Need a quick reply - Pioneer RT 1020L vs. Akai GX-630D

[mufinas]

Need a quick reply - Pioneer RT 1020L vs. RT 707

After my last Dollars & Sense post re: reel-to-reels I missed the boat on all those three offers, but am fortunate enough to have come across two more that I can't decide on. (nor do I have the knowledge necessary)

1) Pioneer RT-1020L

2) Akai GX-630D SS

They're going for the same amount of money, but I think the Akai comes with 10" metal reels and hubs.

Condition of the Pioneer is excellent; the Akai I'm not sure of.

Do the ferrite heads on the Akai make it a better machine than the Pioneer?

Need to make a decision by tomorrow afternoon on this.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[mufinas]

not to pester, but does anyone have an opinion on this?

 

[Phuqit]

All things being equal...

I'd go for the Akai. The Ferrite heads may need degaussing every so often, but they are top-notch...and cleaning and degaussing are often forgotten by too many users of tape machines (audio AND video.)

Every review that I've read on the Pioneer says the reviewer LOVES the Pioneer, but when you see their equipment list what do you find? Akai decks EVERY time. Since I own neither, my opinion might be worth just what you've paid for it (nothing,) but if I were buying blind as you seem to be here, this is they way that I'd be leaning. Hope it helps slightly in your decision process. Keep us posted on your choice and happiness level afterward. Good luck, and happy listening!

 

[R-2-R]

Decisions, decisions....

Both decks are nice. But what your really going to have to ask yourself is exactly what condition are each in? Especially the heads? No matter what type of heads the Akai has they should still be checked for cracks or hairline fractures. Are they both plug and play ready? Everything works on them, lights, meters, switches, buttons, etc.? Do any of them need any type of work? Cosmetically, on a scale of 1 to 10 (1=bad, 10=excellent) how does each rate? Get the history of each one. Is the seller the original owner?
Then after confirming all that, the next thing would be, exactly what are each reel to reel coming with? Do they come with any type of accessories, such as nab hub adapters, metal reels, tape, manuals, etc.?

It just all depends?
Overall both are fine decks but condition is the main issue here. You don't want to get stuck with someone elses lemon problems. In my opinion, if both reel to reels were in "excellent condition" then I would go for the Pioneer, because I feel that Pioneer is a better product. If the Akai came with all the necessary accessories and the Pioneer didn't then I'd pick the Akai, simply because your saving money not having to find and purchase other things that are needed to operate it.

Basically the choice is going to come down to yours and yours alone.

Good Luck on your decision and let us know what you decide.

 

[mufinas]

Thanks everyone for replying!

The decision hasn't been made yet as I had to work late yesterday.

The Akai seller never got back to me so I decided to go for the Pioneer 1020L until...I wondered whether I should go instead for the Pioneer RT-707 that the seller is also giving away (this one for $250).

Both units are in excellent shape.

So, now the question switches to...1020L or 707?? The truth is I have a lot of 7-inch reels, and no 10-inch. The 707 fits in my 'rack' of wooden-encased Pioneer units but it's not covered in a wooden sleeve so I'll have to pay extra $ and have that done. Oh, there are no metal reels available with either unit. (nor hubs/spacers)

Bottom line, I could go for either (thinking the eventual re-sale value of the 707 to steadily increase more than the 1020's).

Simply comparing specs, history with the unit and personal experiences, which one would you go for?

This time I really need to pick up one of them by tonight, so I would appreciate any advice given.

Thanks again!!

 

[Phuqit]

Go for the 10.5" over the 7". The tape speeds for a deck using 7-inch reels is typically 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 inches per second. For a 10.5-inch reel, the speeds are 15 and 30 inches per second. Higher recording speeds permit better sound quality, especially in terms of high frequencies and dynamic range. The slower the tape moves the longer it lasts, but the magnetic signals in the tape become crowded together saturating the magnetic particles in the tape coating and compromising fidelity.

 

[DCinDC]

The 1020L has the low speeds; 3.3/4 and 7 1/2. That's what the L menas in the part number. The H was 7 1/2 and 15.

google bender's akai pages for info on the akai. It may be a model with logic circuit problems. or not.

I love the looks of the 1020 series. They seem to have been reliable too. I've never had one though.

The RT-707 is bulletproof other than heads.

 

[SaSi]

Go for the 10.5" over the 7". The tape speeds for a deck using 7-inch reels is typically 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 inches per second. For a 10.5-inch reel, the speeds are 15 and 30 inches per second. Higher recording speeds permit better sound quality, especially in terms of high frequencies and dynamic range. The slower the tape moves the longer it lasts, but the magnetic signals in the tape become crowded together saturating the magnetic particles in the tape coating and compromising fidelity.

Just a quick note to point out that the 10.5" decks don't typically offer 15/30ips speeds. In fact the typical consumer 10.5" deck will offer the same 2 speeds as 7" models do.

There are a few prosumer/professional decks that offer 3 speeds (3 3/4, 7.5 and 15ips) and some high speed variants of decks that offer 7.5 and 15ips.

30ips is not a speed you will normally find on a deck.

In my opinion, the 707 looks a lot better and is a newer design / deck. So it should be a better unit to start with.

IIRC, the 707 is a direct drive dual capstan design, so if this is correct, no belts means less issues.

 

[silvernutsaq]

RT-707 has auto reverse, which is a nice feature on a 7" deck. I don`t think $250 is giving it away, but maybe I gave one away for $140 last week (shrugs). I`ve owned several RTRs and my Akai GX-630D is as nice in terms of how it sounds as any others I`ve had. I haven`t fixed my RT-909 so I can`t compare it to the Pioneer. But if all works good, and mine is all original and has never had any issue (they all do eventually), I think you should have gotten the Akai over the 1020.

