Nak CR1 vs CR2 vs Sony TC-K700ES vs TC-K770ES

[elt93]

Hello everyone.
Want to purchase my first (and last) serious cassette deck.
Nakamichi CR 1
Nakamichi CR 2
Sony TC-K700ES
Sony TC-K770ES
I'll almost exclusively record my favorite songs from CD onto tape and listen to them. Don't want a monster tape deck but I don't want a wimpy puppy either.
Which of the above mentioned are best suited for my cause? Among the Sony decks mentioned will hx pro make a noticeable difference between recordings?
My nak fan neighbor though is adamant that the nakamichis will be better than the Sony.
Opinions wanted please. All decks are available for almost equal prices.
Thanks in advance

 

[hdrobien]

Never had a CR-1 or CR-2 which are supposed to be entry level for Nakamichi. Tried once a CR-4E and was very impressed but I believe it is way above the 1 & 2.

But I used to have a Sony K700ES and and K750ES. I loved the 700ES and would recommend it.

 

[Lapis]

Tried once a CR-4E and was very impressed but I believe it is way above the 1 & 2.

It is two steps above CR-2 and three steps above CR-1.

 

[edwyun]

I'm a Nakamichi fan. But the Nak CR1 and CR2 are 2-head decks, while I believe the Sony 770es is a 3-head deck. I would go for a 3-head deck every time over a 2-head deck. Better also if the 3-head deck also has adjustable bias/level controls for recording.

For optimal recording, a 3-head deck is a must.

 

[Daunia 70]

Outta those 4,the Sony TC-K700ES would easily be my 1st choice.

 

[elt93]

Well I had my doubts about the naks and I missed out on the TC-K700ES. This Sony TC K890ES came my way and I jumped on it. Sounds very good though I'm yet to start recording. I'm excited though

 

[edwyun]

Enjoy! Perhaps consider a 3-head Nak 7 in the future.

 

[elt93]

Someday.... The nak boy neighbor has just purchased a CR7 and ZX9... Maybe I'll break into his house and pick one

 

[elt93]

A couple of better pics of my 890ES. Playing "everybody wants to rule the world" by Tears for fears. Sounds as good as the FLAC through my iPhone.

 

[Kyndcookie]

If they are close to the same price just get one of the Sonys. It's not really a difficult decision. I don't imagine you will be one of those tweakers who obsesses about having the nth degree of performance to listen to your favorite CD recordings. Try to determine which one is in better shape, lower hours, etc. and buy it clean it and enjoy it.