Reel-to-Reel Player--Best Playback Deck 4-trk Stereo-Dependable, Easy Repair, Sounds Great

Here’s a good article (link below). I always had good luck with AKAI’s back in the day (I owned 2). However, the Pioneer models (and possibly TEAC/TASCAM) probably has the most parts, etc available at good prices. I will probably be looking for a unit myself in the next couple of years (I have tons of R2R’s recorded off LP’s, fm radio-concert specials, King Biscuit, etc from back when I was younger). I’ll probably go to a reputable dealer who carries used and look for one that has been serviced. One thing about semi pro models is wear and tear. If the model was actually used in a studio or band situation, the unit may have been used many hours on a daily basis in a not so optimal room (smoke, etc). Many small studios do not service or maintain their equipment like the big one’s did.


https://hometheaterhifi.com/editorial/purchase-open-reel-tape-deck-one/

I sold TEAC many many moons ago and I believe the A2300S was their least expensive reel to reel deck.   I had the next model up which was the A3300S.  The Revox A77 was the best I heard at the time.  My brother had a Pioneer rack mount reel to reel which sounded pretty amazing.  I would make sure any deck I bought would be able to get serviced and parts are still available.  There is a company (can’t remember their name) that totally repairs and modify’s the different decks.  I would talk with them first and see what they say.  

Pioneer rt707 that has been totally restored, all new and upgraded caps.

Looks gorgeous, sounds even better.
Only one output but cannot have everything... Lol.

teac 4300 is a good option too, if gone through.

keep in mind all of these decks will need service to varying degrees. Most will need a complete recap, so service can cost more than your purchase price on the deck.

I would look for a deck with really clean cosmetics and low wear (look at the wear pattern on the heads and tape guides for a clue).

1. Magnecord 1024: USA built; three (oversized) motors; separate power supplies for transport and preamp; all discrete (transistorized) circuitry (NO early-gen noisy ICs or opamps mid-70s-onward Japan decks were crammed with to economize on board space at the compromise of sound).  Was the $800 alternative to a $2500 Ampex broadcast-grade machine in the 60s and 70s.  Even better than Revox 77 series (closest solid state equal in tone to a tube Revox G36, though).  "Under-the-radar" due to the name fading from history (which had been established in 1946).

2. Teac 2300/3300/6100

3. Pioneer 701 (or 707)/1020


I, personally, don't like auto reverse because it wears the heads out faster and drags any shed oxide back onto the tape (and, because: the more complicated logic/relay-controlled transports are the more at risk to fail).  I don't think, either, a 10 1/2"-reel machine matters IF unless the deck has 15ips as well as an optional 2-track pb head.

Also, again, the stock preamp designs of the bells-and-whistles-laden Japan decks tended to sound worse after a certain period (1973-); by the implementing of chips over separate transistors.  There is no more an overrated deck than the Pioneer 909 from 1979-1984.  All looks and no liveliness.  Endless maze of circuitry consisting of four preamps (rec/play FOR EACH DIRECTION) needing alignments; underpowered DC motors; and knockoff Teac-like heads supplied by the source which had been providing them for Dokorder(!).