Imagine my surprise when I saw one of these sitting on the shelf at goodwill for 20 bucks with the metal take up reel!.... I figured it did not work at that price but I figured good for parts...got it home and hooked it up and it played and recorded just fine... best find I ever got from a goodwill....
I know you would think that couldn't be beat...but I went over a friends house and she said her dad had some old stuff he wanted to give away. Some old speakers and an old tape player. I said well I like to play around with stuff so if he just needs it out of the way I'd come haul it off. At the very least I could take it to Goodwill for him. Well little did I know it was this reel to reel in PERFECT working condition without a mark on it AND a pair of Pioneer HPM-100 speakers also in perfect condition without a single scuff.!!....FOR FREE lol :)
Excellent instructional video with the perfect introduction song, which is very "logical" to say the least. I've always wanted one, yet your video only solidifies my wants and needs for this vintage adult toy. I feel this is as good as its bigger brother - the RT909. One aspect of the draw....it has little to no plastics. Its all metal and built solid. Its worth every penny and effort to repair and restore these vintage audiophile open reel decks of yesteryear. Thank you Marcus for your shared passion of these analog multi-track wonders of an era long gone but not forgotten.
Just picked up one of these at a yard sale along with an SA-7700, TX-6800, a pair of HPM 60 speakers, a BIC 981 turntable, and 20 reel-to-reel tapes. Everything looks like it came out of a time capsule and has all the original owner's manuals.
God does this ever bring back memories! I purchased one of these brand new back in 78 when I was in the Navy and when he went through the demonstration the clicking and the smooth operation honestly gave me chills... but I had to sell it for two hundred bucks to make a house payment... what a flashback
Yes. I had one of these. I have regretted getting rid of it ever since. Now I own two Pioneer RT-909s and an Akai GX-625. I am planning on getting one RT-707 in the near future. They all sound magnificent.
Awesome very thorough, I'm thinking about purchasing this very same unit ! They are pricey on eBay, so I'm taking my time learning as much as possible. Thanks again review was 5 stars .
Thank you very much for the kind words Jimmy. I try not to be to judgemental with gear but I will say something that is worth noting about the Pioneer RT-707 and the 10.5" version the 909, especially to potential buyers. They are fantastic decks but do have a flaw that shows up after 20 or so years. On the playback audio many of them have a loud hissing noise, not on the input audio but on the playback audio. I have heard from techs its due to the very compact size of the unit and cheap transistors and capacitors that didn't have a high enough heat value for a such a compact design and failed over time. This deck had that problem on one channel but my tech fixed it, about a $75 repair job and he wound up repairing both channels. Its actually a recommended upgrade for the 707 and 909. Watch out for that when buying these. Other than that, amazing deck.
I just got one of these, and its in damn good shape but needs some help . My dad had one of these when I was young. I recorded dozens and dozens of his albums. I was an eight year old kid recording and listening like no tomorrow. Just sent my deck to Southern Reel to Reel In TN for a major refurbishing. Even though its mostly functioning I want it restored. Can't wait to get it back and start recording with it. I had so much fun with this deck as a kid. Need to be a kid again. Happy recording and listening everyone.
They are great decks but had notoriously faulty parts on the audio repro cards that have a short lifespan. They would get noisy on the playback and produce lots of hiss. The parts only cost like $5.00 bucks for each card but a skilled tech was needed to replace them. All 707s had this problem.
@@drbbhiggins I've owned mine since 81 and picked up a second in 85 and have never heard of this card. These are direct drive decks and have never had a problem with a motor. The only problem I be ever heard or came across iss the counter belt drying up after all long time of no use. That's the only belt in it. A lot of my old buddies don't know what your talking about either.
@@timwilson3124 When I bought this deck I got it off eBay with no idea where it had been or its history. I did play and sound quality was good but needed help. The price I paid was not very high and I knew the unit would probably need some work. I did open the cover and the unit needed a cleaning and a few of the incandescent bulbs were out. The counter rubber pulley dry rotted and the capstan rubber roller wheel was hard and old. Here is a link to all that I had done. southernreeltoreeltapedecks.com/page6 Talked with Pete a few time on the phone and he was very knowledgeable and has over 30 years doing reel to reel repair and refurbishing. Once I got the unit back it was great. Have had no issue with the 707. I have recorded lots of records and even made a Christmas reel for a house party. Here is a quick video I made of the first recording once I got it back. First album Phil Collins - Face Value th-cam.com/video/3dSgCXO8TLo/w-d-xo.html
hi very heavy deck as well i picked one from the usa the audio line input was bad it was used the record voice in a place where they used to take people body apart i had to make new pre amp all the knob were missing i have work on alot of decks
Bought one of these in 1979 for $679 with money I made mowing lawns and doing odd jobs when I was 13. Still have it today at 53. All works except for the VU meter lights, counter and one of the directional lights. I can't wait to try some of the new tape that's being produced. I'd like to get it a tune up,(lights and belts etc.) Anyone have a suggestion who does this work in upstate n.y.?
