THE BUDGET AUDIOPHILE'S BUDDY - Pioneer RT-707 Reel-to-Reel
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
- So, you've decided to get into high-end analog tapes, but you're on a budget... could the Pioneer RT-707 be the answer to your prayers? Perhaps! We'll look at some specifications, take a tour, and record some audio onto this reel to reel and compare the results. It just might be a match made in heaven!
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Thanks for the review! I recently was gifted an RT-707, 2 CTF-900's and a Nakamichi 582 WITH a factory service manual. All units had been professionally serviced and stored for 15 years. This "gift," was from my neighbor of ten years, elderly gentleman. I began helping him with things around his house as his mobility decreased, keeping his gutters cleaned, leaves raked in the fall and such. Our elderly are a treasure and should be respected and supported. It was such an amazing surprise that afternoon he called me to come over, and took me into a small back room stuffed with vintage gear. Oh and that 707 came with nearly 60 reels, some NOS blank, some home recorded, and a bunch of commercially recorded music.
Awesome! The world needs more people willing to help out their neighbors. Quite a nice gift too! Sounds like he was quite the hifi enthusiast in the past. Nice equipment!
@@VintageElectronicsChannel I couldn't agree more, regarding being a good neighbor to those around you. And yes, Bill was quite an Audio enthusiast when he was younger. Currently helping him try to find a pair of Phase Linear, an amp & pre-amp he stored somewhere "safe," years ago : D
One of my buddy’s used to complain about a neighbor mooching off his grand dad, and getting stuff off him when he could’ve asked his grandson to do all that.
What goes around comes around 👍
I'm going to be soon 57 years old and I've had one of these decks since I was 13. These machines are tanks. The only issue I've ever had with my deck over the years, was that I had the Vu lamps burnout. Luckily I recently found someone to tune it up and replace the lamps. I couldn't afford to buy the rt-909, so I bought the rt-707. I remember spending $679. How is a lot for a 13 year old and his money he made from mowing lawns. I grew up listening to Grundig and Tascam equipment, that was my grandfather's. Best investment I ever made.
Thanks for sharing! You sure bought a great piece of equipment at 13 years old! You were a smart kid.
@@VintageElectronicsChannel absolutely I was friends with all the garage bands in the neighborhood
Awesome review of the RT-707. Brings back some old memories. Thanks for sharing your videos 🎤😎
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
I just drove 900 miles to pick up a RT 909 and a SX 1050. At 63 YO, I've finally achieved a dream of Pioneer nirvana.
Nice video, thank you.❤
Thanks for watching! I'm glad as we get older we can achieve some of the dreams of our youth. Sounds like you have!
@@VintageElectronicsChannel
Preservation of history. With a Pioneer cassette player, equalizer, paired to Logan Martin Foundation 1 speakers and a Technics SL 1500C, I have assembled a complete time capsule of essential analog evolution, less 8-track. I trust in my following generation to preserve as lasting.
I just acquired this model . . Very clear and understandable review. Thank you.
Was just able to pick one up and you gave me a great introduction to exactly what I have been so lucky to put my hands on free of charge and in working order. I intend to take to a fellow in Gaithersburg MD that my buddy took his old reel to reel (of lesser quality) to for a tuneup//cleaning before I attempt to set it up.He also included free of charge about 12 tapes (TDK Audua LB-1800 back treated Master recording tapes with Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Elton John, Beatles and Linda Ronstadt. Also included was one what seems to be a brand new role of Scotch207-7R premium quality 1800ft tape. Thanks, Ferg...
Happy I was able to provide you with some info! Sounds like you got a great machine with some great tapes to listen to. Enjoy!
Sir, I'm glad you mentioned
that in the video.
Thanks Chad, just picked up a working 707 deck for free off of the free cycle site. You gave me more info than I could probably hope to get from anywhere else probably. Nice to know it's a decent deck and what I can expect from it since I haven't cleaned it up and plugged it in yet. He also gave me 15 rolls of TDK Audua LB-1800 master recording tape black treated
Sounds like you hit the jackpot! Enjoy!
Thanks Chad enjoyed watching this video I have an opportunity to purchase one of these rt707. I really like the direct drive feature and auto reverse. I wish I had saved my Dokorder.
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching.
I just purchased a beautiful 707 but for some reason after recording on playback theres a air type hissing on the right channel. It sound great except for that hissing anyone have this issue like me. Thank you for sharing this video these are really nice solid beautiful reel to reel 👍
Very nice RT-707 I pick up RT-701 Reel to Reel for 325 had to replace counter belt and it professional service all recalibrate, record and play back sounds very good and clean deck
I'm looking at RT-909 Reel deck
I have an RT-707 I bought new. I don’t use it anymore but it looks cool.
