Open Reel Records release six new classical recordings on tape

December 10, 2018

Still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your tape-loving audiophile? Look no further. Hot off the press are six newly-available recordings from the superb Italian label Open Reel Records, all available to order now. Here’s the goodies…   Arcangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concert “Per La Notte Di Natale” Conductor: Federico Ferri Orchestra: Accademia degli Astrusi A … More Open Reel Records release six new classical recordings on tape

ABC Records: some concerns and a call for your views

November 27, 2018

Some time ago, we came across China-based ABC Records, a label that issues music in a range of formats including studio master tape, and whose catalogue of almost a hundred titles spans an eclectic mix of vocal, instrumental and Chinese music. A fair old perusal of the company’s website gave the impression that the company is … More ABC Records: some concerns and a call for your views

Metaxas & Sins GQT open reel tape recorder: update and new T-RX model

November 15, 2018

The 2018 Munich High End Show was indeed a ‘high’ for R2R lovers worldwide, with the announcement that production of the world’s first modern open reel tape decks was, at last, recommencing after a couple of decades’ haitus. Two companies were leading the vanguard: German design company Ballfinger and international hi-fi brand Metaxas & Sins. … More Metaxas & Sins GQT open reel tape recorder: update and new T-RX model

Six of the best: in which Ken Kessler atones for prior tape ‘sins’ by stocking up on vintage decks

November 1, 2018

About a month ago, we learnt that renowned hi-fi journalist Ken Kessler has harboured a life-long love of tape. Now, he comes clean about the full extent of his fondness for all things open reel. At this stage, it’s worth letting you know just how badly infected I am by the open-reel bug. Having just … More Six of the best: in which Ken Kessler atones for prior tape ‘sins’ by stocking up on vintage decks

Investing in talented young musicians – Neville Roberts discovers Yarlung Records’ philanthropic approach to recording excellence and checks out a few albums

October 24, 2018

US-based GRAMMY® award-winning recording label Yarlung Records is all about helping talented young musicians to launch their careers. Neville Roberts chats to the label’s philanthropic founder, and listens to a handful of the label’s extremely impressive artists and recordings. An old audiophile friend of mine (and recent convert to analogue tape – he still hasn’t … More Investing in talented young musicians – Neville Roberts discovers Yarlung Records’ philanthropic approach to recording excellence and checks out a few albums

Chasing The Dragon copy master tapes now available on 7-inch reels at 7.5ips

October 22, 2018

Let’s say you launch into the world of tape with a vintage domestic deck. And you’re having a fine time playing old, commercially-released tapes that you’ve been gleefully tracking down on eBay and the like… But then, one day, a couple of master tape copies begin to catch your eye. All of a sudden there seem … More Chasing The Dragon copy master tapes now available on 7-inch reels at 7.5ips

“The reel deal”: the rambler makes the case for tape in Hi-Fi Choice magazine

September 24, 2018

In the latest issue (October 2018) of Hi-Fi Choice you’ll find the reel-to-reel rambler lurking among the ‘Opinion’ columns. “Self-confessed analogue addict Dave Denyer…” it says. I can’t argue with that. The piece charts my journey into tape, starting with a pivotal love-at-first-listen moment in September 2013 – which you can also read about in … More “The reel deal”: the rambler makes the case for tape in Hi-Fi Choice magazine

‘Decked by tape’: for Ken Kessler, open reel tape has been with him all the way

September 21, 2018

As a hi-fi journalist of international standing, Ken Kessler has a breadth and depth of experience in all things audio. In fact, there’s not much in the world of hi-fi that he hasn’t seen or heard and, as his readers know and appreciate, he isn’t afraid to be candid in sharing his opinions about it … More ‘Decked by tape’: for Ken Kessler, open reel tape has been with him all the way

Neville Roberts listens to Chasing The Dragon’s ‘España’ – live, on master tape and direct-cut vinyl

September 13, 2018

Last year, hi-fi journalist Neville Roberts headed to London’s AIR Studios to witness audiophile label Chasing The Dragon’s recording of a new album, España. The recording was simultaneously captured direct-to-disk and on master tape. Here, Neville shares his impressions of the day and of the resulting vinyl LP and copy master tape.  There’s something rather … More Neville Roberts listens to Chasing The Dragon’s ‘España’ – live, on master tape and direct-cut vinyl