Topmusicanswers
There were problems with the 8-track tape. Perhaps the biggest problems were that the tapes were unreliable, sound quality diminished over time and they were more expensive. While the outer casing was virtually indestructible, the internal parts were cheaply made and broke easily.
Do 8-track tapes wear out?
They were in an endless loop, so they did tend to wear out if played enough.
Are 8-track tapes any good?
But most of all, and you're probably not going to believe this (particularly if you've never owned some tapes and a decent player), they sound fantastic. Better than CDs, better than vinyl ... ... 8-Tracks are good.
How long did eight-track tapes last?
There were even rumors it would completely replace the vinyl record. Yet, just over a decade later, the humble cassette tape was able to drive 8-track tapes to extinction. Its heyday lasted from 1968-1975, and by 1980, the poor eight-track tape was in history's dustbin, a sort-of laughable derelict from the seventies.