Those tape guide arms above the rollers will lock into the tape loading position if you push them fully up.
These do have one belt - the one that drives the tape counter. Yours is broken and so is mine.
Love that Pioneer use to have one as a kid back in the 80s they don't make them like this anymore 😍
They sure don't!
Cool! I have an RT-707 & a RT-701 that inherited (plus half a dozen other models as well) and was trying to decide which one to keep.. I assume the RT-707 is the way to go.
That's the one I'd keep!
The Pioneer RT -707 was and still is a great reel to reel deck, for sound and quality you can’t go wrong.
I remember lusting after that machine back in the 70’s when Julian Hirsch reviewed it
You and the rest of us!
Enjoy this video very much indeed...own the same model 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I like this video a lot thank you. ❤❤
I'm glad you like it
JUST GOT one and haven’t
had a Chance yet to go thru
all the Testing but after
watching, am sure it will
Function just fine.
One thing- built like
a tank at near 45 lbs, Heavy
Any Rack Must be Sturdy
They weigh a ton!
@@VintageElectronicsChannel
Yes, BUILT LIKE A TANK
My RT-701 is similar and I must say it has been bullet-proof over the 40+ years I've owned it. Far more reliable than other RTRs I've used, including Revox A77s and B77s. In fact this is a problem for restoring or repairing. There are very few parts machines out there. That being said, most (but not all) of the electronics are easily replaceable. In spike of its compact design, it is rather simple to recap - most of the boards can be moved into position where the components can be tested and replaced without fully disconnecting the boards. Problems are relatively few - caps lose their spec over time, transistors can be problematic but nothing that would permanently sideline at 701 or 707. Also, as you can see in this video, it is simple to thread the tape - much simpler than other brands.
Well said! They are definitely a bulletproof design and quite simple to work on and operate.
Nice production, 1976-1979 only for me. Have 3 closets full but still need to buy that 1 last thing, a Reel to Reel. 15 IPS very hard to find.
There's always that one last thing. Seems like for me, I always seem to add to that list.
I wish my dad wouldn't have thrown his away. I love that Reel to Reel. I looking for another one but it being vintage it's not cheap
eBay has some listed I'm sure, can't recall the price range, if I decide to let mine go, I'll give you a shout. Of course it would be best to do a local pickup because shipping would probably be prohibitive with it weighing 40+pounds.
Hi, great demonstration. I have one of these for about two years now. Although it works fine, I noticed that the pinch rollers are not exactly the same...One seems to be made of a soft rubber or rubber-like material. The other roller is a harder material different than the other, almost like a soft plastic instead of rubber. My question is, should this be the way it should be? Or is something amiss with these pinch rollers? So my next question is, who sells the best replacement pinch rollers for this unit? And are they difficult to replace? Thanks a lot. What a great channel!!
The two different rollers are normal. Only one roller actually does the pinching against a capstan, and that's the right side. The other is just basically a guide. I've seen what look like pretty good replacements on ebay for pretty cheap. There are originals for sale on there as well many times.
Thank you.
Excellent video...I still have mine that I bought new!!!!
Any chance you want to sell it? haha
@@qlyde What's it worth that's the question.....
@@Nova.1971 hard to say because there’s a restored X-1000R for $1600 and a great A-6600 package sale for $1100 in the Ontario Quebec regions but 707s are listed at $1000+. Really depends on the seller!
@@qlyde I would sell this for sure as I'm not using it at all anymore and can't see myself setting it up again. Open to offers for sure.
Great to hear!
I have NIB scotch tapes and they are still excellent, probably I just got lucky. Thanks for the video...
I've had a few Scotch brand tapes that were fine as well. Sometimes it's just luck of the draw.
Hello Chad, I just discovered your channel. I plan to watch many more of your videos. I have two RT-707s, which is handy for A-B-ing duplicate tapes, or trying things out in general. Sometimes I just leave a tape on one deck while I go to another tape on the other one. Anyway, my question regards a TEAC 25-2 deck. I picked one of those up without the special cables, so I can't use its preamp. I picked up an inexpensive tape-head preamp, which seems to work okay. What I noticed is that there is a lot more background tape hiss from the TEAC as compared to my RT-707s, even when the music is equalized the same on both. Did Pioneer do something to minimize the hiss? Do you think that there is any point in continuing to try to get the TEAC whole again? My goal is to have a genuine 2-track machine, but this might not be the one. Thanks!
