Roger,
i apologize if i came off as denigrating 4-track tapes as a format, and if by inference i was disrespectful. that was not my intent. 4-track tape is a high quality format especially at 7 and 1/2ips.
however; 4-track tapes are extremely inconsistent in their quality, and they are now 40-50 years old. they have been stored in widely varying conditions and played on machines of various states of repair. and tape media is not as robust and tolerant of less than ideal storage as an Lp. so the odds of getting very good ones is low.
and even at their very best, 4-track tapes are not quite as good as my vinyl. i would say that they are competitive, or maybe even a little better, than 'good performance' vinyl. yes; they have that continuousness of tape going for them, but their noise floor is higher than my vinyl. and since i already have 12,000 Lps and very high quality turntables why would i spend time pursueing a format that does not exceed what i have.
for the most part; the music on 4-track tapes is easy listening. any rock or jazz or desireable classical is somewhat expensive.
so overall the 4-track equation for me does not work out.
Steve,
i did have the dPV 'Tim deParavicini Technics RS-1700 that i sold to a friend, and i still have a stock Technics RS-1500.....which i've not fired up in at least a year.
Mike you are fine, I understand completely.