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7" reel to reel deck suggestions?

The only time I use the counter on my RT-707 is when I'm recording, which is rare.
If you don't record and it doesn't bother you, let 'er be......
 
Frankly, I don’t understand why you’d sell a 6300 which has practically the same footprint as a 2300, is only 3 1/2” taller and can take 10 1/2 reels if you needed it to? The 6300 is a more versatile deck, has better controls and is auto reverse too, so why change it?
 
I didn't know the A-2300 had such a similar footprint to my A-6300. I'll keep my eye out for other options then. Here's my current setup, I'm limited with space so I want something around the Sony TC-640s size but with auto reverse.
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Here you go….

Sony TC-640
369w 395h 243.5d
Weight: 15kg

Teac A-2300
440w 357h 203d
Weight: 17kg

Teac A-6300
440w 520h 210d
Weight: 20kg
 
JamVal said:
The one I gave away and really wish I would have kept is an Akai GX-77. I think it was the last R-T-R deck Akai made.
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Put your mind at ease, IMHO, the GX-77 was not well engineered not likely to serve long term. I sold mine after a few years of use.

My personal preference is for mid 70's TEAC decks because parts are plentiful, they're rugged and easy to work on in the rare event that is needed. By no means the best out there but they perform well.

Regular use for me are an A-1250, A-2300SR and A-2000R, all 7" reversing machines. On occassion I'll use either the A-2340SX or A-3340S 4 channel units for live recording with mixdown to an A-3300S 2 track. My live recording technique uses two room microphones on two tracks and a premixed stereo direct feed to the other channel pair. It's a simple method that allows adequate post mixing flexibility and audio documentation of the gig.

An example result of this process using the A-3340S here: https://soundcloud.com/user-6505044...d&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

And on another night the A-2340SX here: https://soundcloud.com/user-6505044...d&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

These TEAC machines are dependable!
 
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R-2-R said:
Just my $0.02 here but I would highly suggest either a Pioneer RT-707 or RT-701 (no reverse play) and they are built like TANKS!

The best investment for your $ for a 7" reel to reel tape deck and can be had at a very reasonable price (money wise). Easy to use and easy maintenance and parts are still readily available.

The only other 7" reel to reel tape deck that I would recommend would be a Technics 777 that is only if you are willing to spend big $$$ for one.

Never have actually had one, would like one, but way to costly for me. Though I strongly suspect that if they are built anything like the larger 10" Technics RS- series tape decks then I'd bet money that it is right up there (maybe even better?) with the Pioneer RT-707 class.
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Currently there is one for sale on Ebay but the price!!!!!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1653823643...MIyfHu9ubz9gIV0zY4Ch37ewAOEAQYBSABEgJUNvD_BwE

Lastly.....stay away from Akai 7" reel to reel tape decks.
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9FB02776-4116-4EA0-BF03-E0D0AEDFC3BD.jpeg I got my from Japan , fully recap ..
 
This going to jolt some folks but Ampex 1000 and 2000 decks properly maintained whether tube or SS with dual capstan performed very well. You just had to trash the Ampex belts and capstan rollers and use PBR ones. Now they won't match the Technics closed loop but they will easily surpass the Pioneer if properly maintained. I know thats a big IF. When work was slow at the shop on a Saturday I would line a bunch them and crank them out. 45 min. to 1 hour each was all it took. That included lubing motor, changing felt pads, setting tensions, calibrating the heads, and setting things up for what ever tape the owner wanted. Having a Sound Technology test rig and the right Ampex alignment tapes helped, too. Just like Revoxs and Pro Ampex machines they performed their best using Maxell tape. Even Pioneer, Sony and Technics machines performed their best using Maxell UD back coated tapes..
 
R-2-R said:
SWEET!!!!! :thumbsup:

Do you have to use a voltage "step-down" transformer to operate it?....or.....did you have the internals changed out to handle the voltage here in the U.S.?

Either way that is way too cool!

Glad to know that someone here in the states has one.
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I used step down to 100 V without any problems. Most my toys are from Japan , due to working in there .
 
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