Hifiverse

Reel-to-Reel (R2R)

Reel-to-reel (R2R) is open-reel magnetic tape recording, where tape runs between two separate spools across the heads. Audiophiles know it as the format behind studio master tapes and a revived market for prerecorded music on tape.

Stas Ustenko

Stas Ustenko

Audio

Holo Audio May KTE Review - One of the Most Impressive R2R DACs

How the Holo Audio May’s compensation matrix works, its four conversion modes, measurements (22+ bit resolution) and what the KTE version really adds.
Stas Ustenko

Stas Ustenko

Audio

R2R vs Delta-Sigma - a Complete Comparison of DAC Conversion Architectures

How the ladder network and delta-sigma modulation work, where the physical limit of resistor accuracy lies, which of the differences are measurable, and how to choose a converter.
Stas Ustenko

Stas Ustenko

Audio

Black Sabbath’s Debut Albums Released on Magnetic Tape (Limited Edition of 500)

Black Sabbath’s iconic rock albums "Black Sabbath" and "Paranoid" have been released in the ultimate audiophile format: 1/4-inch, two-track magnetic tape running at 15 ips (38 cm/s). The Rhino High Fidelity label produced these reel-to-reel (R2R) editions using fully analog transfers (1:1) from the original US analog master tapes, offering fans the definitive listening experience - a true "Holy Grail" for audiophiles.
Stas Ustenko

Stas Ustenko

Audio

10 Best Vintage Reel-to-Reel Tape Decks You Can Buy Today

A ranking of legendary reel-to-reel tape machines: Studer A820, Ampex ATR-102, Technics RS-1500, Revox B77 MkII, etc. Verified specifications and secondary-market prices.
John Makovsky

John Makovsky

Audio

Analog Audio Design TR-1100 – New Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder

French manufacturer Analog Audio Design is preparing to launch the new TR-1100 reel-to-reel tape recorder, which will become the company’s most fully featured model to date. Unlike the TP-1000, which is designed solely for playback, the new machine will support both tape playback and recording. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Stas Ustenko

Stas Ustenko

Audio

Best R2R DACs in 2026: Entry and Mid-Price Levels

R2R (resistor-ladder) conversion in modern DACs is experiencing a renaissance. At the dawn of the digital era, the technology dominated the market (TDA1541A from Philips, Burr-Brown PCM63 and PCM1704 in implementations by Sony, Wadia, and Mark Levinson), but was subsequently supplanted by delta-sigma architecture. Since 2015, an R2R renaissance has begun – modern SMD resistors with 0.01% tolerance have become available, FPGAs have become powerful enough to replace ASIC architecture within the chip, and a clear demand has emerged from audiophiles for analog sound over digital, a field in which R2R has been and remains very strong. In this article, we'll explore the optimal, affordable solutions and mid-range DACs using R2R technology these are available on the market today.
Stas Ustenko

Stas Ustenko

Audio

Analog Audio Design TP-1100 - New Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder

French reel-to-reel tape recorder manufacturer Analog Audio Design has announced an upgrade to its renowned Analog Audio Design TP-1100 model. This updated version of the R2R tape recorder uses a direct drive, which should improve stability and playback quality.
John Makovsky

John Makovsky

Audio

in-akustik Releases New Master Tapes Recorded on Studer A80

in-akustik has announced new R2R Master Tape releases (each reel is available in Start, Standard and Studio versions). The tapes are recorded individually in real time on Studer A80 studio tape recorders.

Hifiverse Editorial Team

Audio

Understanding the Evolution of Audio Quality

The development of the music industry in terms of formats was cyclical - the era of analog tapes and vinyl was followed by the era of the compact disc, then file formats, Hi-Res sound and, finally, streaming. However, today we can confidently say that in the highest echelon of quality the pendulum has swung back - and vinyl has become more alive than all the living again. Not to mention the revival of interest in magnetic tapes, compact cassettes - analog sound demonstrates such a luxurious sound that music lovers and audiophiles are ready to put up with the inevitable ergonomic limitations.

Hifiverse Editorial Team

Audio

Revox B77 MK III Alice Cooper Edition - a Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder for 27,000 Euros

Swiss audio manufacturer Revox releases reincarnations of its most famous reel-to-reel tape recorders, for example, the Revox B77 MK III. But today we are in for a truly impressive new product - the company presented the result of cooperation with Alice Cooper himself, the Revox B77 MK III Alice Cooper Edition. The model is released in a limited edition of 25 copies at a price of 27,000 euros.

Hifiverse Editorial Team

Audio

TOPPING Centaurus DAC – collaboration with HOLO Audio

TOPPING has introduced the new Centaurus digital-to-analog converter, which uses R2R architecture and is implemented in a fully balanced architecture, which includes eight resistor board (developed jointly with HOLO Audio).

What reel-to-reel is & why it matters

An open-reel deck pulls quarter-inch tape past erase, record and playback heads at fixed speeds such as 19 or 38 cm per second. Higher speed and wider tracks give more headroom and lower noise. Owners use these machines to play duplicated master tapes, to record from vinyl or live sources, and to keep classic studio decks in service. Heads, pinch rollers and alignment need regular care.

What you'll find in this tag

New open-reel recorders, music releases on tape and a buying list of vintage decks worth tracking down fill this page. Launches include two Analog Audio Design machines and a special Revox edition. Release stories cover in-akustik master tapes copied in real time on a Studer A80 and a limited set of early Black Sabbath albums on magnetic tape.

Key decks & brands to know

Analog Audio Design TP-1100 and TR-1100 are newly built open-reel recorders. Revox B77 MK III returns in an Alice Cooper Edition. Studer A80 remains a studio reference used for in-akustik master tape releases. The vintage list covers well-known decks from the format's original era. Buyers of older machines should check head wear and spare parts supply before purchase.

Related topics & where to go next

See Compact Cassette and Analog Audio for other tape and analogue formats, plus the in-akustik tag. Resistor-ladder converters live under R-2R Ladder DAC. Tape recorders are listed in the catalogue sources section.