10 Best Reel to Reel Tape Recorders for Audiophiles

Reel-to-reel tape recorders were once the go-to for recording and playing back high-quality audio. While digital recording has largely replaced tape, many audiophiles still prefer the unique sound and experience of reel-to-reel. The best tape recorders reel to reel offer excellent sound quality, durability, and ease of use.

When choosing a reel-to-reel tape recorder, the most critical factor to consider is the number of tracks. Two-track machines are ideal for stereo recording, while four-track machines allow for multitrack recording. Other essential features to look for include the tape speed, which affects the sound quality and recording time, and the size of the reels, which can impact the amount of recording time available.

We tested and reviewed several reel-to-reel tape recorders to find the best options on the market. Whether you’re a professional recording engineer or a casual listener, our top picks offer exceptional sound quality and user-friendly features.

Best Tape Recorders Reel To Reel

If you’re a music enthusiast or a professional sound engineer, reel-to-reel tape recorders can be an excellent investment for you. These machines offer an unparalleled level of sound quality and are a must-have for anyone looking to capture the purest sound possible. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best tape recorders reel to reel currently available in the market. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed each product to help you make an informed decision. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list.

Audiophile Power Amplifier Speaker Reel to Reel Tape Recorder

If you’re a collector or a lover of analog audio, this reel to reel tape recorder is a great gift to bring back old memories of 60s, 70s, and 80s music with reel to reel recording tape. However, if you’re looking for a real reel to reel tape recorder, this is not it.

Pros

• A great gift for collectors or lovers of analog audio
• Brings back old memories of 60s, 70s, and 80s music
• PopGrip with swappable top and expandable stand

Cons

• Not a real reel to reel tape recorder
• Misleading product listing
• Only suitable for use as a cell phone holder

This product is not a real reel to reel tape recorder, but rather a cell phone holder with a design resembling a reel to reel tape recorder. The product is best suited for collectors or lovers of analog audio who want to reminisce about old memories of 60s, 70s, and 80s music with reel to reel recording tape. However, the product listing is misleading, and some customers may be disappointed to receive a cell phone holder instead of a real tape recorder.

In terms of features, the product comes with a PopGrip with swappable top and expandable stand, allowing for wireless charging capabilities and hands-free use. However, the product may not stick to some silicone, waterproof, or highly textured cases, and works best with smooth, hard plastic cases. The installation type is swappable top, and the material is vinyl. The product is black in color and is branded by Audiophile Power Amplifier Speaker.

In summary, if you’re looking for a real reel to reel tape recorder, this is not the product for you. However, if you’re a collector or a lover of analog audio, this product may be a great gift to bring back old memories of 60s, 70s, and 80s music with reel to reel recording tape.

TME Leader Tape Open Reel Audio Opaque White 1/4 Inch x 500 Ft with Splicing Tape and GEM Media Blade AC1LWH500R-A

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality open reel leader tape, TME Leader Tape Open Reel Audio Opaque White 1/4 Inch x 500 Ft with Splicing Tape and GEM Media Blade AC1LWH500R-A is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Solid white material with nothing to shed off like coated leader tapes
• Slit to Library of Congress Standards and is the same tape preferred by archives across the country
• Comes in a handy storage box

Cons

• May not be suitable for those looking for colored leader tapes
• Some users may find the splicing tape slightly narrower than expected
• Not suitable for those looking for pre-spliced leader tapes

This leader tape is made from high-quality Mylar and is slit to Library of Congress Standards, meaning that it’s the same tape preferred by archives across the country. It’s solid white material with nothing to shed off like coated leader tapes, and can be written on with a fine Sharpie to label your tape. The tape comes in a handy storage box, which is big enough to store some splicing tape, blades, and a block.

One of the main advantages of this tape is that it’s being inert, which means that it’s not white coated clear tape. This means that there’s no coating to shed off, nor will it brown like currently manufactured coated tapes. The TME Leader Tape Open Reel Audio Opaque White 1/4 Inch x 500 Ft with Splicing Tape and GEM Media Blade AC1LWH500R-A comes with one 82 foot roll of TME splicing tape and one USA made GEM triple facet cut stainless steel media blade to trim your media and cut the splicing tape.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality open reel leader tape that’s reliable and easy to use, then the TME Leader Tape Open Reel Audio Opaque White 1/4 Inch x 500 Ft with Splicing Tape and GEM Media Blade AC1LWH500R-A is definitely worth considering.

GOWENIC 1/4 10 Inch Aluminum Blank Tape Reel

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable tape recorder reel, then the GOWENIC 1/4 10 Inch Aluminum Blank Tape Reel is a great option.

Pros

• Made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy
• Features a classic design with 3 hole windproof hole for increased strength
• Provides excellent sound quality in recording, erasing, and re-recording

Cons

• Only compatible with 1/4 inch tape
• No included NAB hub adapter
• Only comes with one empty tape reel

This tape recorder reel is professionally designed to meet your needs. It’s perfect for repairing your tape recorder or replacing it with a new reel. The aluminum alloy material ensures that it’s wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and not easily damaged. Plus, the 3 hole windproof hole design provides increased strength and durability.

