Pioneer RT-701 3-Head 3-Motor Reel-to-Reel Deck – Restored – 1-Year Warranty

Original price was: $3,699.Current price is: $3,499.

-

  • Authentic vintage Pioneer RT-701 Reel-to-Reel
  • Reliable 3-motor transport system
  • 3-head design for recording, playback, and erase functions
  • Supports up to 7-inch reels
  • Tape speeds: 3¾ ips and 7½ ips
  • Playback and recording functions tested
  • Transport operation checked
  • Heads, capstan, pinch roller, and tape path inspected
  • Classic analog reel-to-reel sound and visual presentation
  • Excellent vintage Pioneer silver-face design
  • Carefully packed for safe shipment
  • Backed by our 1-Year HQaudios Warranty

1 in stock

SKU: 15DQE1550 Categories: , ,
Pioneer RT-701 3-Head 3-Motor Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder
Professionally Restored by HQaudios – Inspected & Tested – Backed by Our 1-Year Warranty

KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Classic Pioneer 3-Head, 3-Motor Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder
4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo Recording and Playback
Accepts Reels up to 7 Inches
Two Tape Speeds: 3¾ IPS and 7½ IPS
FG-System AC Servo Direct-Drive Capstan Motor
Separate Recording, Playback and Erase Heads
Recording and Playback Functions Tested by HQaudios
Tape Speed Accuracy and Wow & Flutter Measurements Completed
Head Inspection and Alignment Completed
Backed by Our 1-Year HQaudios Warranty

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The Pioneer RT-701 is a classic 4-track, 2-channel stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder featuring a 3-head and 3-motor transport system.

Its transport architecture uses an FG-system AC servo direct-drive capstan motor and two independent reel-base drive motors. This design provides dedicated motor control for capstan operation and reel handling.

The RT-701 accommodates reels up to 7 inches and offers two standard tape speeds: 3¾ IPS and 7½ IPS.

Its three-head configuration consists of separate recording, playback and erase heads, allowing the machine to monitor recorded signals during recording through its SOURCE/TAPE monitoring system.

Additional features include variable pitch control, adjustable recording bias and equalization settings, microphone and line recording inputs, stereo level meters, and timer-compatible recording and playback operation.

HQaudios has professionally refurbished and tested this Pioneer RT-701, with attention to its tape transport, head alignment, recording and playback operation, tape speed accuracy, and mechanical stability.

The unit has undergone technical inspection and final functional testing before being offered for sale.

HQAUDIOS RESTORATION & TESTING
Before Restoration

Before beginning the refurbishment process, we inspected the Pioneer RT-701’s mechanical transport, head assembly, electrical operation, and recording and playback functions.

The inspection focused on tape transport operation, recording and playback heads, tape speed performance, Wow & Flutter, operating controls, and the power configuration.

During Restoration
Tape Transport Service: We inspected and serviced the tape transport system to support proper mechanical operation and stable tape handling.
Head Inspection & Alignment: We inspected the recording, playback, and erase heads and completed head alignment adjustments to maintain proper tape-to-head contact and recording/playback operation.
Tape Speed Inspection: We measured tape speed accuracy at both 3¾ IPS and 7½ IPS operating speeds and checked the transport against the manufacturer’s reference specifications.
Wow & Flutter Measurement: We measured tape speed stability at both operating speeds to evaluate transport consistency.
Recording & Playback Circuits: We inspected and tested the recording and playback operation through the tape signal path.
Electrical & Power Inspection: We verified the operating voltage configuration and checked the electrical operation of the unit at 120V AC.
After Restoration / Final Testing

Following the refurbishment process, the Pioneer RT-701 underwent final mechanical and functional testing.

