A look at the Pioneer reel to reel decks of the past – the RT-707 and RT-909.
A little over 15 years ago I decided I wanted to begin putting together a stereo system like I had in my teens, but with vintage components I would have purchased had I not been a teenager on a teenager’s budget. One of the first things I began searching for was a reel-to-reel deck, knowing these were always considered one of the centerpieces of any stereo system “back in the day” (along with a quality receiver and speakers).
Because of the quality build of r2r decks back then, many survive today. It’s a matter of whether they’ve been treasured, babied and taken care of, or beaten to death in use, travel and storage.
Pioneer has been around for many years, and in the late-70’s they developed a line of components that made nearly everyone drool. Two of the components were their r2r decks – the RT-707 and the RT-909.
I quickly found the survival rate of these decks was quite good as many were available on eBay, Craigslist, and other sale sites. I located a 707 that was fully operable and decided to purchase it. It arrived in good shape, and indeed was in nice condition. It played/recorded 7″ tapes, played in both directions, and had great sonics. Over time issues have developed, and been addressed, but to this day, it is still a fine-sounding machine. In 1977, the RT-707 retailed for $595 ($2870.00 in 2024 dollars).
Next came the daddy to the 707 – the RT-909. This r2r deck when new in 1978, retailed for $895 ($4317.00 in 2024 dollars). This beast has bi-directional play, accepts both 7″ and 10.5″ reels, digital readouts, timer capabilities, continuous play, and more.
When I bought mine from a gentleman out of Texas, he was in need of cash and we struck a great deal. The unit he sold me was in non-functional condition, but had potential, and came with many of the elements that were usually lost over time. I took a 3-1/2 hour drive to MusicTechnology in Springfield, VA. They are the preferred landing spot for nearly any audio repair (vintage and new gear). These folks have exceptionally talented technicians all under one roof. They brought back this RT-909 back to life over the course of nearly 4 months. All functions worked perfectly. New playback heads. What a treat.
Having now owned these two decks for better than 15 years, I can say they’ve both proven to be exceptionally well-built units that produce great sonics. As expected with equipment now over 40 years of age, occasional issues develop, which I have handled by an old school technician out of the Williamsburg, Virginia area.
Going back to the “old school” way of recording music onto tape is both enjoyable, nostalgic, and sonically superior to the usual streaming quality we’ve all gotten used to.