Pioneer RT-1011L Reel To Reel Machine

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Nice and clean RT-1011L perfect for someone looking to dabble in reel to reel machines without the great expense.

Good looking, robust and great sounding, the RT-1011L is a great value at this price. 

This listing also includes two take up reels and two hub adapters as pictured so you can proudly display it in your system out of the box.

We performed a light service to this machine and verified its performance.

The worn wood side panels were upgraded to a higher quality set from a 1020L.

Machine shows some signs of use but is nice and clean overall.

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

More from the original Pioneer Owner's Manual:
Pioneer's engineering policy assures reliable operation and quality performance from the new RT-1011L 4-track stereo tape deck.

A thick 5mm front suspension panel and solid, die-cast framework provide extra strength margin for the 10-1/2 inch reel load and stable tape transport system.

Wow and flutter is reduced by the precision 4/8-pole hysteresis synchronous capstan drive motor, coupled with a "tuned" 100mm flywheel and high-precision 0.2u error capstan. A high-torque 6-pole induction motor ensures optimum tape tension.

The 2-channel 4-track recording and playback heads are hyperbolic for superb tonal quality, ideal head-to-tape contact, and exhibit excellent electromagnetic characteristics. All three heads are arranged in a short tape path to enhance stability.

And Pioneer's long experience in tape deck design means top versatility. The RT-1011L includes switched circuits for 2-step bias and 2-step equalization for balanced recordings with any tape.

Advanced design and electronics also means wide dynamic range from the mic / line recording amplifier and offers easy mic / line mixing, solenoid-operated direct-changeable function buttons, auto record facility for use with pre-set timer, large level meters, lockable pause, and more.

For full specifications please see our last photos or the linked manual below:

Pioneer RT-1011L 3-Motor 3-Head Reel To Reel Tape Deck

The SkyFi Testing Process for Tape Decks and Reel to Reel Machines:

First steps are performed to determine if the unit is a candidate for our full restoration process or if its just in need of a light service.

We first do a  basic functionality test to ensure proper playback fast forward and rewind.  We look for smooth operation of the motors, transport engagement and associated rolling parts.  

We then do an internal physical inspection to ensure the belts and rubber consumable parts are up to spec.  

Internal components are checked to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage particularly in the power supply section.  Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. 

A light service will involve replacement of belts and rollers, external cleaning of heads, mechanism and boards and basic record and playback tests.  

A full restoration will often include disassembly of the drive system and replacement of all consumable and wearable parts including pinch rollers, belts, brakes, bearings.  We then clean lubricate and re-assembly the drive and perform basic mechanical alignment to ensure proper tape path and head alignment. 

Final calibration will involved adjustment of playback erase and record heads and optimization of the bias for a specific tape type.  We do this with the aid of a  Soundtech 1510A tape deck analyzer and a Nakamichi T100 unit and reference calibration tapes.  

Final listening tests are done while monitoring with our reference Grado HP1 headphones and a variety of factory and custom reference recordings.  We find that there is no better system for critical listening on tapes than the headphones specially when comparing a live feed to a recorded feed.