Akai GX-363 + Other (Questions)

[sweetshoes18]

Im very interested in analog R2R recording so I have been shopping around for a unit. Its very hard to find information on these units so Ill ask here. What are your thought on these units

Akai GX636
TASCAM 34B
PIONEER RT-707


Are they toys? Professional level? How do they compare to eachother?

I have found some readings on the 34B and from what I can tell, It is a high grade pro unit. Multi-tracking is not of my concerns so Im not in need of multi track unit. Im looking to spend no more than 150 so I figured I could find a unit on ebay for that price.

Any other suggestions?

[cjacek]

Your biggest problem, when shopping on eBay, will be to get the recorder to you in a damage free condition, if shipped. (I always, generally, advise against shipping of such gear). Your other concern will be finding a unit with a low amount of wear, in functional, well maintained condition.

All three units, that you mention, are very fine R2R recorders BUT they're different. The 34B would be best for someone who multitracks, a musician or even for live recording, playing back or recording of tapes from vinyl etc .... It also has the higher 15ips speed which increases fidelity over the others. If you don't need the ability to overdub / multitrack, as you mention, then look into the Akai or Pioneer. If on the other hand, you find a 34B that is within your budget then grab it.

To give you more specific suggestions, you need to tell us what you want to use a R2R for, your expectations etc ... ?