Reel to Reel uses -

Mountainsong,
There are many good machines available. Don't be afraid to buy a used machine as most were very well built. I would get half track machine as that will allow you to play master copies. Sony, ReVox, TEAC, Tascam, Otari, Crown, Studer, Denon, Pioneer and Tandberg all made excellent machines.  Find one that has been well maintained as servicing a worn machine can be expensive.  Deepending on your budget, there are several companies that refurbish these machines to like new condition. That or seek one out from and original owner who has maintained his machine. You will never regret owning a fine feel to feel. 
Norman

R2R has its pleasures and pains.  I now have about seven decks, in all configurations, 1/2 track, 4 track, all speeds.  I've purchased over fifteen decks and sold most of them off when they had maintenance issues.  Technics 1500's seem to be the most reliable, and also the easiest to find parts, especially head units.  I have two of these. I do not do any recording.

I have about 6,000 pre-recorded tapes, most commercially produced.   Again in all configurations, included are some studio masters done by some great engineers.  Included are Barkley and Crooker, Drake and AFRTS tapes, the latter being created by the government for broadcast use in the Armed Forces Entertainment Network. These show that the taxpayer funds can do great things. Most of the AFRTS were produced using vinyl as source material.

So my advice, if just starting, would be to buy a Technics 1500 machine.  There resale value is high so if you lose interest, little is lost.  As for source material I think it is best to only focus on commercially produced 1/2 track, 7.5 ips from majors like Columbia.  Yes, that can be expensive.  Recently, such of tape of Miles Blue went for about $400, but there are bargains to be had, and a lot depends on your music taste. Buy about ten tapes to get a sense of whether it is worth all the hassle.

Today, I think SACD's and Blu-Ray audio produce the best audio experience.  I have Miles Blue in every media ever produced, including R2R.   Blu-Ray is the clear winner.

Remember, it is all about the music, not the gear.

Honestly, in having owned Akai, Sony, Pioneer, ReVox, TEAC, Crown, Ampex, and Otari over the years, I have never had any of the them ever fail.  Even through rugged use.   I have a lot of recording studio experience (late 70's as a former studio musician) and was quite used to seeing Ampex, Scully, Studer, and Crown used as mix down decks.  In many radio stations here in Chicago, Ampex and Pioneer were used extensively.  I have never had an occasion where I remember seeing Technics in a professional setting.  I know they are good machines, but it would be hard to say that they are the 'most reliable'.  The condition of the machine is really what to look for.  
For me, a master tape played on an open reel is the ultimate music experience.  I agree 100%, it's not about the gear, its the music. Blu-Ray doesn't do it for me.  But that's me. 
Norman

Hi Norman,

I'd looked at Nagra IV-S machines, but couldn't find one in the desired configuration.  I really should have purchased an A-810 when they were attractively and reasonably-priced.  :-(

I've never considered a Pioneer RT 1050...I'll have to look into it.
Thanks.

Sam

Sam,
A Tascam 32 or BR-20 are great machines. Even after servicing they are very inexpensive. 
Also, the Studer A807.  A bit newer than an 810 and less money as well. 
I was wondering what microphones you use?

Norman