In my search for just the right r2r deck, I ended up acquiring a few (okay… more than a few). One of the decks I was extremely interested in was the TEAC x1000r. From my experience with the TEAC A-2300-SR, it was more than apparent TEAC made quality, robust decks. The 2300 was a tank, and had terrific sound from an entry level deck. The x1000r decks were introduced in 1981 (the year I graduated high school) and continued until 1985. The deck had an incredible set of features, including playback and recording in both directions. Continuous play, digital counter, Dolby Noise Reduction, soft touch controls and much more.
I actually own two. Don’t ask me why, I just do. The first deck I bought from a guy 3 hours away in North Carolina. I believe I paid him $300 for it. When I got it home, it worked, but I noticed someone super glued the tension roller on the right side, so I undid that mess, then changed the drive belt. Like the rest of my decks, it has had minor repairs due to age, but otherwise is a solid deck like I have come to expect from TEAC.
The second deck I purchased from a guy locally who was preparing to move to Florida in retirement. He stated he treasured this deck, but none of his kids wanted it, and he wanted it to go to someone who would appreciate it. He was a retired military serviceman who purchased the deck new at the PX, and even had the beautiful (and official) TEAC acrylic cover for it, as well as the original purchase receipt. Because I was purchasing this already packed up, he asked if he could come back to my house and see it in action before I paid him. A bit odd of a request, but having spent time talking to him, I decided I would. He followed me home, we brought the deck inside, hooked it up, and it played beautifully. It was also in stunning aesthetic condition. I did notice one of the VU meters was not working, so I had that replaced by my guy in Williamsburg. No other issues with this deck.
Like all of my decks, they get regular use. I have most all of them on display and hooked up, ready to use. A central switch allows me to choose the deck I want to listen to by way of a vintage Sony selector.
Here is the second x1000r in action: