We got the 16-track heads from JRF, the repro head is a custom Flux Magnetics head much like the mastering grade, extended low freq. type he makes for the 2-tracks. Phenomenal.
We don't have a 2" 8-track headstack. To my knowledge, Steve has never used that format before.
We do have a 1" 8-track (MCI JH-16) which sounds great, but not as good . . .
Steve?
Flowery words?