I wonder if it's the preamp you're using that's causing the additional hiss. If the level of hiss is the same on tapes recorded on another machine as it is on ones recorded on that one, I'd think that's the problem. Although these decks are all aging, so it could possibly be needing recapped or some other repair. I'd try to find the special cables or perhaps make some if that's in your wheelhouse. I have multiple Teac decks and my primary 2-track is a Teac. I love them. They sound great when tuned up.
Pioneer broke the mold after this machine. It was compact, great sounding, reverse play, and so durable that there will be RT 70X machines till Jesus comes back. The competitors had either wood or plastic parts to break or deteriorate, and this machine was having none of it.
I agree. For its size, it's a heavy machine. Built very well.
Except for the part where the original caps and resistors in this machine are crap, yeah - it’s built like a tank and solid!
The really appealing thing about this deck is that it pulls the tape away from the head while fast forward or reverse mode minimizing wear of the tape.
Excellent point! Saves the tape and the heads.
@@VintageElectronicsChannel yup, it has been a dream of mine to record my best records on a RT707, play the tape until it is gone. Then re-record thereby saving my best records. Would love to get one, recap it, fix the corrosive transistor connection issues and use it as above. When the mechanicals are properly adjusted, watching it is like a watching a fine mechanical watch work.
Tape lifters were common on better decks from all manufacturers. Only the cheap stuff lacked them.
And they don't reduce wear on the tape, which has to run over Something during fast-wind;
they are there to reduce wear on the heads.
Excellent video! I have the Pioneer RT 701, I really like it. I was trying to find where you put the oil for the motors? With my Teac it shows in the owners manual where to put a few drops of oil down the plastic tubes on top of the motors. I'm not sure on my Pioneer where the oil goes?
I checked the service manual for the RT707 and it doesn't mention any need for lubrication in the motor, or any lubrication points. I can only assume they are sealed bearing motors on the Pioneer?
@@VintageElectronicsChannel Yes, the service manual does not address motor lubrication - however, I have found my capstan motor a little noisy after decades of use. There are discussions on Tapeheads and Audiokarma about lubricating the RT-707 motor - check it out because there are a couple schools of thought on this, then make your own decision. In my case, I gently lubed my capstan motor from the top bearing only. I do not recommend disassembling the motor assembly. The frequency generator servo is internally mounted at the base of the motor inside the motor case, and you don't want to fuss with this. In my case, gently and sparingly lubricating the top bearing solved my noisy motor problem - I did nothing to the bottom bearing because that would involve disassembling the motor assembly.
I have one of these in my office to digitize my university archives reel2reels tapes.
Nice piece of equipment for archiving! Thanks for watching!
Pioneer reel to reel tape deck
correct?
We had one of these in the production room at a radio station I used to work at. It was great except the buttons kept flying off. The force when the buttons released was so strong that it eventually would crack the plastic stems, and then the button would fly across the room whenever you hit stop (for example). You had to hold your finger over a button when it released to keep the button in the machine. I hated that issue.
Fortunately, I didn't experience that with this one.... yet.
I've never heard or read this about any tape deck before.
Maybe it was a problem with only that one unit.
That is the epitome of cool.I'd love to have the money for a really top-notch 80's/90's system.They just have so much character.It's like the difference between cd's and vynyl
I always have loved the look of reel to reel. It's the most visual of all formats, in my opinion.
Yes, "cool", but there are better decks, including some Pioneer models.
The normal 'stand-up' machines (RT-1020, et cetera) are generally superior to what you see here.
There is one for sale near me in Canada for 1500.00
Great review! How’s this unit compared to something like the Nagra reel to reel series? If it’s possible to compare.
I'm not very familiar with Nagra. I've heard of them, but don't have any experience. Anyone out there have some personal experience with them?
Interested in purchasing
Since it records only in 1 direction, how's the azimuth of the reverse playback head ? Usually there's 6 heads so a dedicated playback/ record head for each direction.
That's a really good question and something I did not test while I had that unit in the shop. I would assume that certain sacrifices are made on units with a single play head and a reverse play function.
The RT-707 has a separate playback head for reverse.
Where can I purchase blank tapes and metal reverse tape for RT707
RTM and ATR Magnetics both sell brand new tape. The foil strips can be found on eBay and Amazon.
Cool!
What a piece of equipment great video 👍
Thanks!
