In regard to tape Vs CDR (stand alone Vs computer burner: I went with a stand alone CDR (burner) as it allows me to easily isolate it from vibration and to get better recordings. Another factor is that we seem to change computers every 2-3 years. I assume that you have a large cassette collection (as do we) and I am in the process of burning it to CD (well, I will start doing so within the next week or so). Many of the tapes that we own are "old" and will probably only make it through one decent playback as they have been in storage for many years. I was able to purchase a Pioneer PDR-W839 CDR, NIB and not a second, off of Ebay for $325.00 from a dealer that specializes in DJ gear. I was also pleased that after locating an IEC adapter (made by Harmonic Tech) and updating the CDR's power cord with one of the inexpensive Absolute power cords, that the playback quality has improved enough for us to use the CDR as a source (second duty) in a bedroom system (plus it is a 3 CD changer). Anyway, you would need a tape player to burn the cassettes to CD, but perhaps you already own a player or could borrow one if you decided to go this route. If your goal is to have "good" tapes for car use, then the added sound quality that you will get from a nice Nakamichi deck will be lost on most any standard automobile Hi-fi system. I have already gone through this 20 years ago and have owned two Nakamichi tape decks (the 550 and 600). If I wanted good sound I had to use the 550 deck in the car (it is a portable model). I also used the Advent 300 receiver as an amp/preamp and small Braun speakers (pre ADS) and sometimes Auratone studio mixing monitors. I figure that a quality (one that you are going to want to listen to as much as your CD source) cassette deck runs $600-$1200 on the used market, which makes the Pioneer CDR a good value. It can also be added at a later time and is not needed to get you started. Digital Audio CDR blanks (good ones) run approx. 75 cents each if you find them on sale.
Newbie seeks feedback on research
I recently decided to get "a nice audio system" and embarked on what has become a six month research journey. I had no idea how many choices I would confront, and though I'm fairly confident in my decisions, I've decided to solicit some advice before doing anything irreversible.
What I want:
o A "very nice audio system" with which I can fill my home with music and enjoy on a regular basis.
What I don't want:
o To constantly fiddle, tweak, and worry that somewhere, someone is listening to something nicer than what I have.
o To spend more than about $2500, total.
o Anything that looks really ostentacious or takes over the room that it's in.
o To replace this purchase with anything for an amount of time on the order of 10 years.
So, given those criteria, and through research online, reading user and "professional" reviews, and through my own listening, I've tentatively decided on the following.
o Meadowlark Audio Kestrel speakers
o Audio Refinement Complete Integrated amplifier
o Nakamichi DR10 cassette tape deck
o Denon DCD-65 CD changer
Why am I writing to all of you? I want a little hand-holding. I want to hear from anyone who has an opinion: am I seriously off-base on any of these choices? Are any of the components seriously mismatched? Or, on the other hand, if you think I'm on the right track, please let me know. If you feel like you've been in the place that I am right now, and you know what's coming next, I'd like to hear that too. I don't want this to become an obsession, a passion, or even a significant hobby. Is this realistic? Can I do this on my own terms, or, in your collective experience, will I doom myself to years of neuroses by taking the first step down this path?
Anyhow, I suppose that's a good start, please feel free to share any ideas or reactions you may have.
Thanks!
What I want:
o A "very nice audio system" with which I can fill my home with music and enjoy on a regular basis.
What I don't want:
o To constantly fiddle, tweak, and worry that somewhere, someone is listening to something nicer than what I have.
o To spend more than about $2500, total.
o Anything that looks really ostentacious or takes over the room that it's in.
o To replace this purchase with anything for an amount of time on the order of 10 years.
So, given those criteria, and through research online, reading user and "professional" reviews, and through my own listening, I've tentatively decided on the following.
o Meadowlark Audio Kestrel speakers
o Audio Refinement Complete Integrated amplifier
o Nakamichi DR10 cassette tape deck
o Denon DCD-65 CD changer
Why am I writing to all of you? I want a little hand-holding. I want to hear from anyone who has an opinion: am I seriously off-base on any of these choices? Are any of the components seriously mismatched? Or, on the other hand, if you think I'm on the right track, please let me know. If you feel like you've been in the place that I am right now, and you know what's coming next, I'd like to hear that too. I don't want this to become an obsession, a passion, or even a significant hobby. Is this realistic? Can I do this on my own terms, or, in your collective experience, will I doom myself to years of neuroses by taking the first step down this path?
Anyhow, I suppose that's a good start, please feel free to share any ideas or reactions you may have.
Thanks!