Author Topic: Cassette Decks...  (Read 9494 times)

Offline gdv

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Cassette Decks...
« on: November 26, 2013, 10:52:51 AM »
Well...  I'm finally down to six mid-fi cassette decks...  I need/want to get down to three...  Which would you keep?

In alphabetical order:
*Denon DRW-750A
Pioneer CT-W600R
*Sony KA1ES
Sony TC-W490
Technics M45
*Yamaha MT44 (4 track capable)

A number of years ago I got rid of my Nak CR-7A, I regret that one!   :(

I'm leaning toward the ones with the (*).  NOT looking to buy any more!!!

thanks...
George
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Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2013, 11:44:06 AM »
If I could pick one from the list it would be the Sony ES. I mean... definitely get rid of the Sony KA1ES, it's junk. I'd be happy to dispose of it for you.
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Anders

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2013, 01:10:40 PM »
I pick the Nakamichi CR-7A ;)

Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #3 on: November 26, 2013, 06:54:49 PM »
Of those six, I would tend to agree with the three you put asterisks on.

OldiesButGoodies

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2013, 11:36:46 PM »
I would recommend a sleeper great deck like the JVC TS-V621 - great sound and features, 3 heads.  The Sony ES you point out may also be a good choice - have you listened to one?  It has Dolby S,  which hints at the quality of the platform,  and it is a 3 head.

Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2013, 11:50:20 PM »
TD-V621?

JVC made a lot of great sleeper products.   I consider my QL-A7 table to be one of them.

OldiesButGoodies

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #6 on: November 28, 2013, 09:17:01 AM »
Sorry - typo there. Yes that is the model number.  It competes well with the other high end Naks I have used.   I am keeping it for a bit longer.   I have two permanent decks and that is one of them.  The Carver 1700 is the other one.  The Carver sounds a tad warmer but is less stable speed-wise. 

Offline MRHP

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2013, 11:41:02 PM »
Any of you tape deck guys know much about the Yamaha KX-670. How does it rate with the high end decks? Just curious.
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Offline Sir Thrift-a-Lot

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #8 on: December 10, 2013, 06:48:40 AM »
I've never heard one, but with C and HX, dual capstans and three motors, it passes the "bells and whistles" test.   I'd bet it sounds excellent.

OldiesButGoodies

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #9 on: December 10, 2013, 07:30:16 AM »
Agree. That sounds like a great deck. Three heads and external azimuth adjustment via playtrim knob (if you followed that whole conversation with slim about his autorevers deck and adjusting azi,  this deck you mention allows you to do it from the front panel (well, within a range), like a nak dragon. I  am adding it to my bucket list.  >:D

Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #10 on: December 10, 2013, 09:35:04 AM »
External azimuth adjustment?? Yes, please!
I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Offline papabearjew

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #11 on: December 10, 2013, 01:33:27 PM »
Not a bad price, but I'd still look for a deck with no auto reverse. It is almost always problematic. Dual capstan drive if not properly adjusted (new belts etc.) Is not necessarily compatible with all tape types. Just some things to think about.

Offline papabearjew

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #12 on: December 10, 2013, 03:25:58 PM »
I should that I have two awesome 3 head decks with closed loop dual capstans and they have always performed flawlessly. Interestingly my best and most expensive cassette deck is my TASCAM 122mkII which is single capstan and sounds awesome. I would still not consider auto reverse

Offline MRHP

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #13 on: December 10, 2013, 06:11:49 PM »
I've never heard one, but with C and HX, dual capstans and three motors, it passes the "bells and whistles" test.   I'd bet it sounds excellent.

I got it right at the end of my tape deck days and soon after got a Carver 490t cdp and the deck probly doesnt have 50hrs on it. Might just need to put it in the system and have a little fun!
TFM-75 serial#00001
PT-2400 serial#00001
Lightstar serial#00008
Lightstar serial#00008
Carver 490t
Sunfire vacuum tune preamp
DENON DP62L
Dahlquist DQ20's

Offline MRHP

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Re: Cassette Decks...
« Reply #14 on: December 10, 2013, 06:20:16 PM »
Better pic
TFM-75 serial#00001
PT-2400 serial#00001
Lightstar serial#00008
Lightstar serial#00008
Carver 490t
Sunfire vacuum tune preamp
DENON DP62L
Dahlquist DQ20's