Looks like reel to reel tape recording is coming back into vogue. I started out in music with a Sony R2R because it was the only game in town. Wound up owning an Ampex 4-track and then a TEAC 8-track but then, decent quality audio converters became available for computers and it was all over. Never looked back.
Now this from Thorens:
High End 2019: Thorens TM 1600 – High-End-Tape Machine
Thorens as the oldest brand in audio opens a new chapter in history of high quality analogue reproduction with the presentation of the new tape machine TM 1600
This time not only records, which are called “vinyls” today, are experiencing a strong revival, also the for a long time seen dead magnetic tape technology with quarter inch tapes is rising like a phoenix from the ashes.
In connection with Duesseldorf based tape machine manufactory Ballfinger Thorens meets the rising demand for master tape copies with it’s brand new tape machine TM 1600. A lot of pre-recorded tapes are distributed e.g. by STS-Analog, Analogy Records, Zavalinka Records or Analogify from Berlin.
Prices start at around $13,000USD so very much a status thing. The Saudis will buy a ton of them. I'll stick with my converter and Cubase. Been using this combo for over five years and love it.
Yep, I sure do miss the printhrough and hiss on r-r tape. Bring 'em back!