Vintage Ampex 601 x 2 (601-2) reel-to-reel recorder - great condition!

Description

Dream studio addition! Good enough for Les Paul demos!
Dual Ampex 601s (rare). As pictured.
Not sure if/how it records as I don't have blank tape. No guarantees. It powers up and both mic inputs were responsive, and the reel works work and the capstan drops onto the roller, so all that bodes well! Knobs are solid and the actions are crisp.
I am told it's been in the family since it was bought new in the '50s or start of the '60s.
History excerpt from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampex_601:
The Ampex 601 was a portable, analog, reel-to-reel tape recorder produced by The Ampex Corporation from the mid-1950s through the 1960s. Ampex manufactured a single-channel model (the 601) and dual-channel version (the 601-2). The suitcase-sized, 26 lb. unit was designed for the professional recording applications. It recorded to ¼-inch tape on 5-inch or 7-inch reels.
The Ampex 601 was preceded by the Ampex 600. Although there was no officially-released Ampex 600-2, there were factory bulletins available which detailed how to change the second electronics to support the equivalent of 600-2 mode, and this made use of the 601-2's head stack possible, thereby creating the functional equivalent of a 600-2.
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Ampex 601 playing a recording of "Les Paul's New Sound". Made in Redwood City, California. Circa 1956.
Ampex 601 playing a recording of "Les Paul's New Sound". Made in Redwood City, California. Circa 1956.
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Specs reference: https://museumofmagneticsoundrecording.org/RecordersAmpex601.html
Freq Response 40 -15,000
Signal to Noise 55db
Speed 3.375 & 7.5
Motors 1
Reels 7 inch
Timing accuracy 0.17%
Weight approx 42 pounds - tube
Original Retail Price $ 545
Estimated packaged weight is 50 lbs. Estimated package.size is 30" x 20" x 20". I will have it packed at the first bid and will update the shipping details if eBay allows, else note updated notes. Free local pickup. Actual shipping cost will apply.