' dust cover.
shown here
(main system: 4th photo), under the plants left side another X2000r lurks. Trays of plants easily move on/off either TT or R2R as needed. Gotta trust the Wifey, she trusts me!