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.
elegal

Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

Tape will never surpass vinyl in resolution and signal to noise ratio and dynamic range....
Nonsense.

Assuming the source is an analog session or master tape, tape to tape copying can produce a copy that's just one lossy step removed from the original.

OTOH, manufacturing a vinyl LP involves many more lossy steps:
1. the session/master tape is played through an equalizer circuit to impart the RIAA (or other) curve
2. the equalized signal drives a cutter head
3. the movements of the cutter head cut the grooves on a master disk
4. the master desk is used as a mold to produce a metal stamper
5. the stamper is used as a mold to produce a vinyl LP

Further, additional lossy steps are required for the consumer to play back the LP:
6. the stylus must track the modulations in the groove
7. the cantilever (which is never perfectly rigid, and which pivots imprecisely within an elastic suspension) must reproduce the movements of the stylus at the armature end of the cartridge
8. the cartridge converts physical motions of the cantilever to an electrical signal
9. the signal is reverse-RIAA equalized
10. the signal is amplified back up to line level.

Only now is the signal compable to the one coming from a playback tape deck, i.e., suitable for the line level input of a preamp.

Tape reproduction and playback can involve as few as 2 lossy transfers (record/play back). Vinyl reproduction requires at least 10.

Direct-to-disk LP recordings eliminate step #1. Even this small reduction results in audible increases in resolution, s/n ratio and dynamic range... which proves the point: every lossy step impairs realistic reproduction.

Whether any particular consumer tape setup is as good as a particular vinyl setup is a different question. Whether the cost of tape copies is affordable or the hassles worthwhile are different questions still. But tape is the inherently superior medium.
I thought we were talking about Home audio products NOT professional gear? Who the Heck bought a REVOX tape player back in the day??? No one for home use.
No one? Really?

I did, soon after college in the late 70s. Others I've met here did too. Perhaps you've been hanging with the wrong crowd. ;-)