The biggest drawback in the 8-track world, whether regular two channel stereo or quad, was the commercial tapes. They were usually made on high speed duplicators so the high end frequency response is very compromised.
And the cartridges themselves were cheaply made, often with hard plastic rollers instead of rubber. Guess how long a tape will last being squeezed between a metal capstan and hard plastic roller. And that combination results in poor wow and flutter performance too.
Anyway, back when I worked at Telex, being one of the techs who maintained the stereo and quad deck manufacturing lines, I had access to RCA test tape cartridges and made my own recordings on a good recorder and people who rode in my car couldn't believe they were listening to 8-tracks.
In the words of my old friend Rick (RIP), "It's all there."
If the time, money, and effort had been spent on 8-track technology as it was on cassettes, the system could have been a very acceptable form of reproduction.
The continuous reel of tape was, however as Linda indicated, a compromise but with a well constructed cartridge and correctly made tape, it could be made to last a long time. I still have tapes I made in 1980 that still work fine. The foils are coming off some but, I mean, it's been 31 years.
Doug
and the Akai had NO issues. Wiped out the old recording and with steady speed made a GREAT tape to audition at car shows! (all my AMC's are Quad-Capable).
