help me with cheap tape deck.

I bought a new Nakamichi CR3A for $800 14 years ago. They go for between $250 - $325 here on Audiogon. It has all the features you seek except separate channel record levels. You'll need a separate preamp if you plan to use microphones. It still works fine, but like anything with motors it needs regular exercise to function perfectly. If I let it sit for months it sometimes takes the servos a few tries and some voodoo before they'll "remember" and respond. With regular use it functions perfectly every time. I used TDK MA type IV metal tape to transcribe my LP's with excellent results.

Why don't you get an A/D converter and burn copies of your vinyl? Kind of going backwards using a cassette deck. I have a Nakamichi BX-1 I bought at a garage sale for one dollar. I'll give it to you free if you pay the shipping. It will take about $125 to get it working...

Have you thought of a DAT deck? I have one in my system and I use it for digital(CD) and the analog inputs for vinyl. I saw a used one on audioshopper for 200.00. You can purchase 2 hour DAT tapes for around 4.00 or cheaper. The tapes are small and easy to store. Good luck.

do you need DAC for DAT?

No you don't need an external dac for a DAT player. They are like one box cd players with a dac section built in. DAT players have a digital out to use a dac if desired.