Nakamichi Cassette Decks

No one has referred to the MR2 that i mentioned does this model have the magic that the other ones have, It is an older model i beleive they were made in 1986. And can be had quite reasonably

Nakamichi was the king of analog decks. There were other nice decks but in total performance others usually paled.
I still have a ZX-7 that sounds great. IMHO it is the top of the heap with manual azimuth alignment on the record head, manual bias and sensitivity controls for each channel (L & R). It's a tweakers dream machine. It was the last of the belt drive systems and I found it quieter and more timbre correct than the direct drive systems that followed (ie. ZX-9, etc). The Dragons have azimuth alignment on the playback head if I’m not mistaken and do not achieve the same high level of recording capability but are none the less popular because they play any tape back well. Take your pick on what you find of most importance. Just a little reality check; a spotless ZX-7 went for $255.00USD on ebay last week. Not a bad price to pay considering that in the production years between 1981-5 the deck grabbed $1350.00.
Fleeceba about the MR2 that you have an interest in I can not speak but most Naks in their class will out perform the rest. Happy Listening!

Thanks so much for all your input, I have a lot more info to make an informed decision now and thats what makes these forums so valuable.

I had an MR2 - but it was not a 3 head deck. The MR series were pro versions of their BX range in 19 inch rack mount chassis with handles.
I believe the domestic equivalent was the BX-100, 2-head machine which still beat most other brands in sound quality.

The best cassette deck you can get is one where you hear none or very very little difference between source and tape. I dont want to start a war here. But theres other decks out there other than Naks.