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https://openreeltoreel.com/, https://www.openreeltoreel.co.uk/

Open Reel To Reel, Third Floor, 207 Regent Street, London (2026)

30/07/2026

A New Chapter in Pure Analogue Recording

Some recordings deserve more than a release announcement—they deserve to be celebrated.

In March 2026, the Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio returned to the legendary ONKIO HAUS Studio No.1 to record an entirely new album. Behind the microphones once again was renowned recording engineer Yoshihiko Kannari, whose name has become synonymous with reference-quality Japanese jazz recordings.

But this project is different.

For the first time in this collaboration, the album was recorded 100% in the analogue domain using 1/2-inch, 15 ips analogue master tape. No digital recording stage. No digital editing. Just musicians, microphones, tape, and decades of recording expertise.

AN-RTR-2621

Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio – Plays Songs

Master Reel Tapes • AAA

Specifications
• 2 × RTM SM900 reels
• 15 ips (38 cm/s)
• 1/4” Stereo
• CCIR Equalization
• Fully analogue mastering from the original 1/2” 15 ips master tapes

The Music

Built around the concept of “The Piano Sings,” the album combines timeless melodies with the unmistakable touch of Tsuyoshi Yamamoto and the extraordinary recording craftsmanship of Yoshihiko Kannari.

Personnel
🎹 Tsuyoshi Yamamoto – Piano
🎸 Hiroshi Kagawa – Bass
🥁 Toshio Osumi – Drums

This release marks another successful collaboration with Disk Union Japan, bringing a brand-new reference analogue recording to reel tape collectors worldwide.

Available October 2026

The master tape edition will be available from October 2026.

Pre-ordering secures the opportunity to receive a low serial-numbered copy, highly sought after by collectors.

For enthusiasts requiring the highest possible fidelity, the title will also be available on-demand as a 1/2-inch, 15 ips master tape.

Please note: The current album cover shown is a preliminary draft. The final artwork will be unveiled in August 2026.

🎼 Pre-orders are now open at:
www.thesoundoftape.com

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Discussion

For serious audiophiles:

Would you rather own a copy duplicated onto 1/4” master reel tape, or commission the ultimate 1/2” 15 ips version made directly from the original analogue master? Tell us why in the comments!

30/07/2026

TECHNICS RS-1520 — BRONZE AGE EDITION

When does a tape machine become a work of art?

Some restorations return a classic to its original condition.

Others create something that has never existed before.

The Technics RS-1520 Bronze Age Edition belongs to the second category.

After 12 months of meticulous craftsmanship, every visible metal surface was reimagined in aluminium bronze—a living alloy that develops a unique patina over time. Unlike chrome or stainless steel, bronze records every year of ownership, every touch, and every listening session. The machine evolves alongside its owner.

This wasn’t simply a restoration. It was a complete rebirth.

Every component was stripped down, inspected, renewed or remanufactured. Custom bronze controls, integrated bronze lettering, CNC-machined splicer, mirror-polished Palisander rosewood, copper-and-24K gold VU meter details, upgraded electronics, OLED counter, and countless bespoke parts all came together to create a singular instrument.

The result?

A reel-to-reel recorder that isn’t frozen in time—but one that embraces time.

Perhaps the most remarkable part of its story is that it never reached the public market.

Before the official release, it was immediately acquired by a private collector, where it now continues its journey, slowly developing the rich bronze character that only decades can create.

There won’t be another Bronze Age Edition.

Every future Album Aereum creation explores new materials, new ideas, and a different philosophy. Repetition has no place in true craftsmanship.

Questions for fellow analogue enthusiasts:

🎼 Would you preserve bronze in its polished finish, or let nature create its own patina over the years?

🎼 Should a legendary machine remain historically original, or can respectful reimagining elevate it into functional art?

🎼 Which material speaks to you most for a luxury restoration—bronze, titanium, stainless steel, copper, carbon fibre, or something entirely unexpected?

Share your thoughts, photographs, and dream restoration ideas in the comments. We’d love to hear what your ultimate RS-1520 would look like.

30/07/2026

The Golden Era of Hi-Fi Never Really Ended.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a beautifully engineered integrated amplifier with real analog VU meters, solid controls, and a design built around music rather than marketing.

The Concert 300W HVA-8030 is a reminder of a time when hi-fi components were designed to deliver clean, musical performance and remain in service for decades. From the elegant black finish to the warm glow of its dual meters, it captures the spirit of classic high-fidelity listening.

For many audiophiles, equipment like this isn’t just vintage—it represents an era when craftsmanship, durability, and sound quality came first.

What draws you most to classic integrated amplifiers?

