8-Tracks and Open-Reels: Who’s Got ‘Em and Whatcha Got?


Hi everyone,

I’m curious whether anyone here is into 8-track or open reel decks and if so, why. What decks do you have?

I really enjoy these old formats just because I find the mechanics of different formats really interesting. I also like to find newly released music that is exclusive to these formats (I think it’s a fun way to discover new music). I have a Pioneer H-R99 8-track deck, a Pioneer RT-707 open reel deck, and a Pioneer RT-909 open reel deck. I’ve found an independent record label that releases only on open-reel tape, and I’ve had luck in finding punk and even some vapor wave releases on 8-track.
What about you? Any love for these formats?
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If you recorded your own cassettes then yes, better than 8 track--but IMO prerecorded 8T better than most prerecorded cassettes mainly b/c of tape speed.  I have cassettes recorded on Nak cr-4A which is still in my system but the tapes haven't really held up over the past 40 years--my RtoR tapes have held up well and i still enjoy putting on a loop occasionally and re-living the old party days--if i recorded at 3 3/4 i could fit up to 6 albums on a reversible tape--but that's not something you sit and listen -- just crank while you putter around -- serious listening always takes me back to the vinyl version from which i made the tape
@undefined:  Who is the "independent record label that releases only on open reel tape" ?
@wyoboy:

The label is called Orbita. They’re based in Ulyanovsk, Russia and release mostly post-punk, new wave, and cold wave bands (which is a lot of what I listen to these days). That scene seems to be alive and well there. I have a few of their releases and every one of them is great (both the sound quality and the music).

Technics RS1500 has clever u shaped tape path. Switchable between 2 track and 4 track because it has two playback heads. 3 3/4, 7 1/2, 15 ips. You will need a Dolby B outboard if yr pre records are Dolby encoded.

 

At 15 ips it is hardwired for NAB equalization. (CCIR sounds better.)

Teac, Pioneer and a Sony tube RTR. On hand are about 50 commercial 7 1/2 IPS tapes - classical and rock.