Can we finally put Reel to Reel out of its misery? Put it to rest people.

@chakster 

Some of the best tapes come from the 1950s and 60s.  Classical, Jazz, Motown, R&B, Big Band, Vocal, there is so much selection available... The cherry on top is all the Pop and Rock from the late 60s and the 1970s!

Plus a well cared for tape from the 1950s (or any decade) will totally outplay the same title on a well cared for piece of vinyl. No ‘surface noise’, clicks, pops, static, or need for deep cleaning. No more of the resigned sentiment “I like the clicks and the pops, it’s part of the experience”.

With tape you just get the incredible illusion of real music being played for you.

To better illustrate Bretts excellent point.

I have a very nice copy of closer to home by Grand Funk on vinyl and same on r2r at 7.5ips.

My tt playback is no slouch but even on pioneer rt701 the reel is more satisfying in terms of depth and spatial imaging.
It just sounds more "real" Gor want of any better description.

Just depends how deep your wallet is on buying pre recorded reels. A lot out there but some crazy prices for real popular stuff like Zep or Floyd.

@brettmcee at what tracks and speeds sound the best? What make and model are the most reliable and best sounding? 

Chakster, I'm totally convinced that whether or not you choose SS over tubes depends on your choice of music, and the aspects of that music which appeal to you most; in other words, I doubt if the two camps like the same music; however, if I auditioned those two amps that you mentioned, I might come to the same conclusion.

@vinny55 Like with all things, I try to keep to a lower budget. I have a TEAC 2300s. It’s seems like a solid player. I had it setup and calibrated by a pro here in the Greater Los Angeles area. It handles 7 inch stereo 4-track reels at 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 inches per second (ips).

When it comes to what sounds best, generally stay away from late 1970s and early 80s, everything else has sounded pretty good!