Whats playing on your system today?

As far as Nak tape deck restorations go, Willy Herman is the man to go to, unfortunately he also has a 12 month wait list, thats why he is the master!
Now it really does not cost much less to have a lesser Nak deck restored than a top flight one so financially it probably does not make too much sense to do the cr-1a, if it is playing well, keep it and enjoy it.

I would look around for a good used 3 head, preferably already restored by Willy ( they do exist) or a non working one on the cheap and book it in with Willy and just wait until he can get to it.

I guess it depends on just how much you want to spend on a tape deck?

I had a 582, then went up to a 660, then found a zx7 which worked well for about 6 months then the recording went on the fritz so I got Willy to work his magic on it and could not be happier.

Dark side of the Moon .... Pink Floyd.

Cassette from 1978 that plays perfectly.
Quite a nice surprise in my latest haul.

In fact I would have to say the SQ is quite astonishing.... And no scratches 😂😂

The Doors - The Doors. Elektra Cassette. Unknown release date, but probably mid-70’s ?? No Dolby stamping, so playing it ‘bare’, but sounds pretty darn good.

Cassette

@uberwaltz 

Agreed on the (non)value of getting the CR-1A restored by Willy. 

But, just for kicks I checked on eBay for used Nak decks, and all the CR-1A’s are going for almost twice what I paid. A sign that cassette are really making a comeback? I could always find them for close to what I got mine for. I may take mine to Play It Again Sam here in town to get it further cleaned-up, adjusted if/as necessary, and belts replaced (with good OEM ones hopefully).

Did check out the other Nak 3 head models on eBay, and man, they seem to be going for a premium these days. Probably not something I would necessarily buy on eBay without knowing more. Once you get to $650+, I would want to know it has at least been serviced well.

Unfortunately yes to pricing of 3 head Nak decks.
Any that are in fair condition and working right now are going to be $500 plus minimum.
As an example I bought my zx7 for $850 working which was a fair price and then spent near that again getting it restored to factory spec.
But really that is it, im done for now, will never need anything better.