 

[R-2-R]

Oh now u include a Pioneer RT-707!

Dude, now you've really done it! You should have mentioned the Pioneer RT-707 to begin with! Now that you've thrown that into the mix it changes evertything (IMO).

Go for the RT-707!
That is if it meets basically everything that I mentioned in my first post.
If it is in excellent condition, without a doubt make it your choice, you won't be dissapointed and don't look back!

 

[mufinas]

Work's been putting this purchase off for the past few days, but considering the responses and my growing fondness of the 707's looks, I'll probably go for it instead of the 1020L.

My only gripe with it is that it doesn't come with a wooden case (something rare anyway)...I'd imagine the majority of vintage Pioneer users are NOT rack-mounting the units.

That being said, if I were to get a wooden case built for it - maybe by fellow AK'er sawdust if he's still doing it - would it be safe to fully enclose the RTR or would it need 'vent grilles'?

What should I look for when I go over tomorrow? What does a pinch-roller in 'bad' condition look like? (besides brown tape residue lining it)

 

[R-2-R]

A Pioneer RT-707 reel to reel......

Remember, most important thing (IMO) on "any" reel to reel is to first check each individual head. Make sure that they are in good shape because if not well your going to have to have them replaced and that's going to take some $$$$!
As or the Pinch rollers (while facing the front of the unit) check the "right side Pinch roller" only. It is made of rubber and after many years can turn to goo or get sticky and soft. You'll be able to tell with your fingers. If it is, not a problem you can always replace it with another one or have that one refurbished/restored.
As for the "left side Pinch roller" it's made of some sort of hard plastic, well let me just put it this way...it's only there along for the ride. I really wouldn't concern myself with that one but just make sure that it's in good condition (not cracked or chipped, smooth surface). If it needs to be replaced, you can have that one restored as well but more than likely it'll be in good shape.
I've never had to have mine replaced or restored for my RT-707 and I've had it since 1980!
Also I have mine 'rack mounted' click here and scroll down to see pictures of it: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=371286

As for building a wooden case for it well click on this and maybe get some ideas as to what to expect:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=400006


Good Luck!

 

[Phuqit]

Sorry for missing the boat...

Go for the 10.5" over the 7". The tape speeds for a deck using 7-inch reels is typically 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 inches per second. For a 10.5-inch reel, the speeds are 15 and 30 inches per second. Higher recording speeds permit better sound quality, especially in terms of high frequencies and dynamic range. The slower the tape moves the longer it lasts, but the magnetic signals in the tape become crowded together saturating the magnetic particles in the tape coating and compromising fidelity.

I wasn't trying to sound like an expert, just passing out some free (&useless) advice. However, it seems as though my "quarantine" years in a professional studio before law school being my only exposure to high-quality, high-speed R2R decks, caused me to make an assumption about speeds on 10.5" decks. That did, quite, make me out to be the ignorant ass who posted the above. Promise...I'm not ignorant!

 

[the architect]

I work at a used books and records store where people bring in what they don't want anymore to sell to us. low-and-behold i do a carry-in for a lady a while back and she has me load up this gigantic reel-to-reel. it's an Akai gx-360d! a little dusty but my jaw hit the floor :jawdrop:

i didn't do the buy but i asked the guy who did and he said he offered $10 on the R2R and she accepted! She also had about 100 unopened 7" tapes. The Akai still sits in the store manager's office next to her desk. :sigh:

 

[americankiwi]

I would of gone for the Akai, owning more than 60+ R2R's in the last few years, the Akai is much easier to get parts for and you stated its a "Akai GX-630D "SS"

so this is the Quad model,
i also have the RT-707, but still rather use my Akai GX-636 or the GX-646

 

[mufinas]

At this point it's now been dwindled down to the seller's 2 RT-707's and another one that's being offered for $75 less ($175).

I'm waiting on pictures since I cannot audition either unit, but the original seller of the 1020 send me a screenshot of the 2 707's and they look in fairly good condition. The heads seem to be in good shape and apart from a scratch on one unit and slightly dinged corners on the other, there's nothing much to cry about.

Will report soon. Thanks for the input though!

P.S. Actually, can someone describe what 'worn heads' on an RT-707 look like? And what a worn pinch-roller is like? I'll be bringing along a RTR tape (original) of a Cannonball Adderley album to test on the 2 units from one of the sellers...

 

[R-2-R]

http://www.tapeproject.com/smf/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=996

http://www.oaktreevintage.com/web_p...64-RPB-040_RT-909_rt-901_rt-707_some-wear.jpg

http://www.taperecorder.co.uk/cleaning.htm

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=59729&page=6

http://www.terrysrubberrollers.com/gooey.html

Just Google "Bad Pinch Rollers" then click images.

 

[silvernutsaq]

I wouldn`t bring an original release RTR tape just in case it gets caught in an unknown machine. Take along an old Scotch or Ampex that has something familiar recorded on it.

 

[mufinas]

Ok, still haven't auditioned any of the units, but I now have pictures to ask your opinions on.

There is another seller offering $175 for a 707, which he describes as "neither mint, nor near mint, hence the lower price tage...functionally everything works, and minimal wear on the heads"

I've uploaded pictures of the unit - can anyone give me any pointers on whether the heads look worn or not?

 

[mufinas]

...and the rest of the pictures.

The last two are of the initial 2 units I was talking about, being on offer for $250 (the seller was very accommodating with my schedule and said the price is also slightly negotiable).

Short of auditioning all 3 units on a similar system I won't be able to make an educated decision, so I'm asking if any of you can tell me if the cheaper unit has worn heads.

Thanks in advance! (and for keeping up with the neverending odyssey of purchasing a RT-707)