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Pioneer rt-1020l reel to reel

Stereo_75

Stereo_75

Active Member
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Hi everyone, you might know me from other groups in this forum but I have a question - I want a reel to reel machine with those big 10" reels and was looking at purchasing a PIONEER RT-1020L REEL TO REEL, can anyone enlighten me about this deck it's pros and cons. I do though have a budget of around 500 to 800 in mind. Any thoughts? Additional Note: I also want to look at other brands like TEAC, AKAI and so forth.:scratch2:

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I cant speak for either, but for that budget you have lots of choices...but if you want a Pioneer..the RT909 is an awesome looking unit...and better than the 1020...Ive seen the 1020 pretty cheap on CL and Ebay. The 909 is a popular deck and those Ive seen anywhere from $300-$600...
 
i'm an akai r2r guy myself so dont know a lot about pio r2rs. i do know i'd prefer the 909 cuz of its auto reverse which i believe the other one doesnt have.
other than that it would be a toss up for me.
 
Mechanically speaking, I like the RT-1020L a lot. Fine sounding deck. Reliable! The RT-909 is nice. Just make sure you get a nice one. Many parts are now very scarce and many of these decks have high hours. If need be, pay for low hours and well cared for instead of high hours, worn heads, and needs work. I like the RT-1020L best of the pair. I want one myself!
 
KentTeffeteller said:
Mechanically speaking, I like the RT-1020L a lot. Fine sounding deck. Reliable! The RT-909 is nice. Just make sure you get a nice one. Many parts are now very scarce and many of these decks have high hours. If need be, pay for low hours and well cared for instead of high hours, worn heads, and needs work. I like the RT-1020L best of the pair. I want one myself!
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I agree here.

The RT-1020L is a workhorse, and with a little restoration, should sing for a good long time. They are '73-'76 vintage, so will definitely need some restorations work. Fully restored ones should go for around $650. Raw ones are going for between $200 and $300.

The RT-909 is a sweet machine, with significantly better specs and sound. They are '79-'81 vintage, so will definitely need some restorations work. However, finding one that is affordable enough to allow for restoration costs is another kettle of fish. A fully restored one should go for around $1100. Raw ones are going for between $450 and $750.

The real problem is finding a seller you can trust to properly pack for safe shipment. Both decks are heavy, large, with fragile parts. There is the real rub...

Good luck,
Rich P
 
Thanks guys for the info, this will greatly improve my researching all of these decks. Since I'm still new to this forum are there any AK members who work on these machines at reasonable rates or know of websites?:banana:
 
Rt-1020l

Stereo_75 said:
Hi everyone, you might know me from other groups in this forum but I have a question - I want a reel to reel machine with those big 10" reels and was looking at purchasing a PIONEER RT-1020L REEL TO REEL, can anyone enlighten me about this deck it's pros and cons. I do though have a budget of around 500 to 800 in mind. Any thoughts? Additional Note: I also want to look at other brands like TEAC, AKAI and so forth.:scratch2:

221132556_o.jpg
Click to expand...

I think the 1020L would be a good choice. I am still using my RT-1020L since I bought it new back in the seventys. You can play 4 channel quad on it.(Cant record 4 channel) And has some serious drive motors on it. And has never given me a bit of trouble in all these years.
 
I agree the RT-1020L is a reliable workhorse and is very well built, plus the 4 track playback option is kind of cool in case you wind up with some tape that has been recorded in one way four track. I've never had an RT-909 but one that is in good shape is pretty high and from what I've heard they are a bear to work on (a lot of stuff in a small package). If you are considering others I can definitely recommend the Teac A-6300. Talk about a reliable workhorse...plus it has auto reverse, it's a breeze to work on, they are plentiful and can be had for reasonable $. Same goes for the A-3300 series which is the same thing without auto-reverse. Just watch out for the 2 track models, they are for studio and professional use, you won't be able to play your 1/4 track stereo tapes back on that one.:thmbsp:
 
[QUOTE=audiojones;If you are considering others I can definitely recommend the Teac A-6300. Talk about a reliable workhorse...plus it has auto reverse, it's a breeze to work on, they are plentiful and can be had for reasonable $.

Same goes for the A-3300 series which is the same thing without auto-reverse.

Just watch out for the 2 track models, they are for studio and professional use, you won't be able to play your 1/4 track stereo tapes back on that one.:thmbsp:
(****EDITED by Vintage TX*****) No Ebay links allowed here.
 
Hi Stereo 75,

I tried PM you but your box is full. Did you ever decide on a deck. I have both the Teac 6300 and the Pioneer RT-1020L Decks. If you have any questions about these two contact me. I persoanlly like the 6300 better. The auto reverse function. The pioneer RT-1020L is a Good Machine.
 
I have a RT-1020L as well as a Teac A4300. I love them both but I think the Teac is a little sweeter sounding deck but both are built like a tank. I don't think you could go wrong with either deck!
 
Rt-1020h

I have a Pioneer RT-1020H that I bought new in 1974.

As said before, built very well and not hard to look at!

Quite a few Teac units would qualify as excellent choices as well!
 
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