Playback Operation: Playback functionality was tested using actual tape playback.
Recording Operation: Recording functionality was tested through the recording and monitoring system.
Head Alignment: Head inspection and alignment adjustments were completed.
Tape Speed Accuracy: Both 3¾ IPS and 7½ IPS speeds were measured and checked against the manufacturer’s reference specifications.
Wow & Flutter: Measurements were completed at both tape speeds to evaluate transport stability.
Final Functional QC: The machine completed its final functional inspection before release.

CONDITION
Technical Condition

Tape Transport: Transport system inspected and serviced during refurbishment.

 

Head Assembly: Three-head configuration consisting of recording, playback, and erase heads. Head inspection and alignment completed.

 

Playback: Playback operation tested and confirmed.

 

Recording: Recording operation tested and confirmed.

 

Tape Speed: Speed accuracy measured at both 3¾ IPS and 7½ IPS.

 

Wow & Flutter: Measurements completed at both operating speeds.

 

Power Requirements: 120V AC operating configuration.

Cosmetic Condition

Front Panel: Silver faceplate with stereo level meters, operating switches, and control knobs.

 

Side Panels: Woodgrain-finished side panels.

 

Head Assembly: The recording, playback, and erase head section is shown in the detailed product photographs.

 

Overall Presentation: A vintage Pioneer reel-to-reel recorder retaining its distinctive silver-face appearance and woodgrain side-panel design.

Please review all listing photographs for a detailed view of the actual unit’s cosmetic condition.

Playback & Recording Operation Confirmed
Head Alignment Completed
Tape Speed Measurements Completed
Wow & Flutter Measurements Completed
Final Functional QC Completed

SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Pioneer
Model: RT-701
Type: Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder
Track System: 4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo
Heads: 3 (Recording, Playback, Erase)
Motors: 3 (1 Capstan Motor, 2 Reel-Base Motors)
Capstan Drive: FG-System AC Servo Direct Drive
Maximum Reel Size: 7 Inches
Tape Speeds: 3¾ IPS (9.5 cm/s), 7½ IPS (19 cm/s)
Tape Speed Accuracy: ±0.5% (Factory Specification)
Wow & Flutter: Less than 0.05% WRMS at 7½ IPS; less than 0.08% WRMS at 3¾ IPS
Frequency Response at 7½ IPS: 30 Hz – 24 kHz ±3 dB
Frequency Response at 3¾ IPS: 30 Hz – 16 kHz ±3 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: More than 58 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1% at 7½ IPS
Crosstalk: More than 50 dB
Channel Separation: More than 50 dB
Erasing Coefficient: More than 70 dB
Recording Bias Frequency: 125 kHz
Equalization: NAB
Audio Inputs: Line Input, Microphone Inputs
Audio Outputs: Line Output, Stereo Headphone Output
Pitch Control: More than ±6% of rated tape speed during playback
Current Operating Voltage: 120V AC
Power Consumption: 115 Watts Maximum
Dimensions: 18.9 W × 9.1 H × 14.0 D in
Weight: 43 lbs

WHAT IS INCLUDED
1 Pioneer RT-701 Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder
Only the items specifically listed above are included.

SHIPPING & PACKAGING
Your vintage audio equipment will be professionally packed by HQaudios using protective materials appropriate for its size, weight, and construction. Large or heavy items may be palletized and shipped by freight when required for safer transportation.

HQaudios Professional Shipping and Packaging

Please contact us before purchase for the most current availability information.

1-YEAR WARRANTY & CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Your purchase is backed by our 1-Year HQaudios Warranty. Our team provides support before and after your purchase. If you have questions about setup, operation, compatibility, or your order, please contact HQaudios for assistance.

MORE FROM HQAUDIOS
Need restoration, repair, a custom faceplate or wood case, speaker stands, or a trade-in option? Contact HQaudios for available services and package pricing.

HQaudios Vintage Audio Repair and Restoration

HQaudios Custom Audio Projects

 

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Pioneer RT-701 3-Head 3-Motor Reel-to-Reel Deck – Restored – 1-Year Warranty”