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Post by julesd68 on Aug 12, 2014 12:00:37 GMT
I'm looking to buy a cheap cassette deck, as far under 100 quid as poss, to play fairly poorly recorded old tapes that have a lot of nostalgia value for me. Really not sure what to buy so could do with some suggestions from those of you who know this format better than me! I have a few criteria. Would ideally be silver or champagne finish, but black ok if wins out in other areas. Nice VU meters a bonus. Must be full working order, nice cosmetically, and reliable. Can't be one of the big old retro decks as I won't get it on my rack sadly - max 13cm high. I'd also like something a bit interesting to look at - the budget Denons are meant to be good decks but look so deathly dull! This Aiwa is beyond my budget but is the kind of look that would appeal -  |
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Post by ChrisB on Aug 12, 2014 15:21:56 GMT
As dull looking as the Denons, but fantastic sounding and can be had very cheaply are the Technics RS-BX404 and 606 models. Three heads and in the 606, dual capstans too.
Something with a different look, but a fantastic sound would be the old Tandberg top loader style deck (can't remember all the model numbers, though I think the last one they did was a 420 (with a prefix of three letters - TDC-420?) - however, you wouldn't believe the sound if you judged it on looks!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2014 17:16:43 GMT
I have a Technics RS-BX404 which is an excellent beast… might consider letting it go as I rarely use it… only issue is that is occasionally chews tapes but that is common with Technics cassette decks from my experience.
Paul.
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Post by Stratmangler on Aug 12, 2014 18:09:04 GMT
I have a Technics RS-BX404 which is an excellent beast… might consider letting it go as I rarely use it… only issue is that is occasionally chews tapes but that is common with Technics cassette decks from my experience. Paul. That's a damning recommendation! Sounds great, but it sometimes destroys the media you put into it  |
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Post by ChrisB on Aug 12, 2014 18:21:20 GMT
Mine never had that problem!
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 12, 2014 19:07:12 GMT
Something with a different look, but a fantastic sound would be the old Tandberg top loader style deck (can't remember all the model numbers, though I think the last one they did was a 420 (with a prefix of three letters - TDC-420?) - however, you wouldn't believe the sound if you judged it on looks! Oh dear, you really shouldn't have pointed me in the direction of the Tandbergs - absolutely love them! Sadly will most likely be beyond me right now ...  Here's some steamy Tandberg action - www.vintagecassette.com/tandberg |
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 12, 2014 19:09:25 GMT
I have a Technics RS-BX404 which is an excellent beast… might consider letting it go as I rarely use it… only issue is that is occasionally chews tapes but that is common with Technics cassette decks from my experience. Paul. That's a damning recommendation! Sounds great, but it sometimes destroys the media you put into it Thanks Paul but I don't want to take any chances with my tapes as best I can - most of them are home recordings that are completely irreplaceable ... |
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Post by ChrisB on Aug 12, 2014 20:04:08 GMT
I know the 'big boy' Tandbergs are fab looking and pricey, Jules, but I was thinking of the flat profile types, which go for pretty low prices. They have 3 motors and twin capstans. The later models had all sorts of exotic features but if all you need is something to play and you're not planning any high quality recording, then you don't need a lot of that stuff. A reliable two head deck might probably be all you'll need. Here's a random example. (.....of an earlier one) |
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Post by canetoad on Aug 13, 2014 2:25:32 GMT
That's a damning recommendation! Sounds great, but it sometimes destroys the media you put into it Thanks Paul but I don't want to take any chances with my tapes as best I can - most of them are home recordings that are completely irreplaceable ... Back them up to digital for safety sake. |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2014 6:18:59 GMT
I have a Nakamichi 600 that I haven't used for a few years now
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 13, 2014 12:53:42 GMT
I have a Nakamichi 600 that I haven't used for a few years now Beautiful machine and I'd love one. The shape of it just wouldn't work on my rack, which is the only place the deck can go right now sadly ... |
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 13, 2014 13:04:34 GMT
Thanks Paul but I don't want to take any chances with my tapes as best I can - most of them are home recordings that are completely irreplaceable ... Back them up to digital for safety sake. Excellent idea, thanks. I have Audacity on my Mac so should be straightforward ... |
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 14, 2014 12:08:55 GMT
I've got a Nakamichi 700 (XLR I think)
and a
B&O something - yes I know but I believe it was highly rated somewhere
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Post by gazjam on Aug 14, 2014 12:13:11 GMT
Have a Sony TCK-611S, great deck.
Still have all my old tapes.
The deck needs a service, some speed problems.
Would get it fixed if I knew where to go!
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 14, 2014 12:32:01 GMT
I've got a Nakamichi 700 (XLR I think) and a B&O something - yes I know but I believe it was highly rated somewhere The 700 is a sexy beast. Nothing wrong with the B&O decks - still highly rated I believe and sell for very good money as a result! |
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Post by MikeMusic on Aug 14, 2014 12:33:39 GMT
The Naka is a monster. Think it was 1 step down from the Dragon
The B&O is slimline but weighs a ton.
Great little tap to open up the front and all the flashing lights !
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Post by julesd68 on Aug 14, 2014 12:34:12 GMT
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Post by Stratmangler on Aug 14, 2014 22:39:58 GMT
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Post by jammy on Aug 15, 2014 6:09:00 GMT
I kind of morn the passing of the humble cassette.....
I found AKAI & AIWA to be fine machines.
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Post by MartinT on Aug 15, 2014 6:33:58 GMT
I had an Aiwa AD-F330. Fine machine it was, too.
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