It's kind of strange how people get excited for The Matrix on VHS but not so excited about Rick Astley on cassette tape.

But then I realized that for an entire generation, VHS was the only way they saw home video. Whereas, when cassettes were around, people had options with other formats.

As well, because good tape decks are hard to find nowadays, people believe that whatever cheap new deck they get was indicative of the cassette experience. This is not the case.

Let me explain...

First thing you got to understand is that cassettes have a long history. The first commercially available cassette was released in the early 60s. It was used for dictation.

In 1967, the first commercial pre-recorded music tape was released by Norelco. It wasn't as good as reel-to-reel, but it was more convenient and durable.

During the 70s, 8 track competed with cassettes. At first it was better quality. However, there were advancements in cassette technology that surpassed 8 track.

Now a lot of people believe that CDs killed vinyl. This is not the case. Cassettes had just as much to do with it because:

1. Cassettes were compact and portable
2. They were recordable
3. They were more durable
4. They (mostly) sounded better

Some might be surprised about point 4, but hear me out.

On a type I (Fe2O3) tape with no noise reduction, vinyl probably sounds better.

However, with early noise reduction cassette is competitive with vinyl. With later noise reduction (HPX, C, S, etc.), cassette pulls ahead.

On type II (Cr02) and Type IV (Metal), there's no question: not only is cassette better than vinyl, it's often competitive with consumer-grade reel-to-reel.

(Commercial reel-to-reel is a different story though!)

By the mid-90s, the quality of cassettes almost rivalled CDs.

So if cassettes had certain advantages, why are they nowadays a distant 3rd after vinyl and CDs?

The answer is that cassettes have three problems:

1. Premium decks are no longer being made
2. Premium tape is no longer being made
3. Most pre-recorded tapes today don't even have noise cancellation

Do I still enjoy them? Yes—but almost anything you buy new is light years away from experience audiophiles had in the 80s and 90s.

Whatever you receive off Bandcamp, take it with a grain of salt.

That said, there is a cassette revival now but this has less to do with enthusiasts pushing the format and more to do with vinyl pressing plants being completely booked, and indie bands needing an analog alternative that is cheaper and faster to production.

Cassettes fit the bill.

Unfortunately, most bands view cassettes as little more than a gimmick. And to be sure, I'd probably not buy most new cassettes if it weren't for Bandcamp giving me lossless FLACs with my purchase.

That said, do I think the cassette revival will eventually yield a better product? Yes, I do!

Remember the Masters (RTM) is not only making new tape, they're putting out great sounding albums—and have released perhaps the best sounding portable cassette player on the market.

National Audio Company (NAC) just started making new type IIs, this time with cobalt instead of chrome.

A new generation has discovered mixtapes and tape loops, making incredible new sounds.

Good future ahead!

But the best reason to get into cassettes is simply this: it's often the best analog format for the price.

Sure, you could buy vinyl for $60.

Or, you can buy the same album on a cassette for $10.

Maybe the vinyl will sound better than the cassette. But 6x better? Doubtful.

If sound quality is a concern, get yourself a nice Nakamichi or Yamaha or Sony deck. They cost a pittance in comparison to high end turntables, but often sound better.

Quality isn't just about media, but equipment too.

One final comment on this. I'm not anti-vinyl. I still collect it. It's a nice format.

But remember, so much of vinyl nowadays is just folks hopping on a trend because the cool kids are doing it.

If you want value, buy the formats without the hype. Yes, in addition to cassettes, I'm also talking about CDs.

@atomicpoet I can see how it may seem like the cool trend but I believe there's a full revival of vinyl happening right now

Even Jack White, who operates his own pressing plant, has implored the major labels to get their plants back up and running because he can't keep up with demand. And he's gone all in on this

https://youtu.be/bpNj60awEiM

@brandndaslva Problem is a good many people who buy vinyl don't even listen to it.