“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

Emotion, wit and stunning transparency: Shostakovich Cello Sonata & Elgar’s Salut d’Amour from UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 2 of 2)

August 31, 2018

Canada-based UltraAnalogue Recordings has just released 3 new open reel tapes, all recorded at a live concert held in May 2018 featuring star cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan with pianist Benjamin Smith. Priced at $275 each, the three are: Shostakovich Cello Sonata & Elgar’s Salut d’Amour; Brahms Cello Sonata No.2; and Albeniz Asturias, Shchedrin Imitating Albeniz, Tchaikovsky Nocturne … More Emotion, wit and stunning transparency: Shostakovich Cello Sonata & Elgar’s Salut d’Amour from UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 2 of 2)

Putting the ‘ultra’ into analogue: introducing Canada-based UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 1 of 2)

August 30, 2018

One of the great benefits of my reel-to-reel ramblings, apart from the obvious one of discovering some the most incredible-sounding recorded music out there, is that I get to chat at some length with people who are at the forefront of the pursuit of sonic excellence. One of those people is Edward (Ed) Pong, the … More Putting the ‘ultra’ into analogue: introducing Canada-based UltraAnalogue Recordings (part 1 of 2)

A lifelong reel obsession: Neville Roberts recalls the tape decks he’s known and loved over the years – and celebrates the R2R revival

August 15, 2018

Audio journalist and regular Hi-Fi Choice contributor, Neville Roberts, has been fascinated by open reel tape for most of his life. Here, he casts his mind back over the many and varied tape decks he’s shared his life with to date. If you’re in the market for a vintage machine, there’s some great pointers here. … More A lifelong reel obsession: Neville Roberts recalls the tape decks he’s known and loved over the years – and celebrates the R2R revival

Review: ‘The World of Heavy Percussion and Large Japanese Drums’ from STS Analog

July 30, 2018

Back in May, as I was making my way around the Munich Hi-End Show, I spotted something that piqued my interest. Well, lots of things actually, but here I’m talking about a newly-released open reel tape from the confusingly-named STS Digital/Analog. (STS Digital is the original company name since they make digital as well as … More Review: ‘The World of Heavy Percussion and Large Japanese Drums’ from STS Analog

Spotlight on the new Ballfinger M 063 tape machines – x 4!

July 11, 2018

In early 2017 I hopped on a plane to Germany to visit the Hamburg Hi-Fi Show (Norddeutsche HiFi-Tage / Hörtest), having heard that a brand new tape machine was about to be previewed. The machine in question was the Ballfinger M 063. Fast forward to the Munich High-End Show in May 2018 and the M … More Spotlight on the new Ballfinger M 063 tape machines – x 4!