Only used it for copying or making own recordings. Didn't know until last week (one similar discussion here) that they ever made PRE RECORDED reels!!!
Quality is MUCH better than cassette since the tape machine lays a much longer/faster 'track' onto the (reading/writing) heads.
IIRC cassette is something like 4.75 cm/sec? Vs even slowmow 9.5, standard 18 (and likely even higher speeds for pro machines).
Studio machines with super wide tapes opened the world for multitracking (not sure if it was a good thing?).
my friend in high school had an Akai. He recorded borrowed LP from friends, and we turn asked him to make copies for our cassette players. My Dual recored player was mono (so were all cassette players, and my 'basic' Philips 9.5 cm/sec flat open real.
Aside from nostalgia, I don't know why anyone would use tapes (and vinyl players for that matter) anymore.
But they are sure a beautiful add on to an audio system; I WILL get one if I find one for no money and put next to some 'woodies' and my record player (and the genuine Walkman II I still have).