Advice Regarding Reel-to-Reel


I went to a neighbor’s home to look at some records they were selling.  While I was there, the husband tried to interest me in buying his Teac a-6300 deck.  He said he bought it new in the 1970’s while stationed in Europe, as his music options were limited.  He doesn’t use it anymore and they are trying to reduce clutter.  He asked for $300.

I said I would get back with him.  Looking on-line, I see much higher prices for those decks.  They are described as semi-professional decks with good capabilities. I also read that such an old deck should be gone over by a qualified tech to be lubricated, have belts replaced and have the electronics checked for possible replacement.  This work could easily come to $500 or more, and that is if I can locate a person with the knowledge and equipment to do a quality job while hopefully avoiding shipping it.

I told the people I would pass on their deck, but I keep reading and thinking about it.  The price is good, but the expense and hassle of restoration, and not knowing how much I might use it (playing mostly records, CD’s and radio now), give me pause.  It does look really cool though with those 10.5 inch reels!  And if I needed to sell it on for a profit, that might not be too difficult?   And thoughts?
bob540
I would be all over it. Here's why. There is nothing like RTR. Nothing. Get one and you will not be selling, not after listening to it for a while. Especially not if you buy some of the growing list of high quality open reel master copies that are out there. Its the one thing I regret selling in my nearly 50 years in audio, my Pioneer RT 1011L.   https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/pioneer/rt-1011l.shtml 

Attaching the link so you can see inside. These things are mechanical, but it ain't rocket science. You can find one of the top restorers and it will be worth whatever they charge. But you can also DIY just fine. Basically have a look inside, replace all the belts and bits, clean and lube, install a new pinch roller and tape heads and you'll be good to go. Probably cost you about the same as round trip shipping to the rebuilder.  

Some of it like tape head alignment might call for learning a few new skills, but nothing any normal guy can't handle.  

I would buy it now, and play it while looking around figuring out what you want to do. Once you have it you have the luxury of time and can always no matter what flip it for at least what you put into it.


They are cool, get it.... Lots of fun... I haven’t drug my newbie out of the box yet...

MX50/50 BII 2. So cool! delivery guy gave me such a look.. HEAVY....:-)

Regards..
The only ones that I see that actually sold were @$350 to $400. Most are listed by dreamers. You better find some tape before you buy it. And parts. All tape machines have a colored sound. Liking it is ancillary to realism That’s why the best recordists use DSD. That and they don’t make ’em any more because they are antiques.
RTR is fun, nice to have, makes good sound, though it is the most expensive media now. First ivestigate what are the most common failures about certain model, whether spares are availiable, their cost and the cost for maintenance as a machine of this age would need some attention. Tapes are plenty so no worries there. Don’t think of it as an investment cause it is not but if in excellent condition for 300us$ is a good buy.
G