"New" Pioneer RT-707

[amr2]

Hi everyone! I've just bought an RT-707 in working condition, supposedly fully operational. My plan is to check its actual state and see if any adjustments are needed. If anyone here has experience with this model and can recommend any specific procedures, it would be greatly appreciated! I will check the service manual in any case.

On the component side, I’ll be inspecting the capacitors—apparently, they’re still the original ones.

Aesthetically, it’s quite well preserved. The only thing that bothers me is that the red area on the VU meter scales has faded, which seems to be a common issue. If anyone has spare parts or knows someone who might have a pair in good condition, I’m all ears

I'll be posting some photos and comments soon!

 

[calman46]

Re-lube & Re-cap it. Replace All the electrolytic caps, buy from Mouser, Digi Key. I've been using Super Lube instead of white lithium grease were applicable and turbine oil where needed.. Don't touch the calibration if you don't have a MRL cal. tape. You will have to research the transistors yourself ,but I don't think the Pioneer used 2SA725 or 726 in them. Buy a new pinch roller. Oak Tree electronics did sell nice ones ,complete ,not just the tire . I wouldn't worry about the faded red on VU's (Its part of the decks charm now). Spend your bread where it does the most good like capacitors . I'm not a tech , but I've done three 707 and one 701 , they all sound fantastic . The deck is almost 50 years old the electrolytic caps are done. I've noticed that the Pioneer tape decks I've worked on the recorded playback is a little bit lower than that of the source. It seems intentional to lower the hiss.

 

[amr2]

Would it be advisable to demagnetize heads as part of the maintenance? If so, any recommended tool? There are cheap options on eBay…

 

[calman46]

There seems to be only one kind readily available , the one with the red tip. There on Amazon for $21.

 

[amr2]

Very dirty, but all seems original

 

[amr2]

the capstan turns when the deck is on, even without a tape on the reel. Is it normal?

 

[calman46]

Yes , capstan motor turns with power switch. Is it quiet running ?

 

[ConradH]

I've got one of these I need to refurb. It's a beast and I don't know if I can lift it anymore. How are your heads? Mine will need to be lapped.

 

[amr2]

Yes , capstan motor turns with power switch. Is it quiet running ?

Not entirely. There's a slight noise as if it's rubbing against something. It's very subtle and doesn't happen all the time. It might need lubrication. I've checked that the shaft has no radial play at all, and it has about 1mm of axial play

 

[amr2]

I've got one of these I need to refurb. It's a beast and I don't know if I can lift it anymore. How are your heads? Mine will need to be lapped.

I haven't had time to check it yet... This weekend I plan to clean everything, see which parts need lubrication, and check the condition of the heads' surface once it's clean. I've also ordered a new pinch roller, as well as some blank tapes so I can run a few record and play tests. The ones I have on hand are very old and not very reliable...

 

[amr2]

I've ordered a pair of new RTM LPR 35 1/4" tapes so I can do some testing soon. What is the recommended BIAS and EQ setting for this type of tape?
I think BIAS=LH and EQ=STD might be correct.