* ❤️ The warm analog sound
* 🎚️ The tactile k***s and switches
* 📟 The beautiful VU meters
* 🛠️ The engineering and build quality
* 🎵 The nostalgia of the golden age of hi-fi

Share your thoughts in the comments and, if you own a vintage integrated amplifier, post a photo of your system. We’d love to see what classic equipment is still bringing music to life today.

If you enjoyed this post, please like, share, and invite fellow audiophiles to join the discussion. Every shared system and story helps keep the passion for vintage high-fidelity audio alive.

30/07/2026

🎶 Experience China’s Musical Soul in Audiophile Perfection

Zhao Cong – Sound of China: Dance In The Moon (P**a Album)
Crystal Disc CD • Limited Edition • Made in Japan

Some recordings entertain. Others transport you.

Sound of China is a breathtaking collaboration where the timeless beauty of the Chinese P**a meets world-class recording engineering. Internationally acclaimed virtuoso Zhao Cong delivers an emotionally rich performance of original compositions by celebrated composer Ma Jiu Yue, creating a captivating journey through Chinese musical heritage with a contemporary spirit.

This extraordinary production united renowned Danish recording engineer Hans Nielsen, Chinese musicians, and Western producers to create an immersive soundstage that bridges Eastern tradition with Western recording excellence. The result is a recording that rewards every serious music lover and audiophile.

Why Audiophiles Love This Release

✨ Crystal Disc CD – Premium Japanese pressing
✨ Superior Crystal Sound
✨ Ultimate High-Fidelity Audio
✨ Gold reflective layer with precision glass substrate
✨ Manufactured in Japan by Memory-Tech
✨ Licensed from Modern Audio
✨ Limited Edition

Album Information

Artist: Zhao Cong
Album: Sound of China – Dance In The Moon
Label: Fung Hang Record
Catalogue: MCD3101GS
Format: Crystal Disc CD • Stereo • Limited Edition
Genre: Folk • World • Chinese Traditional Music
Year: 2022

Featured Tracks

• Moonlight Night on Spring River
• New Ambush from Flying Daggers
• Oriental Beauty
• Folk Song of Freeing Horses
• Herding
• Blue Sky and Sea
• Moon Dance
• Ye Yu Duo
• Youth Dance
• Rose

What Makes a Crystal Disc Special?

Unlike conventional CDs that use a polycarbonate substrate, Crystal Disc technology uses a precision-engineered glass substrate combined with a gold reflective layer. The highly accurate photopolymer manufacturing process, exceptional surface flatness, and optical stability help reduce read errors, noise, and jitter during playback, delivering playback that is engineered to stay exceptionally close to the original mastered signal.

Whether you’re listening through a reference headphone system or a flagship hi-fi setup, this is a recording designed to reveal remarkable detail, depth, and musical realism.

🇯🇵 Japanese Import • Made in Japan

Rediscover the beauty of authentic Chinese music with one of the world’s most refined physical music formats.

🎵 Now available while limited editions last.

What is your favourite instrument for revealing the emotion of traditional music—P**a, Erhu, Guzheng, or another? Tell us in the comments and share this post with fellow music lovers and audiophiles.

30/07/2026

🎙️ Rediscover the Art of Listening with Scottie Wright – Saint Mic
A Japanese Crystal Disc CD masterpiece for the true audiophile.

Some albums entertain. Others reveal what your audio system is truly capable of.

Saint Mic by Scottie Wright is one of those rare recordings that rewards every improvement in your playback chain. With astonishing stereo imaging, effortless dynamics, exceptional clarity, and a wonderfully natural vocal presentation, this limited Japanese Crystal Disc CD offers an experience that reaches far beyond conventional compact discs.

Featuring warm, expressive performances from Scotty Wright alongside Be Be De Vovex and pianist Bob Swaski, the album reimagines beloved classics including:

🎵 The Sound of Silence
🎵 Yesterday Once More
🎵 When I Fall in Love
🎵 Unforgettable
🎵 Love Me Tender
🎵 Sometimes When We Touch
🎵 Dream a Little Dream
🎵 Amazing Grace
…and more timeless favourites.

Every phrase reflects Scottie Wright’s signature style—deeply rooted in the traditions of classic jazz singing, with harmonic sophistication, effortless phrasing, and the warmth that has made him a respected performer on the California jazz scene for more than three decades.

💎 What makes a Crystal Disc CD special?

Unlike conventional CDs manufactured from injection-moulded polycarbonate, Crystal Disc CDs are handcrafted using an ultra-flat precision-ground glass substrate with a gold reflective layer.

This remarkable manufacturing process delivers:

✨ Superior stereo imaging
✨ Lower jitter and lower noise
✨ Greater dynamic range
✨ Exceptional transparency and detail
✨ Outstanding long-term stability
✨ Sound that comes remarkably close to the original master recording

The original recording was remastered by recording engineer Vili Chen and finalized at Abbey Road Studios by renowned mastering engineer Miles Showell, preserving every nuance of this intimate jazz performance.

