Otari MX5050 B2HD Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck
This is a professional 2-track tape deck, which can also play back 4-track tapes (a great convenience). The deck is set up for 15 and 71/2 ips speeds, but may also be set up for 71/2 and 33/4 ips. Most of the pre-recorded tapes I have on hand are 71/2 ips, while some of the tapes I have made (especially master copies of my LP's) are at 15 ips.
For analogue lovers, nothing really comes close to the quality of a good quality open reel tape. Over the past few years, vinyl has made a strong comeback, but unfortunately, open reel tape seems to have been consigned to the knackers by most music lovers. It is sad that the medium which still makes the best recordings is so unpopular. The misfortune about the unpopularity of open reel tapes is that the recording industry is not coming out with new releases, which is in direct contrast to the vinyl scene, where companies are still coming out with re-issues of classic recordings (thankfully).
One of the best uses of a good open reel tape deck is for making copies of CD's and then listening to a more natural sounding medium. I have made copies of some of my favourite CD's (unfortunately not available in vinyl), and listen to the tapes most of the time. Sometimes, I still listen to the CD and the tape back-to-back, and come to the same conclusion - I prefer the sound of tape, anyday.
I am currently engaged in making master copies of my LP collection. This way, I make sure that I will have good versions of my favourite analogue recordings for a long time to come.