R2R is for a very dedicated breed of audio enthusiast as it is definitely not plug and play and forget.
Even a cheap deck can be high maintenance and if something goes wrong as is prone to occur in a 40 year old piece of equipment then repairs are likely to vastly exceed any monetary value it might have.
If it is fully functional right now, it would still benefit from a recap, again more money unless you are very handy yourself.
They are generally very complex machines, even at the lower end of the price range.
Then of course as has been mentioned is the problem of good source tapes. Now they exist but be prepared to pay through the nose, $100+ for any decent classic rock tape in great shape.
Its your call but it can be a very expensive and frustrating rabbit hole to fall into!
Been there and done that!
Good luck and stay safe
Even a cheap deck can be high maintenance and if something goes wrong as is prone to occur in a 40 year old piece of equipment then repairs are likely to vastly exceed any monetary value it might have.
If it is fully functional right now, it would still benefit from a recap, again more money unless you are very handy yourself.
They are generally very complex machines, even at the lower end of the price range.
Then of course as has been mentioned is the problem of good source tapes. Now they exist but be prepared to pay through the nose, $100+ for any decent classic rock tape in great shape.
Its your call but it can be a very expensive and frustrating rabbit hole to fall into!
Been there and done that!
Good luck and stay safe