Nakamichi cassette decks

[audio]

As part of my latest rash of NAD hatred, I think I am going to get rid of my NAD 602 cassette deck. I'm looking at older Nakamichi stuff such as the LX-3 and the LX-5. Does anyone know Nakamichi units well? Any particular ones to avoid? I figure an '80s Nakamichi would sound and perform just as well as my '90s NAD, if not better, but I'm not sure and I need some advice.

[Dave]

I can't say I've ever heard anyone complain specifically in regards to performance of a Nak cassette deck. I still own a BX-300 which had new rewind and fast forward motors replaced along with all belts and new heads installed back in 98' and still working strong. The only way, and I do say maybe, an NAD could possibly outperform a Nak is to compare NAD's top-of-line to Nak's basement model IMHO.

[sharedon]

I'd love to hear more about your NAD hatred!

[EC3970]

I was looking for a good new cassette player and got a lot of recommendations for used Naks

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?threadid=10268&highlight=dragon

I got a Denon, which is very nice, but would have bought the new Nak if I could have found one.

[-=Rudy=-]

I've always liked Harman/Kardon's cassette decks. Mine is mid 80's vintage and can make a good tape even out of a lowly TDK D-90. :D The specs on mine show response out to 21kHz...I can't verify it, but it ran circles around any other deck I'd owned, especially with good metal tape. I rarely use it today, but it still works great. I couldn't afford the 3-head model, but I hear no shortcomings as a result of that. I even bought a newer H/K deck for a second system. It didn't record as well, but still played back nicely.

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by prix
I figure an '80s Nakamichi would sound and perform just as well as my '90s NAD, if not better, but I'm not sure and I need some advice.

Hi,

I participated rather actively on the thread referenced above so i'll try :laugh: not to dominate the rap jack on this one.

IMO, a Nak from the 80's is as good as it gets. :thumbsup: All Nak's are not the same so ya gotta ask yourself how much green you're willing to release and buy accordingly. The current condition of the individual unit is critical b/c quality repair people are getting harder to find and charge big bucks! :)

-Jeffrey

[TSmithPage]

I also have an 80s circa Harman/Kardon cassette deck. I've always been pleased with it, although I wish I could have afforded to spring for the Dolby C noise reduction. Actually, I was considering mothballing my tape deck, not because I'm unhappy with it, but because it seems like it's become more or less obsolete. Once you have a stand alone CD burner hooked up to your system, so that you can make CDRs of either LPs or CDs, and assuming you're still not using a tape deck in your car, haven't cassettes pretty much gone the way of the eight track?

[-=Rudy=-]

I still have some cassettes here...never was a big prerecorded cassette buyer, but recorded many for car use. That's the reason I quit using cassettes--got tired of having to tape everything. When Sony brought out the first CD in-dash, I bought it. (A CDX-R7.)

Since I was in band, my mother had bought a JVC portable cassette recorder. I have a few things recorded using JVC's Super-ANRS unfortunately...that deck probably still works, but I need to go pick it up across town. Should probably transfer those old band tapes to digital one of these days, before they completely deteriorate.

I still occasionally throw a tape together for someone in a trade, but as you say, most of everything has moved to CD now.

I originally had what I think was an H/K "HK301" deck, which was one notch down from the top (2 heads vs. 3). I think it had HX Pro, but no Dolby C. It gave me a few problems that nobody could fix, and I finally read H/K the riot act. They sent me a new "CD301" (if I remember the correct model) in its place, which had Dolby C, and it has lasted literally decades. :) FWIW, I never hear the negatives associated with Dolby C on this deck...the tapes it makes sound suspiciously close to the original. :D

Just before that H/K, I briefly owned a JVC deck that had a unique 5-band "spectrum analyzer" type of recording level display, along with Super ANRS. It was the coolest looking deck, but I returned it after a few weeks since I heard some pumping and breathing in the noise reduction, and it didn't really get much above 14-15kHz in response. I was only in my teens, and Dad sprung a few extra bucks for me to get the H/K. It was SO much better, I never regretted it.

