Pioneer RT707 or Teac X700R or keep looking?

Mingo

Mingo

stranger in a strange land
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I am considering buying a reel to reel and need some advice. I currently have an Akai GX280D that I picked up at Goodwill for next to nothing. It works but could use servicing. I have a couple of local options that might be better decks: a Pioneer RT707 in original but good condition for $225 and a Teac X700R that needs a little work for $100. Which would be the better of the two options and why? Or should I spend money to refurbish the Akai? Or should I keep looking? Any guidance is greatly appreciated.
 
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What kind of work does the Teac need? It's a nice sounding unit, and if everything works properly and it only needs a belt or something it might be worth it. Personally I think the Pioneer is a better tape deck, more solidly built and more reliable, but that price is a little high. They can be found for less if you wait it out and keep an eye on CL.
Make sure that the Teac's capstan motor runs when you lift up the tape levers, if not that can be an expensive repair and it may not be such a great deal.
If you want to keep looking, see if you can find a Teac A-2300 S or SX. Much more reliable than the X deck and often found for much less. If you really need auto-reverse there are a few auto-reverse versions of the A series Teac machines available (A-2300SR, A-1250S, A-4300).
 
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Ive 2 RT707's,only problem I ever had was losing a lamp in the auto-reverse button,great sounding good looking machine:music:
 
Wilburchubs said:
Ive 2 RT707's,only problem I ever had was losing a lamp in the auto-reverse button,great sounding good looking machine:music:
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Is that one of the two buttons with the green directional arrows? If so, did you fix it? And if so, what replacement bulbs did you use? My right-pointing (forward) button burned out.
 
I have a 707 as well as many others one thing about the 707s is the only belt you have to worry about is the counter they are direct drive and very reliable also as formentioned nice looking and great sounding.
 
beans said:
Is that one of the two buttons with the green directional arrows? If so, did you fix it? And if so, what replacement bulbs did you use? My right-pointing (forward) button burned out.
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Thats the one!!I did it myself but I cant remember what spec bulb it was,but I think it cost me about 10pence for the bulb,if anything,im sure I got the info from someone on here.A really easy job to do if I remember....:music:
 
I have a TEAC A-1230 and an A-1250 I also have a Pioneer RT-707 And the RT-707 is hands down the better Deck. My A-1230 was bought from the original owner and taken such good care of when I bought it 2 years ago it looked like it was 2-3 months old. It's operation is flawless. The 1250 has has a very rough life and is to me a working parts unit for the 1230.

The RT-707 was bought from AKer "Goldear" who really really knows R2R machines. It is perfect in every way IMHO. And holds the spot in my Main system. To my ears it has a more vinyl less tape sound and has the advantage of adjustable on the fly pitch control.

I paid $225.00 for mine.
 
The RT-707 wins out here. The Teac is a nice sounding deck but the X series maintenance issues make it more costly to run over time. I own a RT-707, one of the best sounding reliable 4 track decks there are. Mine is still going strong after many years of regular use. Direct Drive except for the tape counter. Nothing else I have had plays old cupped acetate pre-recorded tapes so very well.
 
I would also go for the A2300S or SX. There has been one in use in this household since 1977 with no real problems except for a new belt and a lube job done 3 years ago now. I like the Bias and Eq settings this machine used. The curves work on just about any tape.

All recordings either dad or I did were with bias and eq on and pushing the needles just past the red on peaks.Those early recordings we made still sound good 30 years on having used Scotch 207 or Maxell tape from the era that didn't shed, at least on us.

They are easier to service than the X model Teacs, and cheaper too. They are the best of the Teacs.. the X1000r and 2000r being the best of the latter era of Teac X machines but not as reliable as the 2300/3300.

The Pioneer is a good choice as well but I'd hold out for a 1011 model or the 909 with Flouroscan meters, Gorgeous!. The 1011 Pioneer does the big 10" wheels.
If you want 10" wheels on the Teac, go with the 3300S or SX. Nicely built units those Teac A 23-3300 units. Again, easier to service than the later X models with fewer issues as they age.

MY Humble Opinion,YOMV

Phil
 
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