I might have erred but I saw one of these (not sure if it was a 701 or 707) in the window of a record store for $100 about 5-6 years ago. I really didn't need it and did not have a spot for it, but maybe I should have grabbed it anyway. Had no way to test it. I have had about 5 or 6 of these and sold them. I own two OTARI mx 5050's and two Teacs.
I own two Teac machines myself, but couldn't pass this Pioneer up when I had the opportunity. My Teacs are my main workhorses, but I thought the Pioneer was neat because of its size and features.
In the 1970’s anything with the brand name Pioneer on it was a popular middle of the road piece of stereo equipment. But they had a reputation among guys that serviced equipment, as not being well-made. It was never, buy any measure, audiofile level equipment. Braun, Studer, and Revox, were some of the true high-level pieces of equipment. How do I know? Because I was selling audiofile equipment back them. You have to understand, that the audiofile equipment that was available, was only available at, at most, 100 stereo shops nationwide.
Absolutely true. That's why I used the term "budget". Folks who couldn't afford a Revox or a Studer could still have something decent in their home. That still hold true today with the prices of the high-end equipment.
I have an Akai GT 210D with auto reverse. It only reverses forward automatically. It does not have the ability to automatically change to reverse, which is weird. Anyway, you have to place a piece of metal tape on the tape where you want the deck to reverse. Does the 707 work the same way. Does it require the metal sensor tape to make the deck automatically reverse and does it automatically reverse in both directions? If you have to push a button to make the deck reverse, that's not automatic to me.
the 707 does reverses with i piece of metal tape or with the button and with the counter at 00000 and replay on it replays the hole tape with i piece of metal tape on it i made a tape single and i would let it play
If it will play in reverse, there IS a way to make it reverse automatically.
Read the manual. If it doesn't work as described, it needs repair.
I know this now. The metal tape has to be on the outside of the tape to make it auto forward. And the inside of the tape for auto reverse. Just my ignorance... meaning didn't know.@@spacemissing
I don’t know if I want to buy one , I have a teac x1000r , what you guys think ? I have lots of tape record on a 7 inch
Your TEAC is as good as or better than the 707.
I know this video is a year old now, but I have a question. When you record all the way to the end, does it just reverse, and continue to record, on the other side of the tape?? Also, in playback, does it do that as well. I am thinking of buying one of these 707's, and have never owned a reel to reel, just dreamed as a kid in the 60's.
That's actually a really good question. I would assume if the tape is prepped with the foil tape at the end and it's set to reverse, it would continue recording.
@@VintageElectronicsChannel Judging by your response, you have never tried this for recording......have you tried it for playback??
I had tried it for playback, but not recording. I only had this machine a short time. I went through it for someone and then passed it on.
The RT-707 records in "forward" only. You have to flip the reels to record on the second side.
This is the case with many open-reel decks from several brands. Heads were never cheap!
I noticed the mechanical counter was not working... and I assume it's a simple belt change? I had one of these when I was in the Navy Back in 77 and I believe I only paid about $400 for it at the Navy Exchange store. I had to sell it in 84 to make a house payment and I regretted ever since! Built like a tank and weight was about 40 lb about 40 pounds.
Yes, I noticed that too during the course of shooting the video. It was a belt that needed replaced. I've sold equipment in the past I've regretted too. Back then, we never thought those things would become collectible or would be something we'd like to get back out and use in the future.
For Pioneer R-R. You did not demonstrated the Auto-Reverse. is this Auto-reverse or you just push a button to reverse. Krikor from L. A. CA.
It has auto reverse. You apply a piece of silver sensing tape at the point of the tape you'd like it to reverse at, normally at the end. You can also push the button to change direction at any time.
Great video.
How i can purchase one like this.?
Check them out on Ebay! There are several for sale.
I’ve never seen a 707 up close.. I thought it was dual capstan..
What are your views on the Pioneer RT-2044 4 track?
I'd say it's a good choice if you specifically want a 4 track. Its important to note that machine is not the same as thr 707, in the way its set up. Consumer and pro 4 track are different. That machine records and plays back 4 tracks on one pass of the tape. You can listen to prerecorded music on it by muting the two opposing direction tracks, or listen to quad recordings. I suppose you'd also be able to make it work for 2-track recordings too.
The RT-2044 is an excellent machine.
I consider it superior to these rack-mount gimmicks so many people think are "cool".
Why didn't you use the monitor button? It is the best way to compare the signal from the source with the one from the tape.
I don't currently have a good way of recording sound from external sources into the camera for real time comparison like that. Working on it though. That's why I had to do it in post.
