Before MP3s, compact discs, 8-track and cassette tapes there were audio reels. These were played on reel-to-reel tape decks. And you know what? For my money, they sound better than any of the aforementioned audio formats.

This particular reel-to-reel tape deck is owned by an audiophile friend of mine (eBay user ID: TechnoRay). I borrowed it last week because I wanted to play these reels:

This particular model is an AKAI GX-4000D reel-to-reel player. It’s from the late 1970s. AKAI was founded in 1929, in Tokyo, Japan. Right from the start they were a dominant player in the reel-to-reel market. AKAI is still in existance, although these days their focus is on other audio equipment. Still, AKAI reel-to-reel machines in used condition can still be found. Audiophiles are always on the look out for reel-to-reel players in good working order.