Of all the decks I own, the RT-701 and 707 are the easiest I have seen for threading and loading tape. The design is a simple and straightforward tape feed pathway.
The pitch control affects playback only - it is bypassed in record mode. Actually, the pitch control is probably the one feature I have never had occasion to need - and it can become a source of the RT-707's runaway tape speed problem (discussed on AudioKarma and Tapeheads).
Considering new tape prices, a 7"-er 4-tracks 7 1/2 autoreverser is a desk we need (I personally prefer such configuration). Because in most cases it's better (and rewardable) to use a new tape rather than to have 15ips or 10". Then we can have 4.5 classical duration albums for 40 euros. I think this is really good price for the best analog format
Zounds! I just priced new ATR tape: $31 for 1200'/.25 "! It kind of makes that unused case of Ampex tape a friend gave me priceless. (He now uses only 10-1/2" reels.) Just the empty plastic reel is $8! If only I could find a use for my RT707 other than eye candy... Can it fetch a beer? ;)
@@Round2Audio Well it depends on what you mean by "never". When I earned an honest living using mag tape (as all we had), a 1200' reel of Scotch 111 was $2 in unit quantities. Including the reel. I have been actively seeking some use for the RT707. So far, it is eye candy. So, I have this recorder and a case of tape and have been so spoiled by the quality and effortlessness of digital, I just fire up the 707 to show folks the reels go around and the meters dance. But I have to say the weighty Pioneer sure anchors the equipment cabinet to the floor. (!) Semi-fond recollections of schlepping an Ampex 350-2 deck and amps into Cleveland's Severance Hall. Many of those recordings still exist in the Orchestra's library. I assume they have digitized them -- or else they have a cellar full of the aging tapes.
Nerd. I'm jealous. Nice tape player. Seen a few of them for way over a 1000 dollars but from time to time I see one for around 600 or so. Maybe I'll save up and someone can be jealous of me ❤
Thanks for this. I have an RT707 that was almost never used. Its first owner bought it and then found no need for it. The tape counter belt has broken from age -- but I don't need the counter. A broadcast technician/friend cleaned and degaussed the heads and nearby hardware. And I replaced the capstan pressure roller, which had become hardened. It seems to work like new, although the play-stop function is a bit 'clunky' as you suggest. Frequency response seems fine, noise level is very low using some unused Ampex tape stock and a high resolution music source. If I plan to use it more, does it really need to be restored? And if so, whom do you know who does this restoration currently?
Thanks. I was hoping you'd say that -- freight to send it for service and back just has to be serious money. If I get a fit of ambition, I may replace the counter belt just on principle.👍
Having used an open reel deck (Teac X-3) for many years I am flummoxed as to why Pioneer had the output controls on the back of this deck? Though not used frequently, output controls are necessary to adjust from time to time. Having to get at the back for this adjustment seems illogical? Such a fine machine with good specs deserved better. What were they thinking?
I believe what they were thinking is that you would use the back controls to match the output to your other components, then just use the master volume on your receiver or preamp. But I agree it would have been more convenient to have them on the front!
Hi, my left meter on my 707 is dead as well as the light. All output from the left channel works as it should. Any ideas what to look for to diagnose? I’m sure it not a straight forward answer….
I need to know what area you greased to make that stop mechanism drop so smoothly. Mine just slams down rather hard,I fear over more Usage it might damage something. I know plenty about cassette decks but this is a different animal. Kind Regards Randy
Hi Randy, I removed the lever and added 600K silicone damping fluid at the pivot. Pioneer provided a recess on the pivot pin which you will see when you remove the part. Coat the pin and fill this recess with the fluid before reinstalling the lever. Of course clean and lube all aspects of the mechanism while you are in there. I use a synthetic grease for the other lubrication points.
@@Round2Audio Ok thanks for responding! I literally just got some dampening grease from Amazon delivered about 10min ago. It sounds like I should've gotten oil rather than the grease. Anyway I will let you know how it goes. Kind Regards Randy Brown
@@JmieTH-cam Good except I think I'll drop down to 400 as it dropped too slowly, maybe I put too much 600 on it but it's long gone from my shop and haven't had another yet.
Hey there, Another cool video and awesome unit! I had posted a question on your video about the SL-Q6 table. Wondering what you did to replace the lid reset switch and with what parts. Thanks!
Just inherited RT 707 . When I press play the reels rotate in the wrong direction. Direction controls function properly. Any ideas what may be my problem. No output.
Hi, I just picked up a serviced RT-707 and it is working great except that the pinch roller mechanism slams down pretty hard. Could you recommend a good damping grease I could use to slow it down like the one in your video?
The grease Harold recommends works. I used brake caliper grease from NAPA - the viscosity is thick enough to provide good lubrication without getting sloppy. Whatever you use, use as little as possible to get the job done - too much can get sloppy and attracts dust and dirt.
Hello, yesterday I came across your video on the Beogram TX turntable from a year ago. There is one currently for auction on shopgoodwill. It looks in good shape but, they do sell as is. Do you do restorations for just yourself or do you do work for others? I was impressed with your skills & if I do win this auction I don't know anyone in my area who could look it over. If you don't do work for others is there someone you would recommend?
Hi Peter, I enjoying doing restoration for others as well as for myself and occasional sales. Please send me a note at Round2Audio@gmail.com if you are interested. Good luck with the auction. The biggest challenge in acquiring the TX (or any turntable) is receiving it without shipping damage. Thanks for the kind comment.
The first step is to see if you can pass a signal from the input to the output, this tells you if it is the audio chain or the playback heads. Good luck!
@@Round2Audio I used a source and able to get the signals out. Cleaned and demagnetized the head now both channel have signals out when play forward, but play reverse there is no signals. Any suggestions. Thank you
Do you restore these reel to reels for others? I have one that needs a little love. Or if you know someone that restores these units please let me know, Thanks Norm Shifferd
Hi David, If you can measure the voltage across the leads and the size of the LED I am sure you can find suitable replacements on mouser. Or just ask on the Tapeheads forum. Good luck!
Terrific video! Thank you for explaining the RT 707 in such detail!
I'm glad you found it useful!
I just got one as mint as your a few days ago and so proud of it, a jewel...
They are beautiful. Enjoy!
The Nak 670zx and Pioneer 707 are two incredible decks (I own both, well restored) to have in one video. Well done!
Thanks!
Of all the decks I own, the RT-701 and 707 are the easiest I have seen for threading and loading tape. The design is a simple and straightforward tape feed pathway.
I just got one... like you said, it works but still needs a bit of love.
Congrats! These are nice machines and great for 7"
The pitch control affects playback only - it is bypassed in record mode. Actually, the pitch control is probably the one feature I have never had occasion to need - and it can become a source of the RT-707's runaway tape speed problem (discussed on AudioKarma and Tapeheads).
I agree, I've never used the pitch control on a reel to reel or turntable...other than testing.
Considering new tape prices, a 7"-er 4-tracks 7 1/2 autoreverser is a desk we need (I personally prefer such configuration). Because in most cases it's better (and rewardable) to use a new tape rather than to have 15ips or 10". Then we can have 4.5 classical duration albums for 40 euros. I think this is really good price for the best analog format
Well done
Thanks for the kind comment!
Zounds! I just priced new ATR tape: $31 for 1200'/.25 "!
It kind of makes that unused case of Ampex tape a friend gave me priceless. (He now uses only 10-1/2" reels.) Just the empty plastic reel is $8!
If only I could find a use for my RT707 other than eye candy...
Can it fetch a beer? ;)
Reel to reel was never cheap. TH-camr "Techmoan" has a video calling it the most expensive music format in the world!
@@Round2Audio Well it depends on what you mean by "never". When I earned an honest living using mag tape (as all we had), a 1200' reel of Scotch 111 was $2 in unit quantities. Including the reel.
I have been actively seeking some use for the RT707. So far, it is eye candy. So, I have this recorder and a case of tape and have been so spoiled by the quality and effortlessness of digital, I just fire up the 707 to show folks the reels go around and the meters dance. But I have to say the weighty Pioneer sure anchors the equipment cabinet to the floor. (!) Semi-fond recollections of schlepping an Ampex 350-2 deck and amps into Cleveland's Severance Hall. Many of those recordings still exist in the Orchestra's library. I assume they have digitized them -- or else they have a cellar full of the aging tapes.
The ATR tape is VERY good, for what its worth. I know its expensive, I'm dropping a ton of money on it.
Hi,I've own my 707 for about 30 years now, the heads have gone bad,any advice on what i should do?
Nerd. I'm jealous. Nice tape player. Seen a few of them for way over a 1000 dollars but from time to time I see one for around 600 or so. Maybe I'll save up and someone can be jealous of me ❤
Thanks, yes the Pioneer is really nice. With some patience you will eventually find one.
Thanks for this. I have an RT707 that was almost never used. Its first owner bought it and then found no need for it. The tape counter belt has broken from age -- but I don't need the counter. A broadcast technician/friend cleaned and degaussed the heads and nearby hardware. And I replaced the capstan pressure roller, which had become hardened. It seems to work like new, although the play-stop function is a bit 'clunky' as you suggest. Frequency response seems fine, noise level is very low using some unused Ampex tape stock and a high resolution music source.
If I plan to use it more, does it really need to be restored? And if so, whom do you know who does this restoration currently?
Hi Jim, I can restore it, but suggest as it is working well and noise is low that you just enjoy it for now. They are great decks and fun to use. Bill
Thanks. I was hoping you'd say that -- freight to send it for service and back just has to be serious money. If I get a fit of ambition, I may replace the counter belt just on principle.👍
Having used an open reel deck (Teac X-3) for many years I am flummoxed as to why Pioneer had the output controls on the back of this deck? Though not used frequently, output controls are necessary to adjust from time to time. Having to get at the back for this adjustment seems illogical? Such a fine machine with good specs deserved better. What were they thinking?
I believe what they were thinking is that you would use the back controls to match the output to your other components, then just use the master volume on your receiver or preamp. But I agree it would have been more convenient to have them on the front!
Hi, my left meter on my 707 is dead as well as the light. All output from the left channel works as it should. Any ideas what to look for to diagnose? I’m sure it not a straight forward answer….
The first step is to check that it is getting a signal, so loose wire, connector or solder joint.
BUILT LIKE A TANK
at almost 45 lbs Heavy
Very solid decks for sure!
This is so dope! Would you mind if i used a small piece of your video for a music video?
Cheers!
Feel free, Thanks.
I need to know what area you greased to make that stop mechanism drop so smoothly. Mine just slams down rather hard,I fear over more Usage it might damage something. I know plenty about cassette decks but this is a different animal.
Kind Regards Randy
Hi Randy, I removed the lever and added 600K silicone damping fluid at the pivot. Pioneer provided a recess on the pivot pin which you will see when you remove the part. Coat the pin and fill this recess with the fluid before reinstalling the lever. Of course clean and lube all aspects of the mechanism while you are in there. I use a synthetic grease for the other lubrication points.
@@Round2Audio Ok thanks for responding! I literally just got some dampening grease from Amazon delivered about 10min ago. It sounds like I should've gotten oil rather than the grease. Anyway I will let you know how it goes.
Kind Regards Randy Brown
@@RandyWBrownhow did it go?
@@JmieTH-cam Good except I think I'll drop down to 400 as it dropped too slowly, maybe I put too much 600 on it but it's long gone from my shop and haven't had another yet.
Hey there, Another cool video and awesome unit! I had posted a question on your video about the SL-Q6 table. Wondering what you did to replace the lid reset switch and with what parts. Thanks!
Hi Tom, Thanks for the comment, I replied to your Q-6 question please check it out. Thanks
Just inherited RT 707 . When I press play the reels rotate in the wrong direction. Direction controls function properly. Any ideas what may be my problem. No output.
Try it with the tape mounted. The supply reel is always running "backwards" to create back tension.
Hi, I just picked up a serviced RT-707 and it is working great except that the pinch roller mechanism slams down pretty hard. Could you recommend a good damping grease I could use to slow it down like the one in your video?
Hi Harold, I use silicone damping grease, 600K cst. Enjoy your deck. Bill
The grease Harold recommends works. I used brake caliper grease from NAPA - the viscosity is thick enough to provide good lubrication without getting sloppy. Whatever you use, use as little as possible to get the job done - too much can get sloppy and attracts dust and dirt.
Where might I ask is this grease applied to? The shafts that the rollers mount on?
Kind Regards Randy Brown
Hello, yesterday I came across your video on the Beogram TX turntable from a year ago. There is one currently for auction on shopgoodwill. It looks in good shape but, they do sell as is. Do you do restorations for just yourself or do you do work for others? I was impressed with your skills & if I do win this auction I don't know anyone in my area who could look it over. If you don't do work for others is there someone you would recommend?
Hi Peter, I enjoying doing restoration for others as well as for myself and occasional sales. Please send me a note at Round2Audio@gmail.com if you are interested. Good luck with the auction. The biggest challenge in acquiring the TX (or any turntable) is receiving it without shipping damage. Thanks for the kind comment.
Hi, I have three of this decks but two of them have one channel out, any suggestions what may cause that problem?
Thank you
The first step is to see if you can pass a signal from the input to the output, this tells you if it is the audio chain or the playback heads. Good luck!
@@Round2Audio I used a source and able to get the signals out. Cleaned and demagnetized the head now both channel have signals out when play forward, but play reverse there is no signals. Any suggestions.
Thank you
Do you restore these reel to reels for others? I have one that needs a little love. Or if you know someone that restores these units please let me know, Thanks Norm Shifferd
Hi Norm, Feel free to reach out to me at Round2Audio@gmail.com.
My red record and green pause LEDs have burned out - anyone know a suitable replacement part that can be soldered into the LED board?
Hi David, If you can measure the voltage across the leads and the size of the LED I am sure you can find suitable replacements on mouser. Or just ask on the Tapeheads forum. Good luck!
Is it for sale?
This one was sold a while ago. I usually keep a coupleTEAC X-1000s on hand but only. have the Pioneer occasionally. Thanks for watching!
Is it worth for about 500 to 600 usd?
For good cosmetic condition, working but unrestored that sounds about right.