Pioneer RT-909 or Teac A-3440

[tomacco]

Any recommendations as to which one to get: Pioneer RT-909 or Teac A-3440?

Thanks

[SaSi]

Firstly, the 909 is 4 track stereo and the 3440 is 4 track. Actually for different needs each one, although you can use the 3440 for normal playback.

It basically boils down to the specific RT909 or A3440 you can get. The condition, problems, price and nurturing each had.

If you need 4 track rec/playback, then the answer is simple.

[tomacco]

Firstly, the 909 is 4 track stereo and the 3440 is 4 track. Actually for different needs each one, although you can use the 3440 for normal playback.

It basically boils down to the specific RT909 or A3440 you can get. The condition, problems, price and nurturing each had.

If you need 4 track rec/playback, then the answer is simple.

I would like 4-track because I can double the amount of music I record from LPs. Both R2Rs are in excellent conditions. So which way do I go. I know that the RT-909 has the advantage of auto-reverse, and is built like a work-horse.

[SaSi]

I would like 4-track because I can double the amount of music I record from LPs. Both R2Rs are in excellent conditions. So which way do I go. I know that the RT-909 has the advantage of auto-reverse, and is built like a work-horse.

Both decks offer 4 track recording. The 3440 can give 4 track simultaneus rec/play, and is better suited for studio/session recording and mixing.

You could simulate normal two side recording on a single tape with the teac, selecting the appropriate channels to rec/play each time.

If what you need is to record on both directions on the tape from various stereo sources, then obviously the 909 is a better suited choice. More consumer oriented (not in the "bad" sense consumer sometimes gets), provides auto reverse, and also provides lower speeds than the Teac (3.75/7.5 vs 7.5/15 on the Teac). The lower speeds can be an advantage (more music per tape) or disadvantage (lower quality), depending on your point of view.

In any case, the 909 offers the 7.5 ips speed, which is a good compromise between quality and expense. I have found that 15ips does offer somewhat better high frequency response and audibly less flutter in piano music, and offers viable recording on old, low quality tapes. Other than that, 7.5 ips is fine for LP and even CD recordings.

[SaSi]

I know that the RT-909 has the advantage of auto-reverse, and is built like a work-horse.
Separately stated, I have read several comments and opinions on the 909. It looks big and heavy and well built, but I read it has issues with reliability with it's belts and dual capstans.

Main concern I would have with the 909 is lack of spares.

[tomacco]

Thanks SaSi: I wasn't aware of the RT-909 reliability issues. I don't wish to put words in your mouth but, I think you're telling me to stay with the A-3440, despite lacking the auto-reverse function (which I think is kinda' convenient).

[SaSi]

I have not heard many things about the 3440, but all I heard is good. Others here have better / first hand knowledge on this deck.

I was thinking of buying one of these, but even at the current rate of $/euro, the weight of the machine and shipping charges, made the choice rather silly. Can't find these in Europe readily...

[meggy]

Separately stated, I have read several comments and opinions on the 909. It looks big and heavy and well built, but I read it has issues with reliability with it's belts and dual capstans.

Main concern I would have with the 909 is lack of spares.

I blew one capstan in 30 years, but you're right, I was lucky to find another. Just FYI, the 909 and 707 capstans are not the same. There's plenty of both decks (909 & 3440's), out there. I imagine you could get a deal on a parts machine for either if you shopped patiently enough.

[pedalada07]

It entirely depends on the condition of the RT-909, there is nothing "consumer quality" about the design and construction of the RT-909. I've used a variety of pro R to R decks over the years, Studers,Revoxes, Otaris and Nagras and in terms of performance and reliability my RT-909 stands up to any of them. For studio work 15 ips is essential but I think the quality of the Pioneer at 7.5 is pretty impressive.

[tomacco]

Other than being a nicety, is there any striking advantage for auto-reverse. On the negative side I think auto-reverse may decrease the reliability. And overall, I think it would be true to say that the A-3440 is a more flexible machine?

[raffie]

RT-909 has only 1 belt, the main drive belt. It wairs out, just as with any other deck but is replaceable, just as with any other deck. I've bought pinch rollers and main drive belt from the bay (seller in italy), works as new now.
I would definatelly call the 909 a reliable machine.

[tomacco]

Thanks Raffie - looks like I still face the same quandry. Both R2Rs look good, but with different features. I guess I'll have to settle on which features are most useful to me.

[pustelniakr]

Most of these machines have been sitting somewhere for extended periods. Just as you would not put gas in a 30-year-old Ferrari, just found under a tarp in a barn, and speed off down the road, don't expect to plug a vintage R2R in and head right down to sonic nirvana. While you may find one that works, that is not the same thing as doing what it was designed to do. It is limping at best. ALL of these decks need TLC of one kind or another.

