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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
chakster's avatar
chakster OP
6,144 posts
 
What is the price for service at Willy Hermann or some other specialist?
clio09
3,346 posts
 
Willy Hermann is one of the best but his backlog these days is a good year out when I checked with him late last year. His fees will range based on what your deck needs.
inna
7,141 posts
 
chakster,
I have a small quantity of sealed Vertex tapes that I bought years ago for about $50 a piece. Still a lot.
I never tried Teac cassettes. I do prefer, generally speaking, Maxell to TDK, though as I mentioned TDK MA-R and MA-XG are excellent, newest green case MA-XG sounds best with my deck, which is not calibrated for particular tape formulation.
Yes, all decks that I recommended have calibration. It is important if you want the very best recordings.
RX-505 is a good deck.
I send my deck to Willy Hermann every 3-4 years for service. If nothing is broken it doesn't cost much - about $350 or so plus shipping both ways, But the first time, which was years ago, when I sent it to him it was something like $650 plus shipping, but he did partial overhaul.
As a new client you would have to wait for months before he has time to work on your deck, at least it was last year when I asked him. This doesn't apply to old clients.
inna
7,141 posts
 
A few considerations when recording.
Take the signal directly off the phono stage. Usually there is more than enough gain.
Turn the volume of the system way down - you want as little external vibration as possible.
Isolate deck with some cones or pads or whatever, just as you isolate turntable. What works with table should work with deck too in my experience.
Clean the heads, the tape path and pinch rollers, of course. 99% alcohol is too aggressive for pinch rollers but fine for the heads and tape path. I would take 75% for rollers. Well, I use 99% for everything but I have some experience with how to apply it without dissolving the rollers.
I clean everything before each recording and after 10-15 hours of play.
I also use LAST Factory tape head preservative and apply it before playing each cassette. It takes only a few seconds and it works great. I have thousands upon thousands of hours of play on my 682ZX and there is virtually no head wear. Confirmed by Willy.
I really like tape. Actually thinking of getting reel to reel deck in a few years. Studer is too expensive for me. I'll get Otari two track. Otari will also play four track tapes.
inna
7,141 posts
 
Oh, forgot to mention interconnect cables. They are very important both for the recording and the reproduction. I currently use Wywires Diamond for both. Step down for me would be Purist Neptune. Wywires Platinum is excellent too, better for reproduction than recording in my system. Purist is equal for both, maybe very slightly better for the recording.
They say vintage analogue sources are less particular about cables. Yes and no. If you want the best sound there is no way around it.
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