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

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(!).

My Technics 1506 fall under most of your criteria. 

Teac 3340S. Mine is 45 years old, restored 5 years ago. Sat for awhile and had to open it up to free up a couple relays but an excellent deck.  Spent a Saturday recording vinyl and the same song streamed to compare. Interesting results - fun day.

Top three 4-track capable deck almost at the pro level would be:

Technics RS-1500 series
Otari MX-5050 B-II
Revox B-77

and a bonus
Pioneer RT-1020L

These you would have to hunt locally for....they usually go over your budget online. Otari, pops up often locally and is a beast. I've personally owned all four of these models and a few others. Wondering why you are set on the 4-track format when 2-track is clearly superior.