Album Information

📀 Scottie Wright – Saint Mic
Label: TIS Records (TIS-SM1)
Format: Crystal Disc CD • Stereo • Numbered • Limited Edition
Country: Japan
Year: 2015
Genre: Jazz
Style: Mainstream Jazz • Smooth Jazz

If you’re searching for a recording that demonstrates the beauty of a truly high-end audio system, Saint Mic deserves a place in your collection.

🎼 Have you ever compared a premium Japanese audiophile CD with a standard commercial CD?

Can you hear improvements in imaging, soundstage, dynamics, and tonal realism—or do you believe mastering is the only thing that really matters?

Share your listening experience in the comments. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

🎧 Order premium Japanese Crystal Disc CDs and discover audiophile-quality music at:
www.thesoundoftape.com

30/07/2026

🎷 A Voice for Ben Webster. A Masterpiece for the Audiophile.

Some tributes simply revisit great music.

Others preserve its spirit.

On Here’s To Ben – A Vocal Tribute To Ben Webster, Jacintha honors one of jazz’s greatest tenor saxophonists through a collection of timeless standards forever associated with Webster’s unmistakable sound—warm, lyrical, intimate, and deeply emotional.

From the haunting beauty of Stardust, Georgia On My Mind, and Our Love Is Here To Stay, to the breathtaking interpretation of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, every performance captures the elegance and romance that defined Ben Webster’s legacy.

Accompanied by an exceptional ensemble featuring Kei Akagi (piano), Darek Oles (bass), Larance Marable (drums), and legendary saxophonist Teddy Edwards, this recording is an extraordinary celebration of classic jazz performed with remarkable sensitivity.

Originally recorded on analog reel tape, the album was produced by Joe Harley and Ying Tan, with recording engineers Michael C. Ross and John Sorenson, preserving every nuance of the original performance.

⸻

💎 Crystal Disc CD — The Ultimate Listening Experience

This special Numbered Limited Edition Crystal Disc CD represents one of the highest-quality optical music formats ever produced.

Unlike conventional CDs, Crystal Disc employs:

✨ Precision glass substrate instead of polycarbonate
✨ Pure gold reflective layer
✨ Ultra-accurate 2P photopolymer pit transcription technology
✨ Exceptional surface flatness for dramatically reduced jitter and noise
✨ Sound engineered to reproduce the master recording with astonishing accuracy

Developed and manufactured by Japan Memory-Tech Co., Ltd., every Crystal Disc is crafted for listeners who refuse to compromise.

⸻

Album Details

Jacintha – Here’s To Ben – A Vocal Tribute To Ben Webster

• Groove Note • GRV1001-CrystalDisc
• Crystal Disc CD • Stereo
• Numbered Limited Edition
• Japanese Import
• Made in Japan

Track Highlights

🎵 Georgia On My Mind
🎵 Our Love Is Here To Stay
🎵 Tenderly
🎵 Somewhere Over The Rainbow
🎵 How Long Has This Been Going On?
🎵 Stardust
🎵 In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
🎵 Pennies From Heaven
🎵 Danny Boy

For those who appreciate jazz in its most intimate and authentic form, this is more than a reissue—it’s a reference-quality listening experience.

Ultimate High-Quality Sound. No Compromise Music Reissues.

Would you choose this Crystal Disc edition over a standard CD? Or would you still prefer the warmth of the original analog reel tape? Tell us why in the comments.

30/07/2026

The Grail - Technic RS-1520

Some machines become legends. A very few become myths.

The Technics RS-1520 occupies that rare space in the analog world—a two-track masterpiece admired for its transformer-coupled design, remarkable musicality, and uncompromising engineering. Finding one in exceptional original condition is increasingly difficult. Finding one transformed into something entirely unique is another matter altogether.

This Album Aereum Edition was never intended to be another restoration.

It was conceived as a singular creation.

Over 15 months, every component was evaluated, every surface reconsidered, and every material selected with purpose. Original fasteners gave way to precision stainless steel. Panels were stripped to bare aluminum before receiving our proprietary white bronze lettering process beneath deep Caveman Black powder coating. Virgin white bronze became k***s, levers, and even an integrated tape splicer—transforming functional controls into sculptural elements.

The electronics were rebuilt to preserve the legendary RS-1520 sound while elevating reliability and performance with carefully selected audiophile components. Stabilized white oak side panels, precision mechanical restoration, electronic tape counter, custom displays, and countless one-off CNC-manufactured parts completed an instrument unlike any other.

There is no production line.

