New member, help me pick 1st TRT

[KentTeffeteller]

Charlie,

And we're here to help you with any open reel need or desire you have. I am a fellow broadcaster, combo engineer/DJ. And can tell you which machines are at the head of the class. I like ReVox decks, especially A and B 77, and PR 99. I like Otari MX 5050 machines as well and A series Teac decks.

 

[Mingo]

Charlie,

I like ReVox decks, especially A and B 77, and PR 99. I like Otari MX 5050 machines as well and A series Teac decks.

Any love for Pioneer decks, or is this the short list?

 

[jan_stevns]

Here - in Scandinavia Pioneers are nogo - lack of spareparts.
but their R2R's are nice, albeit rare

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Pioneer RT 1011 is nice and RT 1020 is nice, the RT 701 and 707 are also favorites but difficult to get spare parts for. I like the RT 701/707 for playing back vintage 1/4 track pre recorded tapes, it does a superb job of playing cupped or rippled thin acetate tape which was prevalent on old tapes. My recommendations in the earlier post are designed for easier repairs and maintenance and still offer spare parts support.

 

[Zygmo]

I also like the 707. Looks and sounds good, compact, easy to use, and built like a tank. :thmbsp:

 

[Old Busted H]

I've been trying to work my RT-1020L to death for 23 years. Original belt, pinchroller, brake pads, etc. It just keeps going, although the heads are a bit groovy now.

So I bought another one out of long-term storage and shifted the old one to recording-only duty. Hard to beat the RT10xx for durability. Parts don't really come into the picture when they don't break. And you can buy a really nice one for $300. That's only five bucks a pound.