Reel-to-Reel Player--Best Playback Deck 4-trk Stereo-Dependable, Easy Repair, Sounds Great


Please list your top 3 reel-to-reel playback decks.

Please keep in mind the following:
-reliability
-consistent dependable playback
-durable
-great sounding (near or just at pro-level would be nice)
-would be great if it had at least two outputs (if it included a dedicated tape head output that would be amazing!)
-around $500-$1000
-easy to get in the USA

I am currently using a Teac 2300s. It sounds pretty good to me...

Thanks.
128x128brettmcee
Pioneer rt707 that has been totally restored, all new and upgraded caps.

Looks gorgeous, sounds even better.
Only one output but cannot have everything... Lol.
teac 4300 is a good option too, if gone through.

keep in mind all of these decks will need service to varying degrees. Most will need a complete recap, so service can cost more than your purchase price on the deck.

I would look for a deck with really clean cosmetics and low wear (look at the wear pattern on the heads and tape guides for a clue).

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(!).
Teac 3340S. Mine is 45 years old, restored 5 years ago. Sat for awhile and had to open it up to free up a couple relays but an excellent deck.  Spent a Saturday recording vinyl and the same song streamed to compare. Interesting results - fun day.