So I started to get this jones for R2R. And I’m just thinking about a technics 1506. How do u think it would compare to our DS dacs? I can’t stop myself. I’m looking up blank tapes and the expensive ones etc. it seems like fun.
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There’s the Pioneer RT-1020L machine. I had one teamed with a DBX II 122 tape noise reduction machine in my late teens to my 40s. Nice sound from what I remember .
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Just sold my RT-707 after 45 years of ownership. I enjoyed it much more back in the day, just collecting dust in recent years. Tape got real hard to find, and though it’s easier now, making a comeback(?), it’s just too expensive for me to justify keeping it. I’ll apply my earnings toward a server/streamer. Made for great eye candy.
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I have had mine for a week and i have 3 wonderful tapes. Bit no take up reel. I seem to be a pleasure delayer.
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I’ve always wanted a reel to reel but could never afford one. Has anyone had comparisons of 15ips vs 7.5ips? Reading I see different tape thickness … any experience with companies that make new blank tape? I know the pre recorded ones can run 450+. Is there any ‘must haves’ ? 4 heads for record and play??
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What u get Al?
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A fully serviced Revox A77 that does 15 ips. Can’t wait to fire it up.
The thing is, I bought a two reel 15 ips Yello - Stella box. Did it come packed tails out? Do I need to rewind it to a take up spool (once I get one) and then play it on to the original reel? Do I need to flip it at some point? These are things I do not know yet. I need a tutor.
My friend who has those way expensive types says 15 ips only. He has hundreds of titles. Mine will do for a taste. It could lead to stronger stuff.
I hope not.
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I think…. It might lead to stronger stuff. lol. I think there is - call me crazy - but something gratifying about holding a reel of a high quality recording.
The technics 1500/1506 seem to handle about any format. And hey they are cool looking. I’m still investigating. I don’t know the value of 4 heads for recording on both sides of the tape. Or if it degrades sound in some way. I too am a noob.
I have just two channels. I doubt I will ever record anything. Someone posted a link here to an Etsy seller who sells recordings of LPs and CDs for $200+.
To who I wonder.
I was just looking at that. The reviews are stellar.
If I have the CD or Vinyl, what would the tape add? Abbey Road? Covered.
Anticipation is your reward.
Ohhh nice. Abby road in tape?? I didn’t even know it was available on reel?
Always thought R2R would be fun. Now that I read Al’s post Im thinking not so much. I grew up with them in the house though. Nostalgia has a distinctive “pull”.
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A link to a list of R2R format music purveyors:
https://unitedhomeaudio.com/music-available-on-analog-tape/
FYI.
PS, did not note note any Supertramp titles, but maybe I missed ‘em. 
SEE
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I’ve had a Teac X-10R R2R since 1981. During the 80’s, I recorded about twenty 10" reels of my favorite vinyl albums and recorded several 10" reel “playlists” of mixed jazz, soft rock, and old school R&B tracks. All of my recordings were encoded using a dbx 224 type II noise reduction unit. On playback, I ran the R2R through a dbx 3bx dynamic range expander. The bulk of my recordings are 7 1/2 ips, but I can tell you from experience, 15 ips recordings sound noticeably better. At 7 1/2 ips, I would get 6 hours of uninterrupted music, at 15 ips only three. When properly recorded, IMHO, a R2R sounds better than vinyl or CD.
Below is my stereo in the early 90’s. Everything in that rack was sold or given away, except the R2R and dbx components that I migrated to my current system.
Way back when, I started streaming music using Logitech Media Server (LMS) devices and played my R2R less to eventually not playing it at all. Streaming was easier, and it sounded good enough. My R2R sat unused for about 10 years. It made great audio art 
and was a nice talking point for those who had never seen one.
Earlier this year, I had it checked over, cleaned, lubricated, and calibrated. I started listening to it again with my current system, comparing it to my new vinyl and streaming rigs. I still prefer the warmth and musicality of the R2R. Another thing, I have quite a few recorded albums from the 80’s that you cannot find on Qobuz or Tidal. And when get my age, it’s nice to go down memory lane every now then to relish the old times 
!
It’s a little work cleaning the heads, rollers, and transport mechanisms. I’m retired, so I have plenty of time on my hands. For those who have never heard one, don’t knock it, until you try it!
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Yes. All of the high quality tapes currently available (that I’m aware of) are packaged that way. So, yes, you need to first rewind the tape to a separate take-up reel before playing. The Yello releases are all 2-track, 15 ips. If you have the two reel version, you have the Studio Master edition
of the release (and I am envious 
). Each reel would have the titles of one side of the LP.
They are also selling a single reel version that has the same generational relationship to the Master tape as your Studio version but is recorded on a thinner tape medium - RTM LPR90 versus the thicker RTM SM900 on your two reels. Sort of like the old cassette days with various tape thicknesses supporting different recording lengths.
By chance did you pick up your copy at AXPONA while they were offering their sale pricing? I couldn’t make it unfortunately so I lost out. If you ever decide to sell it, please let me know 
Regarding the Yello recording, here is some additional info on your tapes you may find interesting;
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Yes, they come packed tails out, and you need to rewind it to play.
No you do not need to flip the tape. It is a 2 track recording, using more tape surface for higher fidelity. These tapes cannot be flipped and played in the other direction.
Here you go.
https://www.petervis.com/Cassette_Tape_Recorders/sony-tc-330/reel-to-reel-track-formats.html
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Do we think a 2 track recorder is better than 4 track from a fidelity perspective? Obviously you lose a lot of tape utilization especially if I was recording in 15ips.
I’m also wondering if my dsd to tape would sound better.
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Oh now you’re being silly
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