Pioneer Open Reel Tape Decks

RT-707


RT-909

RT-1011

RT-1020L

RT-1050

RT-2044

Pioneer RT-901 & RT-909: The RT-901 and RT-909 were introduced in 1979. They were designed to use the larger 10.5-inch reels preferred by recording studios and serious audiophiles. These decks were also designed for rack mounting. The 909 was auto reverse; the 901 was not. Unlike the 700 series decks, the 900 series featured fluorescent blue displays instead of VU meters. The 909 had four heads, the 901 had three. These decks were naturally taller, by an additional 4.0 inches. The 900 series were superbly engineered and fine examples of audio industrial design. Form followed function, and the result was a very handsome looking deck. When introduced, the 909 had a list price of $895.00, and the 901 listed for $795.00. The 900 series were very popular with serious American buyers. Owners of reel to reel decks preferred to listen to open reels instead of LPs, with the inevitable ticks and pops from vinyl. Because of their superior build quality, many 909s are still available to buy through internet auctions and other sources.

Pioneer RT-1011:  The RT-1011 was introduced in 1974 and was Pioneer's most affordable open reel-to-reel tape deck with a list price just under $600. It was a three head/four track deck that could take the larger ten-inch reels. It was equipped with three motors and the reels were belt driven. All Pioneer's open reel decks manufactured between 1973 and 1975employed synchronous hysteresis motors. The frequency response was 30-20K Hz. The RT-1011 can be distinguished from the RT-1020 at a glance because the former used black plastic knobs and toggle switches but the latter used machined aluminum pieces. The RT-1011 remained in production from 1974 to 1978.

Pioneer RT-1020L:  The RT-1020L was introduced in 1973 and was Pioneer's top-of-the-line open reel deck that year. Factory specs listed it as a four channel, four track, three head tape deck. It could take either 7-inch or ten-inch reels.  In 1974 the RT-1020H model was added to the line, the primary difference being the H's faster 15-inch per second recording speed and rewind capability. All open reel decks in 1974 featured improved specifications in terms of frequency response. The RT-1020L remained in production through 1978. The RT-909 essentially superceded the Pioneer ten-inch reel decks for popular home use in 1979.

Pioneer RT-1050:  The RT-1050 was a two-track, not four-track, open reel deck introduced in 1974. It was a full-size deck with a built-in carrying handle for portability. This made it convenient for on-site taping of live events. There were latches on the side to secure the protective cover during transporting. The RT-1050 could record at either 7.5-inches or 15-inches per second. This deck was manufactured until 1978.

Pioneer RT-2022 & RT-2044: These two models were professional grade tape decks and were the most expensive open reel decks Pioneer made. Both these decks were introduced in 1976. They were, of course designed for ten-inch reels and could record and play back at both 7.5 ips and 15 ips. Both models were equipped with three heads. The RT-2022 featured two-track heads with two channels and the RT-2044 featured four track heads with four channels. Both models were considerably larger than the other open reel decks in the Pioneer line. The RT-2022 measured 18.25w x 21.75h x 10.75d and weighed over 62 pounds. Its list price was $1250.00. The RT-2044 was the same width but was six inches taller at 27.50 inches and having the same depth. It weighed 74 pounds. List price was $1600.00. Both decks were still offered in 1980, but price had climbed considerably, with the RT-2044 listing for over $2000 and the RT-2022 at just under $1600.00.