Looking for a audiophile cassette player

[jbbikerider]

Hi Folks,
I'm looking for a high end audio cassette player to add to my system which is all modern. Where can I buy a up to date player that will add to my system?

Thanks,

 

[Audioraven]

As far as I know, no one is producing high end cassette decks currently. You will have to look on the used market for high quality. You'll want one that has been recently serviced to ensure good working order. Many people will recommend a Nakamichi deck, and that would be a great choice! I personally would look for one of Teac's/Esoteric last top decks with Dolby S noise reduction.

 

[Daunia 70]

You can't beat a Nakamichi,something like a 681/682ZX. If you want something newer then a AIWA Excelia XK-009 or Sony TC-KA6ES would be great choices.

 

[BobbyBluz]

I still have some 1980's Sony ES cassette decks stashed away but my Tascam 122 mkIII is still in my studio gear rack. The 122 mkIII was the industry standard for commercial cassette mastering and parts for them are still available today. Easier to repair than a Nakamichi but equally as expensive today used.

 

[guest110]

If you want something new it will have to be Tascam. And if you want modern, they make a good deck with digital capabilities like the cc-222. The days of newly made super decks is over: it is like trying to buy a new quality vcr.

 

[kfalls]

" still have some 1980's Sony ES cassette decks stashed away but my Tascam 122 mkIII is still in my studio gear rack. The 122 mkIII was the industry standard for commercial cassette mastering and parts for them are still available today. Easier to repair than a Nakamichi but equally as expensive today used."

+1 on the Tascam. We have 16 of the Model 122 we use for archiving. They're very reliable and can be controlled by software generated RS232 commands for mass playback control.

 

[1tumbleweed]

IIRC, the very last manufacturer producing decent consumer decks was Denon. Not a name that you hear very much in connection with cassette, but some of their last decks produced were pretty decent. (NOTE I said "consumer", which leaves out Tascam.)

Happy trails,
Larry B.

 

[eddisc]

to add to my system which is all modern.

...now when you say "all modern" - does it have a Tape In/Out loop? If not, you may run into issues as did this chap: http://www.tapeheads.net/showthread.php?t=45125

 

[jbbikerider]

My Zesto Audio pre amp has 5 different imputs and a cinema bypass imput. No specific tape in/out loop

 

[damacman]

That will be a well and good if you intend for the tape deck to be playback only.

 

[jbbikerider]

Thanks and yes that was my plan for playback only.

 

[jbbikerider]

Is there a shop or entity that sells vintage cassette decks?

Thanks

 

[damacman]

You'll find a bunch on CraigsList. Whatever you buy, you'll likely want to bring it up to date electrically.

For playback only, a 2 head machine is all you'll need. Something like a Nak RX-202 or BX-150 would be nice.

 

[jbbikerider]

You'll find a bunch on CraigsList. Whatever you buy, you'll likely want to bring it up to date electrically.

For playback only, a 2 head machine is all you'll need. Something like a Nak RX-202 or BX-150 would be nice.

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep a look out for both.

 

[jbailey930]

Thanks for the advice, I'll keep a look out for both.

where are you located? I know a local shop in N. VA with a Nak 600 for sale.

 

[jbbikerider]

where are you located? I know a local shop in N. VA with a Nak 600 for sale.

I'm located in Ventura County California in between LA and Santa Barbara. I'm OK with shipping if that helps.

 

[jbbikerider]

Just paid for a excellent condition Nak LX5 for a great price.

Thanks for all the input.