Rediscover the Golden Era of Audio Recording: Reel to Reel

About Reel to Reel Warehouse for Recording Tapes

Reel to Reel Warehouse was founded to serve the growing community of Reel to Reel Tape Recording Enthusiasts and Archivists. As more people are discovering the joys of analog sound through rediscovering Vinyl Records, they are also rediscovering Reel to Reel. We are also the top place to buy reel to reel tapes, with the world’s largest selection of refurbished and NOS (New Old Stock) tapes and empty reels for sale.

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Timeline of Reel to Reel History

1928: Invention of Magnetic Tape Recording
1928: Invention of Magnetic Tape Recording

  German engineer Fritz Pfleumer invents magnetic tape for sound recording, laying the foundation for reel-to-reel technology.

1935: Introduction of the Magnetophon
1935: Introduction of the Magnetophon

AEG introduces the Magnetophon K1, the first reel-to-reel tape recorder, utilizing Pfleumer’s magnetic tape innovation.​

1940s: Advancements During World War II

German engineers develop high-frequency AC biasing, significantly enhancing the fidelity of tape recordings.​

1948: Ampex Model 200 Debuts
1948: Ampex Model 200 Debuts

Ampex introduces the Model 200, its first tape recorder, marking a significant milestone in reel-to-reel technology.

1950s: Emergence of Stereo Recording

Stereo reel-to-reel tape recorders are developed, allowing for two-channel audio playback and enhancing the listening experience.​

1954: Introduction of Pre-Recorded Tapes
1954: Introduction of Pre-Recorded Tapes

RCA Victor begins offering pre-recorded reel-to-reel tapes, providing consumers with ready-made high-fidelity recordings.

1960s: Consumer Adoption and Popularity

Reel-to-reel tape recorders gain popularity among consumers, with companies like Concord Electronics introducing innovative models.​

1963: Introduction of the Compact Cassette
1963: Introduction of the Compact Cassette

Philips introduces the Compact Cassette, offering a more convenient, albeit lower fidelity, alternative to reel-to-reel tapes.

1970s: Decline in Consumer Use

The convenience of cassette tapes leads to a decline in reel-to-reel’s popularity among general consumers, though it remains prevalent in professional settings.

1980s: Digital Recording Emerges

The advent of digital recording technologies begins to overshadow analog reel-to-reel systems in professional environments.​

2007: The Tape Project Initiates

The Tape Project begins releasing high-quality, pre-recorded reel-to-reel tapes for audiophiles, sparking renewed interest in the format.​

2018: Revival of Reel-to-Reel Equipment

New reel-to-reel tape players are introduced after a hiatus, reflecting a resurgence of interest among enthusiasts and audiophiles.

Refurbished Reel to Reel Tapes for Sale

The Widest Range of Reel to Reel Tapes Available Worldwide

90 Day No-Fuss Replacement Guarantee If you find a problem with the tapes or are not satisfied for any reason, we’ll send you a replacement tape.

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