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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
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
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.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,393 posts
 
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".
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

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.


stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,247 posts
 
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.
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tonykay
1,297 posts
 
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.
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