Excellent Pioneer RT-909 Reel-to-Reel Deck – Fully Restored – 1-Year Warranty

Excellent Pioneer RT-909 Reel-to-Reel Deck

ABOUT:

The Pioneer RT-909 is one of the most iconic and sought-after open-reel decks of the late 1970s. Known for its dual-capstan closed-loop mechanism, direct-drive motor system, and silky tape handling, it remains a pinnacle of Pioneer engineering. With its stunning custom red anodized finish, this unit is not only a world-class performer but also a showpiece worthy of any premium audio setup.

This RT-909 has been meticulously serviced, calibrated, and verified for long-term stability — ready for audiophiles, collectors, and studio use.

• Condition: Excellent – professionally cleaned, serviced, calibrated, and tested
• MODEL: Pioneer RT-909
• TYPE: Open-Reel Tape Deck (Auto-Reverse)
• PROTECTION PLAN: 1-Year Warranty Included
• FREE SUPPORT: Must be used before requesting return
• SKU: 15JKE4467

Customer Service:

Once your item arrives, if you have questions about how your item functions or proper settings, please CONTACT US.

TRADE-IN PROGRAM

“If you have any vintage audios (receivers, speakers, cassette, reel to reel…) & want to upgrade with the serviced one, don’t hesitate to contact us for the best deal. You only need to pay for the difference between yours & mine….”

Note:

The actual color of the product may sometimes differ slightly from the photos due to lighting conditions, temperature, and the device used. Some angles in the photos may not fully reflect the product’s condition. Please read the description carefully and feel free to message us if you have any questions.

SPECS:

• Track system: auto reverse, 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 10.5 inch reel
• Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 ips
• Wow and flutter: 0.04% (7 1⁄2 ips)
• Frequency response: 20Hz to 30kHz (7 1⁄2 ips)
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 60dB
• Total harmonic distortion: 1%
• Crosstalk: 50dB
• Input: 50mV (line), 0.3mV (mic)
• Output: 0.45V (line)
• Semiconductors: 4 x FET, 43 x IC, 121 x transistors, 126 x diodes
• Dimensions: 18.9″ × 13.4″ × 12.5″
• Weight: 46.30 lbs
• Year: 1979

KEY FEATURES:

Dual-Capstan, Closed-Loop Tape Path – world-class tape handling and stability

Auto-Reverse Playback – continuous operation without flipping reels

Quartz-Locked Direct-Drive Motors – exceptional speed accuracy

Large Blue Fluorescent Display – gorgeous vintage aesthetic

Custom Red Finish – rare, modernized, high-end cosmetic upgrade

REFURBISHED

This Pioneer RT-909 has been fully refurbished by HQaudios with complete mechanical restoration, electronic calibration, and cosmetic refinishing. The legendary RT-909 is known for its dual-capstan transport, stable speed, and beautiful blue fluorescent display. This unit has been refinished in a striking custom red finish, offering a unique collector-grade appearance while maintaining original performance specifications.

Reel tapes and hub adapters shown in photos are not included.

1. Initial Evaluation & Diagnostics

Full mechanical inspection of reel motors, capstan motors, tension system, brakes, and tape lifters

Head block inspected for wear pattern, gap uniformity, and azimuth

Testing of auto-reverse logic, speed switching, and tape counter

Playback/record pre-service test to identify baseline performance

Verification of all switches, pots, connectors, and signal paths

2. Transport System Restoration

Dual-capstan assemblies cleaned, lubricated, and electronically tested

Reel motors serviced for smooth torque, soft braking, and stable FF/REW

Brake assemblies cleaned and adjusted to factory specifications

Tension arms and rollers cleaned and recalibrated

Pinch rollers cleaned, conditioned, and pressure-aligned

Moving mechanisms lubricated with high-grade synthetic lubrican

Tape counter mechanism serviced

3. Belt, Roller & Drive System Service

New capstan belt installed

New counter belt installed

Idler mechanisms cleaned and checked for proper traction

Servo control circuit tuned for accurate dual-capstan synchronization

4. Tape Path & Head System Restoration

Deep cleaning and polishing of tape guides, rollers, lifters, and head block

Demagnetization of the entire tape path

Pioneer ferrite heads polished and confirmed for healthy, even wear

Azimuth alignment performed for both playback and record

Tape path optimized for smooth tape travel and low friction

5. Electronic Refurbishment

Replacement of aging/critical electrolytic capacitors on audio, bias, and transport control boards

Reflowing of oxidized or weak solder joints across key PCBs

Protection relay serviced or replaced

Power supply voltages stabilized and tested under load

Playback amplifier tested for noise floor, channel balance, and distortion

Record circuit calibrated for bias, EQ, and output level accuracy

Auto-reverse logic cleaned and tested for correct timing

Fluorescent display panel serviced and brightness-checked

6. Controls & Logic Operation

All switches, pots, and pushbuttons cleaned with DeoxIT

Feather-touch transport keys restored to smooth actuation

Speed select (7½ & 3¾ ips) verified for accuracy

Auto-reverse switching calibrated for precise flip-direction response

7. VU Meters & Display

VU meters cleaned internally and externally

Movement calibrated for proper sensitivity

Meter illumination tested and replaced as needed

Digital counter and fluorescent blue display fully operational

8. Cosmetic Restoration – Custom Red Finish

Full faceplate refinished in deep metallic red

Transport block, knobs, and trim accents refinished to match

Chassis and rear panel cleaned and detailed

Hardware inspected and replaced whenever necessary

This finish offers a bold, statement-level aesthetic suitable for collectors or high-end show setups.

9. Final Calibration & Testing

Speed calibrated at both 7½ and 3¾ ips using certified test tapes

Wow & Flutter measured and verified within acceptable Pioneer tolerance

Record/playback alignment completed for both directions

Frequency response tested (20Hz–20kHz, tape-dependent)

Long-duration 2-hour stress test for thermal and mechanical reliability

Auto-reverse playback and recording tested under repeated cycling

SUGGESTED PAIRINGS:

Pioneer SX-1250 / SX-1050 / SX-980

Marantz 2325 / 2385 / 2275

Sansui 9090 / G-9000

JBL 4312 / L100 / 4412

👉 Buy as a combo & save up to $100 — message us!

✅ Includes 1-Year Warranty

PACKAGING & SHIPPING

Secure Packaging:

Factory foam inserts and original cartons (if available)

Additional internal padding and wrap for transit protection

Double-wall outer box with corner guards and straps

Shipping Details:

Dispatch Time: Ships within 3 business days

Carrier: UPS Ground (tracked & insured)

Signature Required: Yes (as buyer’s request)

Transit Time: Typically 3–7 business days (USA)

International Shipping:

We offer global delivery through the eBay International Shipping Program. eBay handles customs, duties, and tracking.

Thank you for being a valued customer & Thanks for looking!