Nakamichi Dragon Performance with Type II tapes


Hi,

I recently acquired a mint Nakamichi Dragon. I tried recording from vinyl to TDK SA-X tape. The source/tape were not 100% identical, there was (very small) loss of metal texture in cymbal and high-hat sounds. Is this the media's (tape) limitation or is the deck malfunctioning?

Any help is appreciated.

Best Regards
livin_262002
Thanks HifiHvn,Lloydc & Inna. I'm going to try the TDK MA tapes this weekend.I'm also planning on bumping up Bias levels during calibration bu about 0.5dB. Will let you know the results.

Thanks for all the great advice.

Best Regards
Livin,if I remember right,you should be able to adjust the bias while your recording,to see what sounds the best.I don't know if this is how you've been doing it,but its the best way to do it IMO.
I also seem to remember that chrome tape was more enjoyable to me also.The metal may have measured better,but did seem to have a harshness or grain about it.Specs aren't always everything.Our ears still could out do the best measuring equipment.This is just my personal experience.I think TDK was my first choice, (more cleaner,and detail),then Maxell.The SA series was good,and its too long to remember the others.
Thank you for the tip HiFiHvn, but I don't think the Dragon lets you calibrate the bias while recording is in progress. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Best Regards
If its the 3 head,maybe the monitor/record button?I can't seem to find a manual.I think most 3 heads let you do this on the fly while recording.I think it did it through the speakers also,I don't remember whether the headphone would let you monitor the bias change during recording.I hope someone else chimes in that has one.[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakamichi] [http://forums.cnet.com/7723-7808_102-312487.html] [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49jC_vauAvU&feature=related]