multitrack recorders cassette vs digital

why do cassette multitrack recorders cost more than digital recorders ? i still use reel to reel and cassette recorders but was wondering why digital recorders bought used are so cheap.

 

i only ask because i ran into my bass player and my keyboard player and convinced them to start recording again. we are in our 60's and haven't a clue about digital recording and want to get back together to make music. i want to buy them cassette / reel to reel decks to what we used to record on. the format they / me know but i see cheap used digital recorders for 50 to 150 dollars but the tascam, fostex cassette rtr recorders are priced higher. why ? we don't want the learning curve just want to press play, record and make magic. well not magic but just get it on tape. if i am in the wrong section i am sorry. i don't care about which format is so called better. there is no excuse to not get a great sound however you record.

 

Analogue tape recorders are mechanical, much more complicated, and use a lot more parts.

 

They're most likely less expensive because there is minimal effort of a learning curve and unless you have an expert hand they can be a sonic ruin compared to analog. I'd stick with analog if I were you.

 

analog is superior sound wise. my opinion and easy to learn for the new comer who wants to record. my question is why are the newer digital recorders cheaper than the cassette recorders ? i have tons of friends who went out a pais for a digital recorder and can't figure out how to navigate the format. they just want to press play and make demos.

 

No moving parts in digital recorders, a lot less mechanical stuff to manufacture & maintain. You'll also see a wide range of prices for different digital recorders. Usually, the cheaper ones only record in 16-bit/48 khz, while the more expensive ones are capable of 24-bit recording.

 

Yes, this is correct. The OP's question has been asked and answered twice (so far).

 

i do agree but it is more than that. for those who like vintage things like cars, watches, clothes etc there is just a pride thing. i love my fostex rtr and get a great sound but i would do anything to have my old tascam 144/244 don't remember which as i did some of my best work bouncing what was 10 or more tracks. so i agree with you guys but the analogue recorders are prices higher because of the hype and sellers know they can get a nice coin for them. us old head musicians don't think or know about 16-bit/48 khz etc and as real engineers we are able to fix problems ourselves. some of us can take out a channel and solder it and put it back in one piece. i challenge to computer / digital geeks to be able to do the same. the 4 track cassette marantz pdm750 i think it called is going for $6-800 bucks on ebay while some of the newer digital recorders are half as much. it has nothing to do with getting parts. they know eventually someone will overpay. but i did learn from your answer JasonA thankx.