And now this...
 

My SX824 now has company. Late yesterday afternoon my neighbor rang my doorbell, and when I opened the door I saw him holding this still-blows-my-mind surprise birthday gift:

http://jimtranr.com/TEAC_A1200U_1.jpg

It had belonged to his late father-in-law, who'd been a technician at Altec-Lansing (yes, back that far). It's in pristine physical condition, but I haven't been able to test it yet since there was no power cord (I just ordered one). Given its prior owner's occupation, I don't doubt that it's in good shape, but its end-of-'60's vintage mandates replacing the electrolytic caps and probably the belts at bare minimum. I'm now looking to see if I can find a competent tech within reasonable driving distance to check it out and tune it up (my septuagenarian hands aren't as soldering-iron or reach-into dexterous as they once were, so I don't want to screw anything up).

A total surprise.

Congrats Jim!
That's a fine neighbourhood you're living in.

Very nice, I used to own the same model (many moons ago). :yes:

Thanks, Bart. You have that right.

Jim.......Clean looking example of the TEAC A-1200. Have fun.

Thanks, Dan. I've slated it for our bedroom system.

nice Jim congrats :)

Enjoy, now to tape hunt.