Convenience is one reason. I am a big fan of tape but have vinyl,cds and SACD's. Total collection is about 25,000 pieces of media. I have over 5000 tapes, R2R and cassettes. My R2R collection has many commercially recorded tapes in both two track and four track formats, including some at 15ips, 7.5ips and 3.75ips. I have quite a few titles in all formats, so I often get to compare the sound quality of each medium, like Miles Blue. Playback equipment is all high end, so most of the comparisons are pretty revealing. Which media is the best? Depends, its complicated. For Miles Blue the SACD is the hands down winner, which was mastered from the original master tapes. Which leads me back to what is best. The most convenient always wins as it means you listen to more music, and for me that is what it is all about.
Why not magnetic tapes in stead of vinyl records?
My understanding is that previously, original recordings were captured on magnetic tapes. The recording is then transferred to a metal stamper, which then creates the vinyl records we use at home. But, why don't they just copy the magnetic tape to other magnetic tapes and sell us those? I mean the same size and everything that the engineer uses. Then, audiophiles (at least some) would have nice magnetic tape players in stead of turntables.
I know people did use reel to reel for some time. I remember cassettes. But I don't believe people ever had an interface to play the big magnetic tape reels at their homes.
I know people did use reel to reel for some time. I remember cassettes. But I don't believe people ever had an interface to play the big magnetic tape reels at their homes.