Why do people like reel to reel players?

I always wanted a RTR deck. Preferably with 10 inch reels and huge level meters. The only real use I can see for a RTR deck is to record digital music sources into analog. Kind of like an analog buffer. Of course anything other than 1/2 track recording at 15 ips would degrade the quality too much, for me.

In the 80’s, I recorded thirty 10.5” reels of Maxell 35-180 and Ampex Grand Master tapes. At the time I had a Rodex professional mixer, two Technics SL-1600MK2 turntables, and two Technics CD players. Everything I recorded was dbx encoded. dbx eliminated all tape hiss and expanded the dynamic range. The sound then and now is wonderful.  When done right, there’s nothing like a good tape recording- IMHO. 

I’ve high end 2 channel analog gear that includes a refurbished pro Studer. RTR is expensive, laborious, and of limited selection. But the SQ is so good that I’d do it again. The best dynamic range and detail that I’ve heard is RTR. My analogy is that quality RTR is like watching football from the box seats — same game but an improved and pricey experience.

I got into this format about six years ago and find it quite satisfying of a listen. I only play factory pre-recorded tapes no home taping, and have amassed a collection of 150+ factory releases (mainly classic rock) from the 60’s and 70’s. The interaction with the player and medium to me adds to the appeal in a way similar to vinyl. Sound quality with factory tapes is also very high and the time it takes to string a tape is no more than it takes to clean and mount an LP. It’s hard to explain further until you have heard a well set up deck playing songs you are familiar with as it can be quite mesmerizing. 

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).