Cassette Decks in 2019

I just pulled out my Nachamichi RX-505!, absolutely no hiss!, haven't listened to this ole girl in a long time, needless to say, I was quite smitten listening to this machine mated with a klipsch powered subwoofer,  this machine was clear as a bell with slam,  no regrets about what this cost,  look at what it's worth,  up to $2,000.00 on eBay!, sounds like it's worth the price of admission,  good sound stage for cassette,  cheers gentleman 🍻🥂🍷🥃

I was very pleasantly surprised when I bought my newest cassette deck, a 3 head Sony TC-K570. With Maxell XL-IIS tapes and proper calibration, the sound quality is fantastic. Not reel to reel quality, but the best cassette experience I’ve ever had. 

I’ll definitely look into the Yamahas mentioned. As for the snark about the Tascam, I don’t know much about tape decks which I know means I should be banned forever, but that’s why forums have “experts”.

i had tons of tapes in the 80’s but didn’t have, nor was I interested in any of this obsessiveness. Just playing tapes to enjoy music (novel idea for sure). 

thanks for the suggestions, I’ll look more into those mentioned.

Try a Nak LX300.  I know of several that can be had for around $350.  I picked one up last spring, & even though ‘only’ a 2head deck, with the right tapes, sounds great-wonderful.  Even with many commercial tapes, the Nak has a smooth analogue presentation that is close to a good lp.  The ‘classic transport’ is dead quiet and is fun to listen too.  They, possess body, balls, and an organic propulsion with a touch of ‘richness’.  Top bands like 21 Pilots release on cassette & a Saturday morning blasting their latest (cassettes seem to encourage one to go up another notch or two) will remind u why u got into this crazy hobby in the first place.  A friend gave me a tape of ‘Stevie Ray’ made in the early nineties, that hadn’t been played in a very long time, and ‘Yikes’!  Flatly, the thing kicks ass.  Tape offers a fun and creative way to experience the Muse.  Highly recommended... (-;