Pioneer RT-1020L (1973) Reel to Reel Stereo Tape Deck. Pioneer’s advanced new open reel tape deck, the RT-1020L, is designed for tape enthusiasts who wouldn’t look or listen twice at even the finest cassette decks, and who are seeking the ultimate of stereo tape performance. Luxuriously constructed with only the finest materials, built for years of rugged and dependable use under all operating conditions. The RT-1020L offers remarkable cost/performance advantages, a variety of operating conveniences and the versatility that only an expensive machine can provide. Mechanically sound from three-motor tape transport, including six-pole induction motor, to extra-thick chassis and die-cast framework, the RT-1020L delivers the kind of reliability that only a studio engineer would appreciate. Precision performance is another aspect of its all-around dependability, for this deck employs a 4/8 pole two-speed hysteresis synchronous motor, unusually accurate capstan – and then adds the new contour-less hyperbolic-type tape heads for high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio. Indicative of its true professional capability, the RT-1020L accepts the large 10½ inch (267 mm) reels, rare for a deck of this attractive price. These extra-size reels permit twice the recording and playback time of ordinary 7 inch reels. You can thus record extra-long symphonies, or other musical performances, without reel or tape changing. And then for four-channel reproduction, the unit is equipped with a four-track in-line tape head and four-channels tapes now on the market. For true tape deck value, no one ever has surpassed Pioneer. 3-motor, 3-head system, 4-track 2-channel recording. 4 track 4 channel playback operations. 4-track, 4-channel playback head x 1. 4-track, 2-channel recording head x 1. 4-track, 2-channel erase head x 1. For Reel: 6-pole inner rotor induction motor x 2. For capstan: 4/8-pole hysteresis synchronous motor x 1. 7½ and 3¾ ips (19 and 9.5 cm/s). High speed wind times. 10-in reel; 110 sec at 740m (2400 feet) tape. 7-in reel; 90 sec at 370m (120 feet) tape. 0.08% WRMS (7½ ips) (0.10% RMS). 0.10% WRMS (3¾ ips) (0.13% RMS). S/N ratio: more than 55 dB. Distortion: less than 1%. 40 – 20,000 Hz, ±3 dB (7½ ips). 40 – 12,000 Hz, ±3 dB (3¾ ips). Crosstalk: more than 60 dB. Stereo channel separation: more than 50 dB. Erase ratio: more than60 dB. Recording bias frequency: 125 kHz. Microphone: 0.25 mV to 80 mV/20 k (1mV reference). Line input: 50 mV t0 25 V/100 k (316 mV reference). DIN: 15 mV to 1.5 V/1.5 k. Line: 316 mV/50 k load with output level control at max. Output impedance 3.3 k. DIN: 316 mV/50 k load with output level control at max. Headphone: 40 mV/8 k with output level control at max. Load impedance 4 – 16 k. Pause lever (lock type). Tape monitor switches L ch. 4-channel front/rear select switch; for level meter and headphone. Mic recording level control. Line recording level control. Output level control Power requirements: AC. 110V, 120V, 130V, 220V, 240V (switchable), 50Hz or 60Hz. Power consumption: 115 W. Dimensions (W x H x D) (including feet and reel shafts): 440 x 431 x 227 mm (17-5/16″ x 16-31/32″ x 8-15/16). Weight: 21 kg (46 lb 3 oz). I found this at my uncle’s house and brought it home, thinking it was really neat to mess with and it turns out it works. I have played some of the reels I found with this deck and they play back just fine. What makes this great is that it has two direct drive motors that drive the reels and another that turns the capstan. There are only two belts and I just replaced them so they should last a long time before needing replacement. The light for the right meter is out. The meter works just fine, just the light is out. It’s also missing the knob for the front output (see picture, bottom left knob). Otherwise, everything works great. I cleaned all the tape surfaces and replaced the capstan and counter belt. You’ll get the Pioneer RT-1020L deck, two 10-in reel adaptors and I can include a PDF of the original instruction manual. No power cord supplied. If you want the reels that I have them for sale in other listings. The item “Pioneer RT-1020L Reel To Reel 4 Channel Tape Recorder With Extras” is in sale since Wednesday, April 7, 2021. This item is in the category “Consumer Electronics\Vintage Electronics\Vintage Audio & Video\Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorders”. The seller is “asianno1″ and is located in Richardson, Texas. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Model: rt-1020l
- Type: Tape Recorder
- Brand: Pioneer