If you’re looking for a reliable and high-quality tape recorder reel, the GOWENIC 1/4 10 Inch Aluminum Blank Tape Reel is definitely worth considering. The sound quality is excellent, and the classic design ensures that it’s both functional and stylish. However, it’s important to note that it’s only compatible with 1/4 inch tape, and you’ll need to purchase an NAB hub adapter separately if you want to use it with a 10 inch capacity deck.

Fydun 1/4 10 Inch Empty Tape Reel

If you’re looking for an empty tape reel for your tape recorder, the Fydun 1/4 10 Inch Empty Tape Reel is a great accessory to consider.

Pros

• The aluminum alloy construction makes it wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
• It’s professionally designed to meet your needs.
• The 3-hole windproof hole design increases strength and bending resistance.

Cons

• It may not be compatible with all tape recorders.
• Some users have reported issues with the reel not fitting properly on their machine.
• It may not be the most affordable option on the market.

This empty tape reel is a great option for those who need to repair their tape recorder or replace a damaged or worn-out reel. It provides excellent sound quality in recording, erasing, and re-recording. The aluminum alloy construction makes it durable and long-lasting, while the 3-hole windproof hole design increases its strength and bending resistance. However, it’s important to note that it may not be compatible with all tape recorders and some users have reported issues with it not fitting properly on their machine. Overall, if you’re in need of an empty tape reel, the Fydun 1/4 10 Inch Empty Tape Reel is definitely worth considering.

GARMAY Digital Voice Recorder

If you are looking for a reliable digital voice recorder, the GARMAY Digital Voice Recorder is worth considering. It offers a large memory capacity, high-quality recording, and a long battery life.

Pros

• Large memory capacity of 48GB
• High-quality recording with 1536KBPS HD Stereo & DSP Intelligent Noise Reduction
• Long battery life of up to 32 hours

Cons

• Delayed start recording time of about 6-7 seconds
• Confusing file transfer process
• Small size may be difficult to use for some people

The GARMAY Digital Voice Recorder has a 48GB memory capacity, which is enough to store up to 3343 hours of recording at 32kbps or 72 hours of recording at 1536kbps. The recorder also features 1536KBPS HD Stereo & DSP Intelligent Noise Reduction, which provides clear and high-quality recording. Additionally, the recorder has a long battery life of up to 32 hours, making it ideal for long lectures or meetings.

One downside of the GARMAY Digital Voice Recorder is the delayed start recording time of about 6-7 seconds, which may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, some users may find the file transfer process confusing. Finally, the small size of the recorder may be difficult to use for some people.

Overall, the GARMAY Digital Voice Recorder is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality digital voice recorder.

RTM LPR35 Studio Mastering Tape

If you’re looking for the ultimate studio mastering tape, RTM LPR35 could be the perfect choice.

Pros

• Offers more Headroom
• 3dB higher Input/Output
• Smoother Surface

Cons

• Expensive compared to other tapes
• Limited availability
• Requires a reel to reel tape recorder

RTM LPR35 is the famously improved RMGI EMTEC reel to reel tape which offers more Headroom plus a 3dB higher Input/Output and a smoother surface than older tapes. It has a coated back and the no-dropout-technology makes this the ultimate and most sold studio Master tape. There is no reason for buying 30 year old NOS tapes – RMGI LPR35 tapes are more cost efficient and rank higher in overall quality.

If you’re looking for high-quality studio mastering tapes, RTM LPR35 is a great choice. It offers more headroom and a smoother surface, making it ideal for professional recording studios. However, it is more expensive than other tapes and requires a reel to reel tape recorder.

Overall, if you’re looking for the best quality tapes for your studio, RTM LPR35 is a great choice. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have a reel to reel tape recorder, you may want to consider other options.

EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder

If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed digital voice recorder, the EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder is a great choice.

Pros

• Clear and high-quality audio recording with upgraded noise cancelling microphone and professional recording chip
• Large storage capacity of 32GB that can store up to 2324 hours of recording or 10,000 songs
• Voice activated recording that reduces blank and whispering snippet

Cons

• Some users reported that the recorder powers on by itself
• A few users encountered disc errors and other technical issues
• The battery life could be longer

The EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder is a versatile device that can be used as a voice recorder, USB flash drive, and MP3 player. It boasts a clear PCM recording with a maximum quality of 1536Kbps, which is suitable for recording lectures, meetings, and conversations. The voice activated recording feature is also a plus, as it allows the recorder to capture talking voice only and save storage space.

The recorder has a large storage capacity of 32GB that can store up to 2324 hours of recording or 10,000 songs, and it supports three recording formats: MP3 128kbps, 192kbps, or WAV 1536kbps. The file management system is also well-designed with four folders (A/B/C/D) to keep your recordings and other files organized.

The EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder is easy to use with many helpful features such as password protection, A-B repeat, auto record, bookmark, and smart battery detection. However, some users reported that the recorder powers on by itself, which could be a minor annoyance. Additionally, a few users encountered disc errors and other technical issues, but these seem to be isolated incidents.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and feature-packed digital voice recorder, the EVIDA 32GB Digital Voice Recorder is definitely worth considering.

Pyle Dual Stereo Cassette Tape Deck

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable solution to digitize your cassette tapes, the Pyle Dual Stereo Cassette Tape Deck is worth considering.

Pros

• Direct dubbing from cassette in two speeds
• Converts tapes to MP3 format on your computer
• Dynamic noise reduction keeps the sound clear

Cons

• No auto-reverse or relay play
• Play button can get jammed
• No headphone jack

This cassette player features dual speed dubbing and a USB connection for quick transfer of music on your tapes to MP3 format on your computer. The dynamic noise reduction feature keeps the sound as clear as possible, and the recorder level control and gain control allow you to adjust the audio signal from the unit to your computer.

The Pyle Dual Stereo Cassette Tape Deck also functions as a regular cassette player, so you can plug it into your amp and listen to your cassettes or make a mixtape using the dual decks. The deck provides an RCA output for connecting to an amplifier or receiver, and an RCA input for connecting an external source intended for recording or dubbing.

Overall, the Pyle Dual Stereo Cassette Tape Deck is a solid choice for those looking to digitize their cassette tapes without breaking the bank.

RTM SM900 Studio Mastering Tape

This is a great product for those who want to experience high-quality sound with no dropouts.

Pros

• Provides more headroom
• Higher input/output
• Smoother surface

Cons

• Expensive
• May not be suitable for beginners
• May require special equipment to use

If you are looking for a high-quality tape that offers more headroom, higher input/output, and a smoother surface, then the RTM SM900 Studio Mastering Tape is the perfect choice for you. This tape also features a coated back and no-dropout technology, making it the ultimate choice for studio mastering.

One of the biggest advantages of this tape is that it has the highest output level of all tapes, with a stunning maximum output level of 14dB at 15ips (38cm/s) tape speed and 11.5 dB at 7.5ips (19cm/s). This means that you can enjoy high-quality sound without any dropouts or interruptions.

However, this tape can be quite expensive and may not be suitable for beginners who are just starting out with reel-to-reel tape recorders. Additionally, you may require special equipment to use this tape, which can add to the cost.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-quality tape that offers superior sound quality, then the RTM SM900 Studio Mastering Tape is definitely worth considering.

Tascam CD-A580 Rackmount Cassette/CD/USB MP3 Player Recorder Combo

If you’re looking for a versatile media player that offers many playback options, the Tascam CD-A580 Rackmount Cassette/CD/USB MP3 Player Recorder Combo is a great choice.

Pros

• The cassette to USB recording feature lets you digitally archive cassette collections, and CDs can be recorded to cassettes.
• You can record audio from CDs and the LINE inputs in the MP3 format to USB flash drives.
• The pitch can be adjusted up to ±10% during cassette tape playback.

Cons

• The display panel can be difficult to read from certain angles.
• The sound quality may not be optimal for some users.
• The price point may be a bit high for those on a budget.

The Tascam CD-A580 offers a range of playback options, from cassette to CD to USB flash media. The cassette to USB recording feature is particularly useful for archiving cassette collections, and CDs can be recorded to cassettes for added convenience. The MP3 recording feature also makes it easy to record audio from CDs and the LINE inputs to USB flash drives.

One downside to the CD-A580 is that the display panel can be difficult to read from certain angles. Additionally, some users may find that the sound quality is not optimal for their needs. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for those on a budget.

Overall, the Tascam CD-A580 Rackmount Cassette/CD/USB MP3 Player Recorder Combo is a solid choice for anyone looking for a versatile media player that offers a range of playback options.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best tape recorders reel to reel, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

Sound Quality

The most important factor to consider when purchasing a tape recorder is sound quality. Look for a recorder that produces clear, crisp sound with minimal background noise. The quality of the recording will depend on the quality of the machine, the tape used, and the recording conditions.

Tape Speed

Tape speed is another important factor to consider. The faster the tape speed, the better the sound quality. However, faster tape speeds also mean shorter recording times and less storage space. Look for a recorder that offers a range of tape speeds to choose from.

Playback and Recording Features

Look for a tape recorder that offers a variety of playback and recording features. Some recorders allow you to adjust the recording level, while others offer automatic level control. Look for a recorder that offers a variety of playback speeds and the ability to rewind and fast forward through recordings.

Connectivity

Consider the connectivity options available on the tape recorder. Look for a recorder that offers both analog and digital connectivity options. This will allow you to connect the recorder to a variety of devices, including computers, speakers, and other audio equipment.

Design and Durability

The design and durability of the tape recorder are also important factors to consider. Look for a recorder that is well-built and designed to last. Consider the size and weight of the recorder, as well as the quality of the materials used in its construction.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the tape recorder. Look for a recorder that offers the features you need at a price you can afford. Keep in mind that the most expensive recorder is not always the best, and the cheapest recorder may not offer the features you need.