R2R is the best source I have,
when I play the same content, CD, then LP, people pick the LP. Next R2R. EVERYBODY ALWAYS picks R2R over LP. Forget specs, they sound amazing.
I advise going directly to a more advanced model rather than starting with this one.
I progressed from basic like the a-6300 thru several models until I finally decided to get the last prosumer deck they ever made: X-2000r.
auto reverse, makes playing/listening much easier/enjoyable. (needs 6 heads).
closed loop design: two capstans totally isolate the tape from the two reels as the tape crosses the heads.
3-3/4 and 7-1/2 ips speeds (not ones with 15 ips (they omit the 3-3/4 ips speed).
Once you hear it, you will want content.
What content? Pre-recorded tapes are available on eBay, I bought over 500 of them, then sold 150 of them. No returns from me or to me. 40-55 years old, amazingly still sound terrific. But, the content stopped in the 80's. If young, none of the music you grew up with is on tape. If into classic rock, from 60's on, it's there to buy and enjoy. If Jazz, it's there to enjoy. Great singers, male and female, great bands, there to enjoy. Stereo tapes started in 1956 (2 years before LP's).
that price is low. if you change your mind, you could sell it on eBay, however, packing/shipping properly is important if you do that. local pickup is a small group of potential buyers, and that model is not one people are scrambling to get.
All the ones I have had are built like tanks, and only needed mechanical work, never needed any electrical work.
IF you are handy, you can more than likely get it going yourself IF IT NEEDS cleaning and/or a new belt, the old lubricant turns to glue, the belts rot and turn to glue. new belts readily available. pressure wheels: can harden, or, if left against the capstan shaft can have dents, also readily available. manuals available, speed and tension adjustments, again, if handy not hard.
look at the heads, see if they are worn (look at images of heads on the net, you will see the difference. replacing heads is not inexpensive. seller says little use, see for yourself.
10-1/2" reels look cool as you say, but if you are playing pre-recorded music, they are 7" diameter. and the weight of the tape on larger reels makes motor condition, brakes, adjustments more important.
Make your own recordings on small or large reels, no one I know does that anymore, thus larger reels not important. blank tape is lousy, or expensive. only late models have dbx or dolby NR, for home made, pre-recorded are rarely dbx or dolby.
Teacs come in 3 varieties.
Classic like the a-6300, stainless steel face, real wood sides, non-reverse, not closed loop.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/TEAC-A-6300-10-5-Reel-to-Reel-Tape-Deck-Player-Recorder-w-Hubs-Reels-Tapes/...Intermediate: Beige Plastic Face, plastic body, non-reverse or reverse, closed loop
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Teac-X-10-Reel-to-Reel-Tape-Recorder/254794554713?hash=item3b52f05d59:g:KTA...last design, thick metal face plate, plastic body like x-10's, optional wood-look (paper veneer) case. reverse, closed loop. black or silver face.
x-1000r or x-2000r.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-TEAC-X-2000R-Reel-to-Reel-DBX-Tape-Deck-In-Walnut-Case-Tested-Worki...try this at sellers, learn with it, get into it, or not?
