Reel News

Reel-to-reel resources and insights

Where to Find Quality Pre-Recorded Music on R2R Tape

by Kevin Root July 20, 2021 6 min read

Whether you are an avid collector or just getting into reel to reel, it can be challenging to figure out where to buy quality pre-recorded music on reel to reel tape. 

Here is a list to help out.

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Ultimate Guide for Reel to Reel Tape Players

by Kevin Root July 16, 2021 14 min read

Are you thinking about entering the growing world of reel to reel tape players? We'll walk you through reel-to-reel player types, what's available and the most popular machines on the market today. 

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Hi-Fi Journalist Neville Roberts Reviews RX Reels

by Kevin Root June 17, 2021 4 min read

When tape-loving hi-fi journalist Neville Roberts was first asked to review our 10½ inch NAB spool that offered to combine high performance with good looks, he was a little sceptical. Here are just a few of his findings after taking RX Reels for a spin: 
 
...When I first received the RX Reels spool, I could instantly see that it was a high-quality product.
 
...A perfectly balanced spool, such as the RX Reels spool, ensures a consistent tension and this was evident with every tape I played using the RX Reels spool. I really do consider that the price tag is justified. Not only do these reels look great, they help to bring out the best performance from your tape deck.
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How a GI brought Hitler’s R2R Technology to Bing Crosby - Part 2

by Kevin Root May 27, 2021 3 min read

...Mullin and Palmer headed to Hollywood in October of 1946 where they put on a demonstration at the studios of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where they debut crystal-clear recording performances by harmonica virtuoso Larry Adler and pianist Jose Iturbi accompanied by the MGM Symphony Orchestra, and this is how Bing Crosby’s tech producer found out about the recording device and set up a demo for Crosby...
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The SoundStage! HIFI Review of RX Reels Blows Our Minds!

by Kevin Root May 06, 2021 6 min read

HiFi Journalist Ken Kessler is one of the most respected reel to reel aficionados in the world and not one easily impressed. Here are just a few of his findings after taking two RX Reels for review spin; 

...the RX reels are among the mechanically best I’ve ever seen. When you remove them from the box, you sense the flatness, the precision, and—lo and behold!—in use they provide the most even take-up I’ve experienced

..the tape spooled to the same flat perfection you usually only see when you open up a factory-fresh blank tape. This is particularly reassuring with irreplaceable tapes.

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How a GI brought Hitler’s R2R Technology to Bing Crosby - Part 1

by Kevin Root May 05, 2021 3 min read

...As a Lieutenant stationed in England, Jack Mullin's job was improving the performance of electronic equipment, which included Allied radar. From 1943-1944 while stationed at the Royal Airforce base in Farnborough England Jack worked late into the night while listening to classical music broadcast by the Germans in the early morning hours after the BBC had gone off air at midnight. The sounds he heard coming from the German recordings sounded like live performances from amazing musicians such as the Berlin Philharmonic, no matter how hard he tried he could not detect the usual noises typically associated with recordings on the radio...
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