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(!).
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(!).