Nakamichi RX-505 and some nice tapes for it


According to the prices for Nakamichi decks and cassette tapes I feel like it's not the best time to buy any of them, I feel like I missed the train, but I wish to have this model in my collection. And I want it so bad ... 

I remember my Maxell, Fuji, Sony, TDK cassettes used in the 90's, but once you gave them to you girlfriend they are gone. 

My Pioneer cassette deck was removed from my rack probably in 2006 and never used since that day. I recorded mixtapes from vinyl since mid 90's. Earlier in high-school I recorded something from CDs when it was an exotic format here, also made cassette to cassette copies. 

I never thought I will even think about this format again, but I think it would be nice to have Nakamichi RX-505 (I really like this particular model only, except for Dragon which is great, but too expensive today). 

I know it's the same transport in RX-505, don't know what's the difference between Nak 505 and 505E ? 

Purchased some sealed NOS Maxell XLII 90 and 100 min for about $5 each last week, it was an impulse, haha  

Some metal position tapes are very expensive on ebay (sometimes $50-100 each). 

Those open reel TEAK tapes goes for crazy prices just because it looks cool ? 

If someone could help me with decent cassette tapes please drop below model numbers and brands. 

P.S. No, I don't use digital, strictly vinyl, but I want cassette tapes and Nakamichi RX-505 for fun. 

 


128x128chakster

Showing 15 responses by chakster

Maybe I know a men who might have what you are looking for complete with everything; I have to try to ask


nice, thanks! 
@georgehoffmann60 Tested and perfectly working unit is what I’m looking for (serviced by pro is even better). Cosmetic condition is also very important for me (original box is great to have too). 
Top level is Maxell Metal Vertex, that is what I use exclusively.


Wow, this one goes for over $100 each @inna
What do you think about those beautiful TEAK OPEN REEL CASSETTE ? 

RX-550 is not really a recording deck. You would do better with 680ZX, 682ZX, ZX-7 and ZX-9. All of those have classic Nakamichi sound.

Because the lack of calibration?

What is the price for service at Willy Hermann or some other specialist?
Thanks @inna 


Those “recording” Nakamichi decks are more expensive and doesn’t have a “wow” design factor :( 


Recarding tapes it’s interesting, there are Sony Metal Master white ceramic type IV reference tapes, it must be good too? 

I’m buying cassette tapes now, then I hope to find a perfect Nak RX-505 for a fair price. If anyone can help please message me on audiogon. 

Probably I’m crazy if I’m thinking about cassette deck in 2021 :)) But some sellers are even more crazy than me asking insane prices for Nakamichi decks. 

Looking at the old posts from 2005-2010 on various forums I see some nice prices for Nakamichi, even for Dragon :)) 









Nice, there are 60min NORMAL position for about $5 each, this is what I paid for NOS 90-100 min Maxell XL-II. It's amazing how many cassettes available NOS. I wish Maxell and TDK return. 
Thanks @inna 

I've noticed many of those NOS tapes online are only 46 min, 54 min, 60 min. I remember someone told me in the 90's than long tapes 100-120 min may be not as good as 60-90min, but at that time I did not noticed any difference. 

I am comfortable with 60-90 min format.    


@best-groove I think you must ask member Slaw, not Inna about TD700, you made a mistake 
When I bought my Pioneer deck in the 90s, I remember, there was a B,C and new dolby S and automatic tape calibration called BLE (balance, level, eq). I even recorded with Dolby S. 

I’m still looking for Nakamichi RX-505
@inna when I checked those models on hi-fi shark the prices are higher than for RX-505, too much for me, simply because vinyl is still my main media format. I wouldn’t pay more than $1k for Nak deck ideally. 
C’mon @bimasta , you have to sell it to me, not on ebay :))
I like shiny new old stuff, I can even trade for some other NOS stuff