Vintage Sansui QD-5500 4-ch/3-motor/3-head reel to reel tape deck

Vintage Sansui QD-5500 4-channel reel to reel tape deck in very good condition. This 3-head/3-motor unit has been playback tested as well as 2-channel and 4-channel recording tested. All of these features are functioning properly. Belt is intact and working. My playback test tapes were all old recordings made with this unit (7-1/2" tapes from vinyl source) and they sound fantastic. All channels are strong and balanced. The four VU meters are functioning correctly. Tape counter works. All accessible switches & controls have been cleaned with De-Oxit. Tape heads have been cleaned as well. Heads look good to me but please make sure to check the photos. For testing recording I simply made brief line recordings from an analog source on both front & rear channels. I did not test any recordings from a mic. Most playback controls have been successfully tested (RW/FFWD/Play/Pause). The 'Speed' switch is a bit stiff, but working. I wasn't able to clean that one. Unit rewinds & fast-forwards very smooth and fast. The brake works well and stops the tape promptly out of RW or FFWD. I don't know if unit is supposed to auto-stop when it gets done rewinding, but I had to hit 'Stop' after tape was finished. There is an 'Auto-Reverse' feature, but I did not test that. The 'Impedance Roller' continues to free wheel for a bit after rewinding or fast-forwarding. I don't know if this is supposed to have a brake or if this is normal. Also worth noting; when I had bottom section removed for cleaning I noticed a black jumper wire going from left, front channel meter to fuse panel. This was clearly added later, as it is not in the wiring diagram. Cosmetically, deck is in excellent condition. Front panel looks very good and is free of any significant blemishes. Some of the chrome and aluminum hardware has spotting/light pitting/stains. There is some scuffing on the aluminum trim between front face and cabinet (from components being removed from cabinet over the years). Some of the lever switches aren't perfectly straight. Meter display lens is mostly free of scratches. There is some visible dust and a small dead spider inside space between lens and meters (not too visible). Wood cabinet looks great and shows light wear. Side panels are in excellent shape. Corners are in good condition-no significant dings or damage. The narrow cabinet edge around front panel has some minor nicks and chips. All feet are in place. Rear panel is in good condition as well as all connection points. There is no dust cover for this deck. Interior of unit appears to be in good order. There is some dust present but no heavy deposits. Deck includes aluminum Sansui 7.5" take-up reel. Reel is slightly warped and doesn't spin perfectly. Also included are two Sansui paper tape reel shims. Regarding rubber components/belts/rollers/washers/tires/etc...these components are all working NOW, but I can't promise that they won't need replacing soon. Deck is roughly 45 yrs old and I believe many (or all parts are original). I didn't see any signs of deterioration on these parts; however, I didn't inspect all of them. I can't provide any guarantees on rubber components. Also, while I do stand behind the features tested, buyer acknowledges that unit may need additional service and fine tuning. I am not able to do things like speed & bias adjustment, and other calibration. Unit is guaranteed to arrive in described condition. Please test & inspect upon receiving and notify me directly if there are any issues. Deck will be packaged securely using double (possibly triple) box and ample cushioning. I am going to charge a flat rate of $100 for shipping. If actual shipping cost comes in less, I'll issue a refund. If it is more, I will cover the extra. Unit also available for pickup. Please see last pic for specs.

Returns Accepted for this item if it's within 30 Days