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Harman Kardon TD4200

M

Moby2

Active Member
I have a Harman Kardon AVR-630 receiver, Harman Kardon FL8550 CD changer and Monitor Audio Silver Series 8i speakers. I'm looking for a cassette deck that will go well with this system and would appreciate any suggestions.

I've read about Nakamichi and vintage cassette decks but I'd like to stick with the same brand because I have a feeling it would coordinate better in looks and remote and most importantly, soundwise with these speakers. I placed a wanted ad on craigslist for a Harman Kardon cassette deck and got a response from someone who wants $60 for a Harman Kardon TD4200 2 head cassette deck from the early 1990's. I paid $30 at a thrift store for a 2 head Yamaha KX-R470 for my bedroom to go with my Yamaha components for the system in my bedroom, but maybe HK's are worth more--not sure. What other brands might do well with HK and Monitor Audio speakers?
 
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If you want the best looks, then keep things unitform. But the best looking systems are only rarely the best sounding systems.

If you really want a cassette deck, then I would concentrate on getting the best sounding deck possible. HK made some better than average decks, but I don't believe that the 4200 is among their best machines. Even an average Nak would embarasse it.
 
I think the seller thinks they got you hooked.

If you are considering a Nakamichi but holding back for looks, then consider the TD4600. I got it for $85 + ship last year in near mint, original box, remote and manual and think it is well worth it. There was a recent ebay listing that went for $56 with manual only.

I would have a tough time paying $60 for a bottom of the line even if it includes remote and manual. But I might offer $30-40 depending on the features and specs and condition --- and only if the specs are in the transcription series 20hz-20khz. And only if you really have to have something right now, otherwise, I would skip it at $60 and look for a tD4400 or td4600.

None below are mine but to give you an idea of pricing comparisons:

There's a TD4200 being offered for $25 in Sacramento.

There is currently a TD4400 on our local craigslist going for $90 but that's down from about $120 if I recall. I would only pay that for a TD4600.

There's a TD4200 on ebay that got relisted from $9.99 when no one bid. It is now starting at $ .99.

Add specs:
note frequency 20hz-20kHz TD4400 all tape, TD4200 with metal tape (just to point out some slight differences).
 

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I recommend an HK 400xM, 2-motor 3-head transport design in the early 80's. It's a purdy slick unit. It was HK's 'top of the line' unit at that time. Epay has one for sale. Some of the 400's features:

Soft touch solenoid control switches
Auto search function - searches to the beginning of the next song
Engage rewind - when one side of the tape ends, the deck will rewind the tape (if selected)
Engage rewind & replay - when one side of the tape ends, the deck will rewind and replay the tape (if selected)
Digital counter (I don't think we saw many of these in the early 80's)
Bias control & tone generators for each tape you use
Memory system - let's you return to a preset point on the tape
Timer

HK also made a 100M, 200xM, 300xM (all 2-head designs). The 100 was the HK 'low end', 400 was the 'high end'.
 
Hk2000

If I can stick an oar in, you might consider a Harmon Kardon HK2000 if you don't mind a late 70's vintage two head single direction top loader. They are rare but pop up on ebay or CL every so often in the $25.00 range. I had one from new, PX purchased about 1977. The sound reproduction was incredible, nearly matching the LP source. I believe the HK2000 was Nakamichi built. I've only had limited experience with other cassete decks, but had two top line auto reverse decks after it -- one TEAC and one Pioneer. The HK put both to shame, especially the Pioneer. I transferred hundreds of LPs to cassete and played it hours every day for several years until it started to show head wear, and I got a little tired of turning tapes every 45 minutes. I wore the TEAC out in about two or three years of intense playback (so you can see how heavily used the equipment was) and then replaced it with a Pioneer that matched my rack system--I think a CT-F980 0r a 1000. I became so attuned to the record quality of the HK that I couldn't bear to listen to tapes recorded on the other units.
 
HK TD4200 or TD 4400 tape deck

Look, I got the TD 4200 and the TD4400,and they are excellent decks. I also got the Nak BX-300, Nak-100, and Teac C-2, and JVC-A-7 decks. I like the sound of the TD4200, and the TD-4400 deck more then my Naks. Yes, the Naks do go higher on the highs, and the bass are alittle bit better, but the mid sections are just not as warm and musical as the Harman Kardon Td4200, and the 4400. The HK decks seem to place the instruments in the right location, plus very detail too. With vocals, I use the HD decks more. I also got Akai decks too. But the best sounding decks are the reel to reel decks at 7 1/2 inch speed. I usually record direct from my Mac CD player to the Revox A-77, and the realisim and detail are so sweeet and smooth. If you want good analog sound that is the way to got.
 
I doubt you'll be finding an HK 400xm for $100 or less - those things are pricey, and deservedly so. My lowly 200xm still sounds great, as does my HK291.
 
Hi All,
I have a chance to buy a Harman Kardon td 4400 cassette deck,the price is £60
is that a good price?Mint boxed with manual,Thank`s
Ron
 
A coworker from Germany gave me a HK TD4200 220/240 volt model in champagne color. The power transformer maker BANDO (no relation to the toy maker) closed it's doors quite some time ago, no getting a 120v version from them. I elected to leave the 220 xformer in place, cut enough of the 220 plug to fit inside the unit, soldering the wires to the transformer PC board input posts. Attached a USA 120v plug on the end of the power cord (now a bit shorter) and on the inside end of the power cord attached a 2-prong 120v female socket from Home Depot. Bought a $5.99 (minus shipping) small 50 watt 120 to 220 converter and plugged the now internalized 220 male and 120 female into the little converter, double sided taped to the bottom. Works like a champ. a little work, but don't count the 220 versions completely out when buying a used one. The 50 watt converter is plenty considering the unit only pulls 17 watts.
 
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