The Pioneer RT-701 is a stereo four-track tape deck that belongs to the realm of reel-to-reel tape recorders. Let’s delve into the specifics:

• Model: Pioneer RT-701
• Country of Manufacture: Japan
• Original Price: $525
• Tracks: 1/4
• Recording/Playback Speeds: 3 3/4, 7 1/2 inches per second (ips)
• Max Reel Size: 7 inches
• Number of Heads: 3 (playback, record, and erase)
• Motor Configuration: 3 motors
• Auto Reverse: No

• Voltage Options: 110-120v, 220-240v
• Outputs: RCA
• Frequency Response:
  • At 7½ ips: 30Hz to 28kHz (±3dB)
  • At 3¾ ips: 30Hz to 24kHz (±3dB)
• Wow and Flutter:
  • At 7½ ips: 0.05%
  • At 3¾ ips: 0.08%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 58 dB
• Weight: 43 lbs. (19.5 kg)

• The RT-701 boasts a pitch-controllable AC Servo Direct Drive capstan motor and is rack-mountable. Its unique dimensions and appearance set it apart, and it has garnered a reputation for reliability, akin to its sibling, the RT-707. While the RT-707 took the lead, the RT-701 still found its place in the hearts of tape recorder enthusiasts worldwide¹.

  For those seeking to date their Pioneer tape recorder by serial number or explore more details, I recommend checking out the HiFi Engine page dedicated to the Pioneer RT-701.

• The Pioneer RT-701 reel-to-reel tape deck, a classic piece of audio equipment, was manufactured in the early 1980s. To pinpoint the exact year of production based on the serial number XK3603858, we can refer to a Pioneer serial number decoder. According to the decoder, the first letter of the serial number corresponds to the year, and the second letter indicates the month. Let’s break it down:

  • 1st Letter: X (1980)
  • 2nd Letter: K (November)

  Therefore, the Pioneer RT-701 with serial number XK3603858 was likely built in November 1980.