@@VintageElectronicsChannel @johan van der pulst He is asking the right question. You don't need anything to do what he is asking. You just press the "monitor:" button from "tape" to "source" to "tape" to "source" and it does not effect the tape being made, but it does let you instantly compare the source to the tape. The only way that the "source" is different from the original source is that it is being run in and out of 707's electronics, like going through a switch box.
That's a great question and there's a simple explanation. I use the monitor button on my equipment all the time. Best way to see how your recording is sounding instantly. I didn't use the monitor button on this piece of equipment because the switch had a latching problem. Sometimes it would latch, and sometimes it wouldn't. Rather than risking fumbling on camera, I just recorded the finished tape into my PC. That was one of the reasons it was in my shop. I ended up being able to source the switch and replaced it before it went back to its owner.
What drives the tape country?. Thx
It's belt driven
This is humorous at best! As much as I love them & own 3 or 4, there is "no" Reel-to-Reel on a budget! You may find a good deal on one, but it's the costs afterwards that will kill you! Look up the prices of blank Reel Tape! It's Insane! Not to mention all the hours of keeping the Reel up to spec. Just sayin'.
If it's something a person enjoys... there's worse things to spend money on.
I'm hearing a little something going on in the right channel during playback, as if a previous recording didn't erase fully.
It was the left channel. You’ve got your earbuds on wrong. 😂
What would cause the take up reel side to speed up in play mode and run fast.
This is a Pioneer RT 707 reel to reel
My first thought would be the capstan and pinch roller aren't coming together properly to maintain the speed and the tape is slipping through allowing the take up reel to pull the tape.
My dad bought one of his brand new back in the 70s it cost £199 we still got it today how much it was cheaper in the UK back in 10 days
Amazing how prices have changed through the years.
I appreciate if you could show heads in some of next videos. The left channel needs also some correction. Otherwise it works great.
Thanks for the tip! I will definitely do that more often in the videos.
The 707 isn't a "budget" item any more, considering what it sells for on eBay these days.
And where do you get replacement heads when the original ones wear out?
I never much cared for these decks when they were new, and I wouldn't want to acquire one now unless it was a gift.
I'd agree they aren't the cheapest decks to acquire nowadays. For folks who want a nice deck with auto reverse and a compact footprint, they are hard to beat though. It's not my go-to though. I prefer my Teac tape decks as a daily driver. I tend to be more into 2-track recordings personally.
I want to buy where can i get it ?
These come up for sale on eBay regularly.
Left channel has track bleeding through. Probably dirty heads - need to clean that erase head thoroughly. Also, tape counter belt is shot - it’s not working at all. Get rid of that Scotch tape.
I got one of these for free today. It seems to be working. Definitely excited to try it out tomorrow.
You got an RT-707 for free?!!! One, congrats! Two, I hate you.
Who is the band/album you're playing please? I tried using Shazam - not even close! Thanks! I subbed your channel. Btw, I love my RT-707! 😎👍
It's from the UA-cam Audio Library: ua-cam.com/video/bclscFSJnPc/v-deo.html
Looks like the only thing that is belt driven (the tape counter) aint working anymore
Yeah, I had borrowed that from a friend for the video and ended up fixing that for him before I gave it back.
Budget??! Have you see the prices of these lately?
The counter wasn’t working.
Looks like you need a new counter belt.
Left channel cutting out
Proper
Thanks!
Counter
The Pioneer RT-707 is now getting very expensive. Even wrecks with parts missing are expensive. Certainly no longer an entry level.
I'm shocked at how expensive they've become in the past few years.
I've been looking at used Dokorders, as well. I stupidly donated my 7700 13 years ago. Oy vey.
I think we've all gotten rid of something we later regretted. Rediscovering old equipment now is exciting though. It's the thrill of the hunt all over again.
@@VintageElectronicsChannel Bingo. About 4 years ago someone was selling a brand new Dual CS 608q new never opened, original box. At the time, duals were out of favor. Thorens was in. I paid more than maybe I should, 30 bucks including shipping. Now I'm glad I did.
Not really a low budget reel to reel
Definitely not low budget, but for the quality and features for someone on a budget, it ticks the boxes.
you have a strange idea about budget
They've gone up quite a bit in price since I made that video. At the time, there were many on eBay for $300 or so. Now they're more than double that for a nice one.
@@VintageElectronicsChannel I got a technics rs1500 for £500 some are now selling for four times that
they are not budget anymore
You're right about that. Their prices have gone through the roof.
It cost 1000 quid. Hard pass.
The price has gone up quite a bit in the past few years. They've become out of reach for most of us.