2. analog
  3. 159143-29485

Nakamichi High Comm II

Hi all,

I recently purchased a Nak High Comm II. I was reading the owners manual, it is pretty straight forward to use.

The only thing it is not clear about is the recording level, other than saying it should be high, it does not tell you the limit.
The other important thing that is not clear is do you need to go thru the calibration process every time if you use a different brand of cassette? In other words, if you calibrated with TDK, but can you record on a maxell using the same calibration level or you have to repeat that process again?

Also, what is the ideal level for each class of cassettes, Type I, II and IV ?

Lastly, do you think is it worth going thru the effort with that High Comm II unit? I have not listened to cassettes in a long time, so I need to know if the cassette recorded and playback with this, would it sound truly terrific, almost like a R2R? How would you rate their sound quality?



Your input and experience sharing is highly appreciated like always.

Many Thanks

Stay safe
audiomaster
audiomaster OP
22 posts
 
No one uses cassette tapes and High Comm II here? 
Anyone who has used it in the past? 
steelhead
318 posts
 
I used a Hi-Com with a Revox Reel to Reel decades ago.

I calibrated with the 400hz? signal to 0 db before recording on every tape. I do remember that the level was a couple of white lines higher on the right versus left channel to get both VU meters to 0 db.  You can record Hot as I primarily taped rock music but pushed it only to plus 3 to 6 db max.  

The build is typical Nak quality and I had mine gone through and the lights replaced by Willy Herman who is well worth getting in touch with if you want detailed and professional knowledge.

I still have the Hi-Com but it is boxed as I use the built in DBX on my Teac reel to reel.  The Nak used the improved circuit that supposedly stopped the bass pumping that was the ban of the DBX recording system.  In taping my current reel to reels I cannot detect bass pumping or if it is there it is not at a level that I can detect or annoys me.  

I am relying on memory but the Hi-Com did work great with my reel to reel.  Never used it with my Nak cassette as Dolby C is fantastic

I would get in contact with Mr. Herman for expert and direct knowledge and he can answer any question you have.




audiomaster OP
22 posts
 
Thank you so much for your reply. 

I made a cassette, a TDK type II, last night, using the High Comm II, and a Onkyo Integra  2048 cassette deck.

To say that I was really impressed with the SQ would be an understatement. I honestly was not expecting much, but this component made such a remarkable difference, it was The Eagles greatest hits, German pressing that I had recorded and I heard Don and Glenn together with the rest of the band AS A BAND, the music sounded detailed, in a natural way, and overall sound was non-fatigue and highly musical and enjoyable. I had never heard music like that before, and I am going to make a few more cassettes of music that I am really familiar with.

I always wanted a R2R but those big spools and lack of space always kept me away from it.  
But with the addition of the Nak High Comm, the SQ I get is even remotely close to a R2R, I can't even imagine how great a R2R  would that sound in my system.
Why did it (High Comm)  not take off, I could not find much on the web about it.
Any ways, please share your thoughts and let me know that High Comm is really that great and I am not hearing things...LOL

Have a great weekend 

Stay safe
More to discover