There are no editions.

There are only individual creations.

This RS-1520 now resides in a private collection, and another will not emerge from our workshop in the foreseeable future. When the next transformation begins, it will not be a copy—it will be a new interpretation.

Some collect vintage audio.

Others commission heirlooms.

Status: Sold
Completion: 2024
Time invested: 15 months
Current location: Private collection

Discussion:

If you had the opportunity to commission your ultimate reel-to-reel masterpiece, would you preserve every original detail—or would you embrace a complete reimagining like the Album Aereum philosophy?

What would your dream machine be: Technics RS-1520, RS-1500, Studer, ReVox, Otari, Nagra, or something else?

Let’s hear your vision.

30/07/2026

AAA. Three letters. Endless debate.

For many audiophiles, AAA isn’t just a technical specification—it’s a philosophy. It represents a recording that remains in the analog domain from the original recording session, through mixing, to the final master.

But here’s the discussion…

Is AAA always the ultimate listening experience, or can a carefully produced digital master equal—or even surpass—it?

Some collectors won’t buy anything unless it’s fully analogue. Others believe that the quality of the original recording, mastering engineer, tape transfer, and pressing or duplication matter far more than the format itself.

When it comes to reel-to-reel tapes, many enthusiasts still consider a real-time copy from the original analogue master to be one of the closest experiences to hearing the master tape itself.

What matters most to you when choosing a recording?

* 🎙️ AAA all the way—no compromises.
* 🎛️ Great mastering is more important than the format.
* 📼 Original master tape source is everything.
* 🎵 I simply trust my ears, regardless of the recording chain.

There are no right or wrong answers—only different paths to musical enjoyment.

Join the discussion below and tell us what “true high fidelity” means to you. 🎼📼

30/07/2026

The Sound of Recording. The Art of Preservation.

There is something profoundly satisfying about watching two reels turn in perfect synchronisation. No notifications. No algorithms. No compression. Just magnetic tape carrying music exactly as it was intended to be heard.

The ASC AS 6002 S represents a philosophy that has become increasingly rare: engineering without compromise. Built for those who value craftsmanship, longevity, and the unmistakable character of analogue recording, it remains an icon among serious reel-to-reel enthusiasts.

For many audiophiles, a tape recorder isn’t simply another component in the system—it’s the heart of an authentic listening experience. Every recording becomes an archive. Every playback becomes an event.

Let’s start a discussion:

🎙️ If you could own just one professional reel-to-reel recorder for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

* ASC AS 6002 S
* Studer A80 / A810 / A820
* ReVox PR99 or B77
* Technics RS-1500 / RS-1520
* Otari MTR series
* Nagra T-Audio
* Another legendary machine?

Tell us why you chose it. Was it the sound, reliability, engineering, aesthetics, or simply the memories it brings back?

Every machine has a story—and we’d love to hear yours.

30/07/2026

15 Months of Obsessive Reimagining.

Some restorations preserve history.

Others redefine it.

The Technics RS-1500 Album Aereum Edition spent 15 months being completely dismantled, redesigned, engineered and rebuilt—component by component—without compromise.

Every original Phillips screw was replaced with precision stainless-steel hex hardware. Every capacitor upgraded with audiophile-grade components. Every motor stripped, rebuilt and lubricated. New-old-stock heads installed. CNC-machined replacement parts created where originals no longer met our standards.

The front panel was taken back to bare aluminium, hand-finished until flawless, then transformed with proprietary solid white bronze lettering permanently integrated beneath a premium Caveman Black powder-coated finish. Every letter was individually polished to a mirror lustre, creating typography with genuine depth—not paint, not decals.

The mechanical tape counter gave way to high-precision electronic timing accurate to 1/100th of a second. Custom LCD VU meters provide multiple display personalities, while switchable NAB/IEC playback equalisation ensures compatibility with master tapes from around the world.

Every control you touch began as molten white bronze, cast, CNC-machined, hand-finished and polished into functional sculpture.

The side panels are crafted from vacuum-stabilised white oak, infused with polymer for exceptional dimensional stability before being darkened, polished and protected with precision-engineered metal accents.

Even what remains unseen received equal attention—gold-plated audio connectors, renewed power delivery, rebuilt bearings, optimised mechanics and meticulously balanced transport components.

This is not restoration.

It is evolution through craftsmanship.

The result is a one-of-a-kind instrument where vintage engineering meets contemporary materials, obsessive precision and timeless design.

Album Aereum—Latin for white bronze—captures the philosophy perfectly: ancient materials, modern engineering, uncompromising ex*****on.

Status: Available
Completion: 2024
Time invested: 15 months

For collectors who believe extraordinary music deserves extraordinary instruments.

Open Reel To Reel

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Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm