When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Long considered by many Audiophiles as the best compact Pioneer reel to reel ever build. Known for magnificent musical performance, compact and efficient size, unfailing electronics, stress free mechanics and built likes a tank - the RT-707 featuring 4-head, 3-motor, 2-speed (19/9.5 cm/sec), auto reverse (for playback only), continuous play with pitch controllable AC Servo Direct Drive capstan (no belts to worry).Last but not least, this tape machine featuring pure analog recording on reel tape - utilizing the non-digital signal path, capturing sound as magnetic variations on tape to produce a warm, rich, and dynamic audio quality with minimal signal processing.
This particular listing features an actual video demo of this Pioneer RT-707 recording digital music on a regular tape. At first, you almost hear no different in sound quality when I toggle between the source and tape (monitor switch). But if you compare the source and tape again, you would be surprised to realize the an unpleasant harsh and razor sharp digital sound has been automatically soften to make your re-mastered music on analog tape sweeter and sound more nature.
If we can find new reel tapes, we can even archive frequency response of 20Hz to 28kHz (at 7-1/2 ips) from recorded music on the Pioneer RT-707 - that rivals most of the modern day audio CD (20Hz - 20kHz).
Service Notes
We acquitted this unit from original owner and bring to our shop for full service and re-calibration to factory specifications as recommended in service manual. Our technicians painstakingly check every capacitors for sign of leaking or degrading. We also usedspectrum analyzerto measure noise floor of the unit - to ensure no noisy and/or pin corrosion transistors on both pre-amplifier and recording board. All suspected faulty or degraded electronics components were searched and replaced as needed.
After playback calibration and bias setup, we apply signal generator to measure and calibrate the record level as factory specs. All tape play and record from line-in and microphone are also bench tested for sound and reproduction quality. All switches, pods, tires, tension wheels, reel brakes and tape transport mechanism are thoroughly checked, serviced and replaced when necessary.
Play heads and metal parts on the tape track are demagnetized and cleaned. The deck also tested for tape tracking, speed (wow and flutter) record balance and reading from both microphone and line-in.
Finally, we produced a demo video to showcase the quality of this unit as it records and replays one minute of digital music directly from CD to reel tape. You can hear the demo for yourself—or, better yet, plug in a pair of headphones to experience the unit’s superior music reproduction quality.
Vintage SoundPreservationNotes
“Vintage Wine Sommeliers”: At our private shop, our technicians are not only skilled in electronics but also dedicated vintage audiophiles who also take on the role as Sommeliers. We are committed to preserving the distinct sound qualities of the vintage equipment we service, steering clear of unnecessary component replacements or upgrades. In the other words, we ensure that vintage Bordeaux wine would never be replaced or watered-down with contemporary California wine.
“Old-Time Sweet, Softness and Mellow Tones” Preserving: When modern transistors replace the aged ones in these classic machines, the sound can sometimes come across as \"too clean\" or “overly sterile” for those who love the sonic characters of traditional components. To honor this vintage essence, we focus on carefully preserving or replacing those specific Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) and/or MOSFETs that are integral to the signal path, ensuring that we maintain those beloved audio signal response curves - that define vintage sound.\"Vintage Warmth\" Preservation: Degraded capacitors naturally roll off high frequencies and create signal harmonic smearing. This artifact is often misidentified as \"analog warmth.\" New replacement caps would bring back sharp treble and fast transients, which can sound surprisingly harsh or bright. We never simply replace capacitors with the same maker’s value in critical audio paths. Instead, we meticulously measure the remaining value of each working capacitor on the board and replace them with exact matches in pairs for stereo channels—or in sets of four for quadraphonic machines.
Technical Notes
Due to the fact that most of the reel tapes out there were more than half century old (50 years +) and might be magnetically degraded. Please consider owning the tapes in good physical condition and set the right expectations when playing vintage pre-recorded music reels. Remember to clean the audio heads of the machine often as well.
The listing is for reel to reel deck unit, a copy of owner manual and specification brochure only. NO reel, No tape, No remote, No RCA cables or other accessories included.
Operate on US Domestic 120V/60Hz only. No international voltage
The unit is in very good cosmetic condition but might shown signs of previous usage such as hairline scratches, small dings, chips, stain & discolored spots, sticker residue, worn-out corners and edges... Photos are part of item description. Please see photos for more details.No return if due to buyer mishandling or damage because of lack of proper operational knowledge - and above all we are watching out for the part swappers if anti-tamper stickers on the unit removed or broke off.Buyer with zero response please contact before buying. We reserve the right to cancel the sale to anyone.
Shipping Notes
If you happen to be a local buyer, you are more than welcome to contact us by message to stop by and audition the item prior to buying. 10% discount and no shipping charge will be applied toward the purchase price to local buyer.$40 flat-rated shipping to anywhere in the U.S to residential address only. No P.O Box.International and U.S territories buyers please contact Seller first.
We will ship the 44 lbs unit with fully insured carrier, packed in dual walled heavy duty carton (up to 50 lbs totally) with double 1\" thick styrofoam insulation and all corners reinforced.Buyer direct signature is required by both and Carriers due to Buyer protection policy. No meeting in person - No delivery.
Shipping carrier (unless requested by Buyer) will be selected by Seller to ensure the best logistically and timely delivery.
Please allow two business days for packing and shipping.Specifications
Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo system
Heads: 2 x playback, 1 x record, 1 x erase
Motor: 2 x reel, 1 x capstan
Reel size: up to 7 inch reel
Equalization: NAB
Tape speeds: 3-1/4 and 7-1/2ips
Wow and flutter: 0.05% (7-1/2ips)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 28kHz (7-1/2ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 58dB
Total harmonic distortion: 1%
Crosstalk: 50dB
Input: 50mV (line), 0.25mV (mic)
Output: 0.45V (line)
Semiconductors: 67 x transistors, 47 x diodes
Dimensions: 480mm (19\") x 230mm (9\") x 356mm (14\")
Weight: 20kg (44lbs)