The dangerous world of Reel-to-Reel Tape

If I ever get into R2R, I would invest in a very high quality R2R deck, otherwise it’s pointless. And this is what I would buy + all 30 odd titles from Analog Productions 😊

https://www.ballfinger.de/analog-open-reel-tape-recorder-m-063-h6

I purchased my Teac X-10R R2R in 1981 while stationed in Germany.  During the 80’s and early 90’s I recorded 30 reels of my favorite vinyl albums.  I encoded all of my reels using a dbx 244 Type II noise reduction unit.  The 224 not only removed all tape hiss, it also expanded the dynamic range.  I loved the sound of my recordings.

About the mid 90’s, I got into streaming music via Logitech Squeezebox Duets and rarely used the R2R, and it has sat unused for about the last 10 years.  A few weeks ago, I had it serviced and have been listening to those old tapes.  They still sound great. Just this week I did some A/B testing of Qobuz versus my R2R.  My R2R sounded better to me.  

If you look at my profile, you’ll see my R2R sitting in a Teac reel rack, beneath the rack is the Teac maintenance kit I purchased with the deck; it still has head and pinch roller cleaning fluid 🤗.  In my profile, it’s only audio art.  After getting it serviced, I placed it beside my turntable on my Butcher Block gear rack.  The only problem is I can’t record because my BHK pre amp doesn’t have Record Out.  So, I’ve decided to buy an integrated amp with recording capabilities and sell my PS Audio pre amp and power amp.  An Accuphase E280 or E-380 is on my short list.     

The Tapehead forum is a great place to learn and get advice. Always someone willing to help out from beginner questions to professional studio issues.  Highly recommended: 

if you really want everything tape can offer, this is what gets you there.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/ak-hot-rodded-ampex-atr-102s-w-mr-70-preamps-replaces-my-studers.36288/

read the first post which describes the upgrades and custom work to the Ampex decks. i owned Studer A-820’s for 15 years, this is another level beyond that.

prosumer level new decks such as the Ballfinger are nice, but not close to this. check my system page for current pictures in my room of these beauties. and i have a number of tapes which do show just what these can really do.

it is dangerous to listen. you will be changed forever. it messes with your head.

Yes, nothing quite like the *whoosh* of the big reels on rewind.....*S*

Once upon, a Revox A77 was a fun diversion, followed by a Sony Beta VCR audio only....near CD response for the time, but then digital crashed that party....

Mike, you're good at creating envy...but don't stop.... ;)  *L*

..a 'hot rod' Ampex......it was bad enough with Lincolns'...