Do I have to have an amplifier to play music on it? Can I just plug in some speakers from the back? How would I do that? Father passed it on to me and I have no idea how to use it. Seems really cool though. Would love to know how to use it
Hi Marcus, I have a question, Does this deck (Pioneer RT-707) has an amplifier built in?, and if so, What is the power?, I mean, your speakers were connected to this deck? Thank you, beforehand. Greetings!
Hey buddy, Yes, I am playing this through my amplifier and speakers. This deck has a line level input and output via the RCA s on the back. It also has a trim output level control next to the RCAs. It doesn't have a speaker output or its own speakers if that's what you are asking.
Ha ok so, do I also need an extra amplifier?, I mean as far as I understand, does this deck (Pioneer RT-707) lack of an audio amplified signal? Tnaks a lot.
Unless you intend on using headphones only, yes you will need and amplifier and speakers. There are some decks that have thier own speakers in them though.
There is an adjustment screw right next to each VU meter. But that is more for fine tuning. If the volume change in the audio doesn’t correspond with the VU meter it could be that meter is starting to fail
Hello, I have one of these that I'm thinking about selling. I got it in 1985 when I was traveling in the Navy and only used it for a couple of years after I got out. It's been stowed away since about 1988. I didn't even use it much when I had it hooked up due to going to school and working full time after I got out. Everything worked perfectly when I put away. How much do you think I should sell it for?
OK, thanks. I was in the ball park. I'll hook it all up and test everything before I post it. I remember how much of a kick ass machine it was when I was using it. Loved it, and it's a solid built heavy bugger. I bet it weighs 30 or 40lbs!
Top Cat They are great decks. If it’s sat for a long time it might have some issues. Noisy pots, dried up counter belt and possibly bad capacitors. It would help if it was stored in a climate controlled place. It’s the change in temperature that really does the damage.
Not really, the 707 meters are very sensitive, peaks are a bit high but the proof is in the pudding, no distortion on playback. Keep in mind the harder you smack it to tape the more "analog" tape saturation you will hear on playback.
I don't know about that.Ive owned mine since 1981 and anything in the red is usually bad that's why it's red. Think of your car. I always record where the needle just barely reaches the red but not quite and I have reels from 81-82 that sound like the day I recorded them.
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that, I would have ... about $500.00. No, but many people have told me I should have been a DJ or VO guy.
Night Stringers Sounds like Tape shedding which is common from tape like Ampex 456. If they have important audio on them and they are metal reels you can bake the tape to archive them.
Imagine my surprise when I saw one of these sitting on the shelf at goodwill for 20 bucks with the metal take up reel!.... I figured it did not work at that price but I figured good for parts...got it home and hooked it up and it played and recorded just fine... best find I ever got from a goodwill....
I know you would think that couldn't be beat...but I went over a friends house and she said her dad had some old stuff he wanted to give away. Some old speakers and an old tape player. I said well I like to play around with stuff so if he just needs it out of the way I'd come haul it off. At the very least I could take it to Goodwill for him. Well little did I know it was this reel to reel in PERFECT working condition without a mark on it AND a pair of Pioneer HPM-100 speakers also in perfect condition without a single scuff.!!....FOR FREE lol :)
My dad gave me one for free, hope to get it running
Daaayum! Score!!!
You were really lucky. I would had bought it in a heartbeat in the same circumstances.
I just bought one today at goodwill for $27!!!!! I bought it obviously!!! Turns on! But I need a tape to test it!!!! Crossing my fingers!!!!:)))
Excellent instructional video with the perfect introduction song, which is very "logical" to say the least. I've always wanted one, yet your video only solidifies my wants and needs for this vintage adult toy. I feel this is as good as its bigger brother - the RT909. One aspect of the draw....it has little to no plastics. Its all metal and built solid. Its worth every penny and effort to repair and restore these vintage audiophile open reel decks of yesteryear. Thank you Marcus for your shared passion of these analog multi-track wonders of an era long gone but not forgotten.
jadesystem Thank you for the kind words. They are great decks, super build integrity like you said.
Just picked up one of these at a yard sale along with an SA-7700, TX-6800, a pair of HPM 60 speakers, a BIC 981 turntable, and 20 reel-to-reel tapes. Everything looks like it came out of a time capsule and has all the original owner's manuals.
God does this ever bring back memories! I purchased one of these brand new back in 78 when I was in the Navy and when he went through the demonstration the clicking and the smooth operation honestly gave me chills... but I had to sell it for two hundred bucks to make a house payment... what a flashback
How much did this cost in 78?
OH "SUPER TRAMP".....Great song - Great deck.....
Yes. I had one of these. I have regretted getting rid of it ever since. Now I own two Pioneer RT-909s and an Akai GX-625. I am planning on getting one RT-707 in the near future. They all sound magnificent.
Hola tocayo tambien tuve una, la añoro.
Awesome very thorough, I'm thinking about purchasing this very same unit ! They are pricey on eBay, so I'm taking my time learning as much as possible. Thanks again review was 5 stars .
Thank you very much for the kind words Jimmy. I try not to be to judgemental with gear but I will say something that is worth noting about the Pioneer RT-707 and the 10.5" version the 909, especially to potential buyers. They are fantastic decks but do have a flaw that shows up after 20 or so years. On the playback audio many of them have a loud hissing noise, not on the input audio but on the playback audio. I have heard from techs its due to the very compact size of the unit and cheap transistors and capacitors that didn't have a high enough heat value for a such a compact design and failed over time. This deck had that problem on one channel but my tech fixed it, about a $75 repair job and he wound up repairing both channels. Its actually a recommended upgrade for the 707 and 909. Watch out for that when buying these. Other than that, amazing deck.
www.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-RT-707-Upgrade-Kit-Audio-Capacitors/132169153581?hash=item1ec5e53c2d:g:bu8AAOSwvihY~bnK
This deck is one of the best sounding for playing the slower 3 3/4 ips prerecorded tapes.
I just got one of these, and its in damn good shape but needs some help . My dad had one of these when I was young. I recorded dozens and dozens of his albums. I was an eight year old kid recording and listening like no tomorrow. Just sent my deck to Southern Reel to Reel In TN for a major refurbishing. Even though its mostly functioning I want it restored. Can't wait to get it back and start recording with it. I had so much fun with this deck as a kid. Need to be a kid again. Happy recording and listening everyone.
They are great decks but had notoriously faulty parts on the audio repro cards that have a short lifespan. They would get noisy on the playback and produce lots of hiss. The parts only cost like $5.00 bucks for each card but a skilled tech was needed to replace them. All 707s had this problem.
Thanks for that info.
@@drbbhiggins I've owned mine since 81 and picked up a second in 85 and have never heard of this card. These are direct drive decks and have never had a problem with a motor. The only problem I be ever heard or came across iss the counter belt drying up after all long time of no use. That's the only belt in it. A lot of my old buddies don't know what your talking about either.
@@timwilson3124 When I bought this deck I got it off eBay with no idea where it had been or its history. I did play and sound quality was good but needed help. The price I paid was not very high and I knew the unit would probably need some work. I did open the cover and the unit needed a cleaning and a few of the incandescent bulbs were out. The counter rubber pulley dry rotted and the capstan rubber roller wheel was hard and old.
Here is a link to all that I had done. southernreeltoreeltapedecks.com/page6
Talked with Pete a few time on the phone and he was very knowledgeable and has over 30 years doing reel to reel repair and refurbishing. Once I got the unit back it was great. Have had no issue with the 707. I have recorded lots of records and even made a Christmas reel for a house party.
Here is a quick video I made of the first recording once I got it back. First album Phil Collins - Face Value th-cam.com/video/3dSgCXO8TLo/w-d-xo.html
Love mine, it will be in my estate when I pass on. 👍🏻
hi very heavy deck as well i picked one from the usa the audio line input was bad it was used the record voice in a place where they used to take people body apart
i had to make new pre amp all the knob were missing i have work on alot of decks
I purchased one in 1979 actually purchased Pink Floyd the wall and Al Stewart year of the cat on Reel to reel tape !
I have the RT 707 and also Supertramp Breakfast in America. Both are fantastic
Jeff Yes they are Jeff.
Great presentation by the way.
Jeff Thanks Jeff !!
¡What a wonderfull equipment....!!!!
Just picked one up for 40.00 bucks and works perfectly!!!!
40 bucks ? f*ck me they are 700 in europe.
How do you record music to these things? I’m kinda fascinated by this machine
Line level inputs via RCA or microphone inputs via 1/4” inputs.
Are you recording the video audio directly or is the tape machine playing from the speakers?
Not direct, ambient to my iphones speaker. My back room is wood paneled on all 4 walls including the ceiling, it helps allot with the acoustics.
