Hi Rocco,
I'm relatively new here as well. I have been a fan of tapes since I played with my dad's old reel to reel machine and always wished that there would be new material and new technology because I always knew it would be better than the best digital out there. Well, I took the full plunge. I got my Phase 5 deck from United Home Audio over a month ago and my Tape Project tapes have been coming and let me tell you, the realism blows you away. With the Phase 5 deck, I have also made some sampler tapes from some of my vinyl collection and the copy is closer to the original than any other media transfer I have tried including CD and 1/4" quarter track reel to reel. It is so satisfying in its presentation that I don't feel I am missing anything from the original recording. The Tape Project tapes, however, are in a league of their own. I was skeptical about them at first because who wants to make an $11,000 investment and risk only having 20 titles. Well, I feel that it is safe to say that more are on their way. As far as United Home Audio, the machine is easy to operate like the old school home use reel to reels but it is built like a tank and the inner workings of it are like those of a studio machine. It's like a hybrid: the best of both worlds. I used to listen to 80% vinyl and 20% CD. Now it's 50% tape, 45% vinyl, and 5% CD to give you an idea. Greg at UHA has been very helpful and patient in answering my questions via telephone and e-mail and he responds quickly with any technical support (I am just an amateur as well). It is higher maintenance than CD or LP but worth it. No regrets here. It's an eye (and more importantly an ear) opener.
Taj