Technics RS-858US: Good Unit? Good Deal?

[JediJoker]

I've been offered a deal on a Technics RS-858US quad 8-track deck by a seller on eBay. It's listed for $730, discounted to $650, and offered to me at $550. Should I take the deal? The seller's description:

Super RARE TECHNICS BY Panasonic RS-858US QUAD 8-TRACK 4CH TAPE RECORDER PLAYER Japan Made Works Plays 8 Tracks all functions seem to be working.


The front left level meter light isn’t coming on as you can see in the photos.


There is a small piece of the Formica missing on the right hand side as you can see in the photos.

Photos:

 

[Quadwreck]

It's not a bad deck, but it should be better, being that Technics was supposed to be Panasonic's pride and joy. The "worst" thing about this deck is the unit doesn't have much "pull", leading to some speed fidelity with certain types of Q8s.

 

[JediJoker]

It's not a bad deck, but it should be better, being that Technics was supposed to be Panasonic's pride and joy. The "worst" thing about this deck is the unit doesn't have much "pull", leading to some speed fidelity with certain types of Q8s.

I'm glad I asked. My assumption was that a Technics would be among the best. What models from what brands should I be looking for?

 

[sjcorne]

The Akai CR-80D-SS is said to be the one to get. You may also want to look into some of the cheaper non-recording units, I picked up a Sylvania EQ-3755 for like $50 a few years back (possibly a rebrand of a Panasonic or JVC unit?) and the speed is really stable.

Regarding the 858, I was super-excited to find one locally this past May for like $200 but ended up having to return it due to a dead channel. The owner claimed it worked perfectly, but I guess he must have tested it only with stereo tapes.

 

[Quadwreck]

The best sounding playback-only unit I've found is the Harman/Kardon 8+, there's an identical Sony version of it, I forget the model number. If you want to record also, get the Akai CR80D-SS.

 

[JediJoker]

UPDATE: I ended up with a nicely refurbished CR-80D-SS.