Bought one of these in 1979 for $679 with money I made mowing lawns and doing odd jobs when I was 13. Still have it today at 53. All works except for the VU meter lights, counter and one of the directional lights. I can't wait to try some of the new tape that's being produced. I'd like to get it a tune up,(lights and belts etc.) Anyone have a suggestion who does this work in upstate n.y.?
I also purchased one in 1979 actually purchased Pink Floyd the wall and Al Stewart year of the cat on Reel to reel tape ! Im 57 ! Crazy !
Bought one of these when they came out here in England, cost me £350 back then....
Do I have to have an amplifier to play music on it? Can I just plug in some speakers from the back? How would I do that? Father passed it on to me and I have no idea how to use it. Seems really cool though. Would love to know how to use it
BoTe WoOd Yes you need to have an amplifier. Or you could use headphones with a 1/4” jack.
marcusdolby1 so alls I need is 1/4” headphones?
BoTe WoOd Yes, old school set of headphones.
marcusdolby1 thanks
Hi Marcus,
I have a question, Does this deck (Pioneer RT-707) has an amplifier built in?, and if so, What is the power?, I mean, your speakers were connected to this deck?
Thank you, beforehand.
Greetings!
Hey buddy, Yes, I am playing this through my amplifier and speakers. This deck has a line level input and output via the RCA s on the back. It also has a trim output level control next to the RCAs. It doesn't have a speaker output or its own speakers if that's what you are asking.
Ha ok so, do I also need an extra amplifier?, I mean as far as I understand, does this deck (Pioneer RT-707) lack of an audio amplified signal?
Tnaks a lot.
Unless you intend on using headphones only, yes you will need and amplifier and speakers. There are some decks that have thier own speakers in them though.
Ok I got it, thank you so much for your help. Have a nice weekend.
Greetings!
Hahaha LMAO, I can't stop laughing!!!
This explains how someone discovers MJ sounded just as good at a slower speed. The two original vapourwave tracks Off the wall and Rock with you.
My VU meters on my RT-707 are a little off... The left doesn't rise as far ad the right. Any fixes to this?
There is an adjustment screw right next to each VU meter. But that is more for fine tuning. If the volume change in the audio doesn’t correspond with the VU meter it could be that meter is starting to fail
@@marcusdolby1 Alright. Thanks for the response I will try that
@@dylantamaroff6066 No problem, that adjustment literally says adjust right next to the VU, you can’t miss it.
Built like a Tank
at near 45 lbs- Heavy
Hello, I have one of these that I'm thinking about selling. I got it in 1985 when I was traveling in the Navy and only used it for a couple of years after I got out. It's been stowed away since about 1988. I didn't even use it much when I had it hooked up due to going to school and working full time after I got out. Everything worked perfectly when I put away. How much do you think I should sell it for?
Top Cat They go for about $400, if they are working like they should.
OK, thanks. I was in the ball park. I'll hook it all up and test everything before I post it. I remember how much of a kick ass machine it was when I was using it. Loved it, and it's a solid built heavy bugger. I bet it weighs 30 or 40lbs!
Top Cat They are great decks. If it’s sat for a long time it might have some issues. Noisy pots, dried up counter belt and possibly bad capacitors. It would help if it was stored in a climate controlled place. It’s the change in temperature that really does the damage.
That sounds so vaporwave
Hi great video, did you sell it yet ?
Yes it sold.
Ok thank's :-(
You`re running those record input levels a bit hot, aren`t you ?
Not really, the 707 meters are very sensitive, peaks are a bit high but the proof is in the pudding, no distortion on playback. Keep in mind the harder you smack it to tape the more "analog" tape saturation you will hear on playback.
I don't know about that.Ive owned mine since 1981 and anything in the red is usually bad that's why it's red. Think of your car. I always record where the needle just barely reaches the red but not quite and I have reels from 81-82 that sound like the day I recorded them.
Is this available for sale?
It was but sold a while ago.
Were you ever a Radio DJ or voice over guy?
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that, I would have ... about $500.00. No, but many people have told me I should have been a DJ or VO guy.
@@marcusdolby1 LOL it's never too late!!
I have this model the heads need to be aligned .I have tapes that are over 30 years old the tapes glog up the heads bad
Night Stringers Sounds like Tape shedding which is common from tape like Ampex 456. If they have important audio on them and they are metal reels you can bake the tape to archive them.
.Akaisold the same recorder AKAI RT707
Don't ever let the world make you cynical...
I got one in excellent condition if anyone is interested
How much?
@@marcusdolby1 idk ,850 it comes with two unused blank Tapes as well
@@Centerstagerentals I’ve restored about 10 of these and never got more than $700 after a complete restoration so that’s just way to much for me.