I like the RT-909 myself (one is singing sweetly in my main rig, and it is limping while waiting for a full-up up restoration), but have never hear the other. If I did not like RT-909, I would not have a 1/2 dozen of them. If "properly" and "fully" restored there is no way you will be disappointed by one of this model. I have a full-up DIY restoration thread around here if you want to see one inside and out.

Enjoy,
Rich P

[thisOne]

Thanks Raffie - looks like I still face the same quandry. Both R2Rs look good, but with different features. I guess I'll have to settle on which features are most useful to me.

You should just get both, then your dilema will be solved. I have the 909, the 707 and a Technics RS 1700 and like the variety.

[stugazz]

hi all i just got adeal on a teac a-3440 but i cant figure out how to connect it to my preamp please excuse my ignorance i had no idea when i got it that it was intended for recordind studio's having say'd all this is there a way i can connect it in stereo mode

[Vintage TX]

Use output # 1 Left and # 3 Right :thmbsp:

[BrocLuno]

Different machine, similar construction - I have the RT-901 (non-autoreverse). Have been happy with it for 3 decades. Very nice machines and easy to live with :)

[Chazzer]

I bought my first one (Pioneer RT-909) in 1980!:yes:

[stugazz]

help can anyone tell me what the diameter is on a teac a3440 capstan belt

[stugazz]

hi all i just got my teac a3440 up and running the problem i am having is the pause light lights up on several controls when i push stop it lights up and most recently it started to light up on rev. and f.f. and sometimes i hear a clicking sound inside the machine and then for a while all functions work as they should but regardless of this the unit operates fine any suggestions

[audioot]

Hi, I just subscribed to this forum, so this may come a bit late....
I own a 3440 and you need to understand that track layout on the head is different from a conventional 4track-stereo machine.
Therefore tapes from conventional machines and tapes from this true 4 track Teac are not really interchangeable...

Regards,

Marcel
Netherlands

[Thorerik]

Hi, I have owned both decks. The 3340s is really for people who want to make and mix recordings in a multi-track setting. This is one reason why it does not have auto reverse. The RT-909 is built like a tank, overengineered I think. It's a great machine to record albums/CD's whatever at 7ips and listen for hours at a time.

The only thing I didn't like about my 3340s was that the microswitch which is activated by the tape breakage arm on the right side broke several times. I sold it because I felt that I wasn't really getting all I paid for or at least wasn't using it in the manner it was designed for.

One thing you should look for when buying a deck is tape head wear. If they have grooves in the tape heads don't buy it.

[Tinman]

One thing you should look for when buying a deck is tape head wear. If they have grooves in the tape heads don't buy it.

That would make just about every deck out there now. I'd say look for mild wear and re-lap the heads. Perfect is getting VERY hard to find.

[jhaan92]

The RT-909 has a fairly easy belt access, so if you do actually need to replace it, It won't consume your entire day. I bought mine new, and I have not had to replace anything on it yet. I bought a spare set of pinch rollers many years ago, but mine are still in fantastic shape. The specs of both units are comparable, but I fancy the looks of the 909 over the 3440. It all boils down to price. I would personally go with the 909. Good luck.

[blooeyz]

i think the choice between a Pioneer RT-909 and a Teac 3440..is academic.. for auto reverse large reel playback convenience take the 909, but if you want full functionality with 4 channels, and 7.5 and 15 ips speeds but no reverse take the Teac..my thought is that with both given equal care, the Teac will last longer....and give back more....the Teac 3440 is in considerably shorter supply than the much more popular Teac 3340 with 3.75 and 7.5 speeds, big brother to the 2340. Line outs on the Teac 3440 belong to the tape-in jacks on your preamp. If you dont use the 4 channel mode, just connect the front left and right jacks to your preamp..and leave your 3440 in 2 ch mode..

[Vintage TX]

The 3440 can be used as a "regular" 4-track, 2 channel stereo, no problem at all, and if you find some 2-track tapes those can also be played on a 3440.
You can add a DBX noise reduction if you want and remote later on.
These were built like tanks, no doubt about it.
Teac made 80-8 ( 8-track 1/2 inch multi-track ) then down-sized the tracks and 40-4 was born. ( no multi-track ) pure 4-track model with 7-1/2 + 15 speed.
3440 came out after 40-4 same speed but multi-track + sync function was built in.
You find many of the same parts inside a 40-4 and 3440.
Even the early Tascam 44 got the same track configuration and speed options.

3340 and 3340 S was all 7-1/2 and 15 speed machines, only 2340 models had slower speed (early version) :)

Connections on a 3440:
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/TE-123.jpg


Front:
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/TE-119.jpg

[Thorerik]

Tinman, I've been pretty fortunate. Both my 707 and 909 I got off Ebay and the heads were perfect and they performed flawlessly. I guess it was luck of the draw. I didn't know about relapping heads. Is there any compromise in performance?

[javelin79]

The A3440 is a 4 channel deck and the rt 909 is only two. IF you like Quadraphonic then the 3440 is the way to go. If you only do 2channel the 909. I like the 3440 better more reliable in my opnion.