Well, I thought it was broken in after 3 days. Seems it takes about 10+ days IME. Refinement is off the charts.
$800 for the 2 reel sets. Most are $400-600. Only a few hundred R2R tapes available for purchase new as far as I know. https://elusivedisc.com/music/reel-to-reel-tape/ A Studer A820 is going for...
R2R is okay for background music, but absolutely sucks when you want to listen to songs 3, 7, and 10 (or whatever combination). I sold my R2R in the late 70s, and have never thought of replacing it.
I have the Apheta 2 with my P8. I set the VTF at 2,0gr and the AS at about 1,7. Very very happy.
What Cartridge on your Rega