If you follow this blog you’ll have seen some really exciting stuff going down in the world of tape this year. It’s been a bumper (and for me, budget-busting!) year for tape. My bank balance is now groaning at the seams but my tape collection is looking pretty darned awesome! I thought it might be … More Looking back at 2023: a great year for new releases on tape!
As a fan of both jazz and classical music I’m pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to releases on R2R tape. But if rock and / or metal are more your thing, then you’re possibly feeling a bit neglected. So here’s some good news for you: German label Horch House recently released ‘Live From … More One for rock / metal fans at last! Alice Cooper live on tape from Horch House
If you’re based in North America and in the market for a tape deck, you might want to check out RX Reels’ website. The company, run by Kevin Root and based in the Pacific North-West, specialises in crafting premium quality carbon fibre tape reels. In addition, they’ve also now branched out into retailing a number … More Inside Sonorus Audio’s new ATR10 MkII deck and a free reel deal from RX Reels
The ReVox B77 was a real classic in the world of tape decks, and was also relatively recent compared to some tape vintages. The MkI version was manufactured between 1977-80 and the MkII between 1980-1998. You can still pick them up on eBay at a variety of prices – and in a variety of conditions, … More In the market for a mint condition ReVox deck? How about a B77 (MkI or MkII) refurbed by ReVox themselves
If you’re a subscriber to RX Reels’ occasional newsletter ‘Reel News’ then you’ll know about all of this already, but if not, you might want to head over there and sign up, as there are offers to be had. Specifically, there’s a subscriber-only Black Friday sale with $20 off per reel (or $30 per reel … More Latest offerings from RX Reels – Black Friday discount, a new reel design and the return of an ‘old’ favourite
If, like me, you’re both a tape devotee and a jazz fan, you’ll no doubt have been following this year’s incredible releases from Italian label Hemiolia Records. If you’ve somehow managed to miss it, here’s the long story cut very short: a year or so ago, Hemiolia signed a deal with Ermitage Distribution allowing them … More Latest new tape release from Hemiolia Records: Dave Brubeck’s ‘Time Out’
Each November, US audiophile magazine The Absolute Sound showcases a selection of the world’s best hi-fi components in its annual Buyer’s Guide. In the just-published 2024 edition, five tape decks feature among the magazine’s top picks. The list pretty much mirrors the selections in The Absolute Sound Editors’ Choice Awards 2023, with the odd tweak … More The Absolute Sound’s annual Buyers’ Guide’s pick of the tape decks
Are you considering diving into the world of reel-to-reel tape but aren’t sure how to get started? Maybe you’re wondering whether it’s wise to, given what you may have heard about the costs of kit and tapes! There’s a whole heap of information on this website and blog aimed at guiding you around the world … More New to R2R? Check out Jefferson Douglas’ 20-minute tutorial
August 25th was kind of a BIG DAY in the world of this reel-to-reel rambler. One of my absolute favourite albums of the noughties – The White Stripes’ Elephant – was announced for release not only as a UHQR 2 x 45rpm vinyl edition, but also as an Analogue Productions Ultra Tape. For some reason … More Thunderously good: The White Stripes’ seminal album ‘Elephant’ on UHQR vinyl and Ultra Tape
Last year it was the Metaxas Tourbillon TR-X tape deck and now it’s the turn of United Home Audio’s (UHA) Ultima 5-OPS-DC to be awarded a Golden Ear by US audio magazine The Absolute Sound. Then again, UHA are no strangers to awards. Greg Beron’s SuperDeck 2 picked up The Absolute Sound’s Editor’s Choice Award … More “First rate”: United Home Audio’s Ultima 5-OPS-DC tape deck bags a Golden Ear Award from The Absolute Sound
Dave Denyer: The Reel-to-Reel Rambler 