At the same time I was doing this, I had a Realistic (made by Hitachi) 3-head on layaway at Radio Shlock. It was their top deck, and this one was from one of their "where is, as is" sales. It may not have been a bad-sounding deck, but after the H/K, I got my $$ back from Da Shak.

Worst deck I own is a Sony. Bought it as a demo, dirt cheap...it matched a Sony system I had in my office. Design flaw. It played back OK, sounded pretty good...but only when it had a new belt. It used a square belt, and once it would play for a month or so, the belt would get stretched out and start twisting in the pulleys. Each time it twisted, the sound would "jerk" somewhat. I actually bought a round belt to replace it, but so far haven't had the inclination to install it.

First deck I owned was a Realistic, though. Had a couple of problems, but it gave me a lot of good listening hours. It is a dated machine--it actually has VU-type meters on the front, and (get this) decodes Dolby FM. :D

[dwmann]

If you're going with a Nak, get the Dragon. Best all-around consumer-grade cassette deck ever made, as far as I'm concerned. I had an opportunity to pick up an unclaimed repair at a local Tweeter for $450 and passed, and I've been kicking myself ever since. You should be able to find one of these with good heads fairly cheap compared to original retail, and once you've got one you can pretty much keep the thing forever. I believe parts are still readily available, and since no one is ever likely to build a deck of that quality again, it's worth maintaining.

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by dwmann
If you're going with a Nak, get the Dragon. Best all-around consumer-grade cassette deck ever made, as far as I'm concerned.

Hi,

Many people agree with this opinion........... i don't. :D IMO, Nak made three or four different decks that were superior to the Dragon.

-Jeffrey

[dwmann]

Many people agree with this opinion........... i don't. IMO, Nak made three or four different decks that were superior to the Dragon.

Nak made a few decks that performed better than the Dragon in some ways, but not in others. For example, some of the decks mentioned here that had manual azimuth adjustments were better at correcting for azimuth than the Dragon was, although the Dragion was able to get close and was able to do it for you. Notice that I qualified my statement with the words "all-around." For overall performance, convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, I think the Dragon wins hands down, even if a few of the other Nak decks could outperform the Dragon in some areas. Of course, I'm an incredibly lazy person - I'd rather get 95-98% of the best possible performance and not have to screw around with something than get 100% and spend all my time tweaking things. I used to have a variable speed turntable that could be set to exact speed, but I didn't use a strobe to set the turntable to exact speed every time I played an LP, even though I knew I'd get a slight improvement in sound if I did, and the reason I usually play CDs instead of LPs, even though I think the LPs sound a little better, is that I think playing LPs (especially cleaning them) is a big hassle. Anyway, as an overall "package," I will always think the Dragon was the best, and based on the outrageous retail price of the thing, it seems Nakamichi must have thought so too.

[-=Rudy=-]

I wouldn't classify a Dragon as "consumer-grade". Most consumers would just go to the local electronics shack and get a fancy-pants dual-deck Technics and be happy with it. :D They had nice decks, but they were all outside my price range. I could only buy something as close to the Nak as possible.

I actually wanted to get one of those Dragon in-dash players for the car. Azimuth wasn't a problem for me at home, but in the car? I was constantly pulling my in-dash cassette units, fixing the azimuth, and re-cementing the screw in place with nail polish. Or just finding something to wedge under the end of the protruding cassette to change the angle until I coudl find time to adjust it properly. :)

[tony2v]

Checkout http://www.naks.com/ for info Nak decks.
I have a DR2, bought from my best friend for $100 (mint) because he scored a Dragon.

[sgraham]

Just keep in mind that if you replace your present cassette deck it's possible that your existing tapes will not play as well on a new deck, no matter how good the new deck is, due to differences in alignment.

[Jeffrey]

Originally posted by sgraham
Just keep in mind that if you replace your present cassette deck it's possible that your existing tapes will not play as well on a new deck, no matter how good the new deck is, due to differences in alignment.

Hi,

Great point! This is definitely an issue w/ some of the Naks and one of the reasons i would lean towards one w/ manual adjustments.

-Jeffrey

[audio]

Originally posted by sharedon
I'd love to hear more about your NAD hatred!

Check out my recent thread about cd players that damage discs.

