BEST SOUNDING PLAYBACK CASSETTE DECK; RECOMMENDATIONS


NEED A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR  BEST SOUNDING PLAYBACK  CASSETTE  DECK FOR  PLAYBACK ONLY. 


I HAVE A SEVERAL GRATEFUL DEAD HOUR CASSETTE RECORDINGS THEY WERE RECORDED ON A NAKAMICHI LX-3 DECK. I HAVE LOOKED FOR A BX-I OR BX-2 IN GOOD CONDITION, BUT MANY ARE EITHER DEFECTIVE OR BEING SOLD  FOR PARTS.  THESE WERE GOOD DECKS. HOWEVER I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE NAKAMICHI DECKS OFFERED IN THE 1990'S


WAS TOLD THAT TAPES RECORDED ON A NAKAMICHI SHOULD BE PLAYED BACK ON THE SAME BRAND FOR THE BEST SOUND, BUT THAT  MAY BE JUST B.S..

NOT LOOKING TO SPEND MUCH MONEY, AND NOT SURE OF OTHER BRANDS THAT ARE VINTAGE.


THANK YOU,

S.J. 

sunnyjim
Depends how much you want to spend really.
I use a serviced NAK 582 which I bought right here on agon and am very happy with the results.
A dragon is going to cost you a LOT more for sure.
Playing tapes on the same type machine as they were recorded on is not bs, it's a real good idea, especially for tapes made on Nakamichis. Nak used different equalization curves than other cassette makers---tapes recorded on them but played back on other makes won't sound "right".

TO STEREO 5

I wish it was as simple as leaving the cap lock on. However, I broke my shoulder 4 weeks ago and have trouble shifting keys for non-caps and punctuation

Thank to those who have responded so far

TO BDP24, 

Thanks for confirmation about playback on Nak machines  Now, if I could find a good condition BX-1 OR 2,  I saw a Nak CR-I Deck on the e-bay for $179.00. not sure about the quality of their 1990's decks

S.J.


I would stay away from anything on eBay.  The best Nakamichi decks were produced  from the mid 70's through the 80's  You also want one with the 3 heads, it really makes a difference.  When the Dragon first came out, I sold 6 of them within a couple month period anmd I won a prize from Nakamichi.  I believe it was one of their mid priced cassette decks but it wasn't a three head design.  Sorry about your shoulder, I tore my right rotator cuff and have been going for PT but it isn't helping.  I believe surgery is in my future.
sunnyjim,

You’re on the right track. You definitely want to find a Nakamichi. I believe your budget will dictate the model you end up with. Spend as much as you can afford, you won’t be disappointed. If you buy a Nakamichi, you won’t need to be concerned as cassettes recorded on a Nak, or not, will sound great. If you need service, or want to maximize the sound quality then call Willy Hermann in California at (925) 376-2146. He is the guru for Nakamichi. He could also give you feedback on models you are considering. He usually has a limited inventory of used decks. I would trust any unit that he sells.

TO STEREO 5.

 I APPRECIATE YOUR  SENTIMENTS, AND HOPE YOU CAN FOREGO SURGERY. HOPEFULLY THE PT WILL KICK IN.. YOU COULD ALWAYS TRY ANOTHER PT CENTER WHICH HAS A DIFFERENT REGIMENOF THERAPY..


TO TONYKAY, thank you for the heads up about Willy Herman's Service Center.

S.J.

@stereo5 , look into Prolotherapy for your shoulder, I was told my option was surgery, I looked at alternatives, it worked for me.

Tom
@sunnyjim 

Hey now 🙂

Sorry to read of your broken shoulder.

About 8 months ago I sold my beloved Sony TCW7ESA tape deck I've had since December 1998. It faithfully recorded over 800 Grateful Dead tapes. Inevitably though, I found it worthwhile to abandon analog altogether in favor of digital. 

You mention you have "several grateful dead hour recording". I do too 😊

How about you pick a show, which I shall make available to you via download link (sent to your PM or personal email).  When you listen to the Grateful Dead Hour in digital format, it may convince you to forget the tape deck. Note I would like the date of the show, not the GD hour number.  No obligation, and free, of course.

As to tape decks, I agree that Nak is best and that if at all possible you would want the playback deck to be the same as the deck used to record. However, in the case of the Grateful Dead this is not critical by any means. Any good quality deck - with cleaned heads/rollers, etc. - would suffice from a playback perspective. 

http://halr.x10.mx/shows.html

If you get confused, listen to the music play.
🎵
Post removed 

TO GDHAL.....That  is a generous offer.  I will look over the list, and get back to you

Thank you,

s.j.

@stereo5 
I tore my right rotator cuff and have been going for PT but it isn't helping. I believe surgery is in my future
. Don't believe everything an MRi tells the doctor. My MRi said I had a torn Rotator Cuff Tendon . Nope. When the surgeon went in he found the fibrous material that holds the Bicep to the Shoulder completely torn and the Rotator Cuff Tendon was fine.. No wonder months of PT did not help at all prior to surgery. Its a long recovery......