Also, the current problems with my mint NAD 602 cassette deck, which has very low hours and is only about 7 or so years old, are: A) Faulty door, won't always close properly without multiple tries. B) Faulty, quirky buttons that only work 75% of the time. C) Improper channel balance and sometimes you can faintly hear the other side of the tape playing backwards. D) With older tapes, SIGNIFICANT warble can be heard after a few minutes of normal play. I don't notice this problem with newer cassettes. E) Hollow, boxy, thin, compressed, lifeless sound.

[audio]

Well, I can't afford the Dragon and I don't think I could justify putting that kind of money into a cassette deck. I just want a solid performer with audiophile sound quality. I don't need no gold plated Caddy. How are the LX-3 and LX-5? Which ones have the manual azimuth adjustments? Does that basically mean that you can easily adjust the heads to play any tape that you happen to pop in the machine?

[Jeffrey]

Hey Prix,

How much green is in your budget?

What kinda deck were most the tapes made on? Did ya use noise reduction, and if so, which one(s)?

This will help us give ya exact Nak model # recommendations.

-Jeffrey

[audio]

Originally posted by Jeffrey
Hey Prix,

How much green is in your budget?

What kinda deck were most the tapes made on? Did ya use noise reduction, and if so, which one(s)?

This will help us give ya exact Nak model # recommendations.

-Jeffrey

I wouldn't spend more than $150. My collection of tapes are all across the map, from factory cassettes to home copies from all eras on various low and high quality tapes, with and without noise reduction.

[Jeffrey]

Hi Prix,

As ya probably expected, my favs bite the dust wo/ mas dinero. :)

The LX series would probably not be my first choice.

I really like the CR-7 but ya may not find one in your budget. The CR-5 ya may find at $150 w/ lotsa effort/luck.......... and would be well worth the green! :thumbsup:

The 680 series has some nice decks for a couple bucks more than your budget. If ya find one of those for $150 ....... BUY IT NOW! ;)

Let's see what others say,
Jeffrey

[Jeffrey]

Hey Prix,

I know i'm bustin' a budget but this one is pretty nice:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3014108773&category=4784

-Jeffrey :)

[audio]

Originally posted by Jeffrey
Hi Prix,

As ya probably expected, my favs bite the dust wo/ mas dinero. :)

The LX series would probably not be my first choice.

I really like the CR-7 but ya may not find one in your budget. The CR-5 ya may find at $150 w/ lotsa effort/luck.......... and would be well worth the green! :thumbsup:

The 680 series has some nice decks for a couple bucks more than your budget. If ya find one of those for $150 ....... BUY IT NOW! ;)

Let's see what others say,
Jeffrey

Yeah, well I am a bargain hunter so I figure I'll eventually get something that's worth more for my money. I like those silver faceplates on the LX series. For some reason, I really dig that lame, futuristic early '80s look for hi-fi gear. I was watching a newer Cassette 2 on ebay last night, but didn't buy it because of all the comments about the '80s machines being the best sounding. So which models have the manual azimuth adjust? Also, which would be a better choice, the LX-3 or the LX-5? Is rubber and motor replacement ALWAYS required due to age or does it depend on how the unit has been treated? In other words, if I find a good one, will I be able to skip the refurb?

[audio]

Originally posted by Jeffrey
Hey Prix,

I know i'm bustin' a budget but this one is pretty nice:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3014108773&category=4784

-Jeffrey :)

That is nice! I like that one. I would spend more, but at this point I'd rather put my $$ into a better turntable or cd player, or MORE MUSIC!!!

[Jeffrey]

Hi Prix,

IMO, ya must find a good one and skip the refurb if ya got any hope of keeping it under $200. :) I thought we were talking mas dinero (ya see i'm a guy w/ three McIntosh preamps even though there is no way i need more than one at a time :laugh: ) when i was recommending the manual azimuth adjust. Please ignore that so ya can score the best deck possible at under $200. ;) If your heart is set on LX's, score the 5.

-Jeffrey

[Jeffrey]

Hey Prix,

Checkout that Ebay auction again! U R to blame! :laugh: Doncha dig somebody who will put their $ where their mouth is? ;) Wish it happened more often in this world.

Happy huntin',
Jeffrey