Nak dragon question. Is it really the best sounding

[jdurbin1]

indeed, particularly as it pertains to subjective SQ opinions...

Some truths we can state however, in no particular order:

1) Ultralyd = Dolph, banned here for essentially the same arrogance in posting opinions as fact (can't believe you guys haven't picked up on that). I happen to agree with his choice of equipment as it pertains to tape decks, but don't agree that it gives him any right to the bully pulpit.

2) Having said that, Ultralyd does make a valid point in there re: it's certainly useful to actually OWN (or have prolonged access to under controlled conditions) and LISTEN TO the devices in question on a critical level, with high resolution components around it in the system, rather than basing - and offering - personal opinions based solely on the opinions and statements of others. Seems like it would be a perquisite to have some personal experience with the equipment in question, and going through the same critical evaluation of same, before stating those opinions. Maybe that's just me...

3) Willy Herman is a very experienced and talented professional tape deck tech, one of the few I'd trust one of my own Nak or Tandberg decks to (me being the quintessential DIY being bashed here, in the generic sense). I have no idea however what he thinks about the relative merits of SQ between the Dragon (which I know he's expert on) vs. a TOTL Tandberg (which I know he's also worked on in the past).

4) Perry ranks at that level as well, but on the amateur side of things vs. it being his profession.

5) Techs don't always have the same outlook on SQ as owners, because the way they interact with the hardware is fundamentally different. They tend to be looking at the performance from a technical point of view, i.e. speed consistency, F/R, etc. and not necessarily spending hours involved in critical listening. Offsetting that is the increased exposure to numerous decks passing their bench, where they may pick up on variances that a one-deck owner (i.e. has owned one Dragon or one 3014A etc.) might not.

Carry on...

John

Gents, lets tone this down. No one here has a monopoly on the truth

 

[ssmith3046]

I seem to be only one here who actualy own the decks, in pristine condition, that people here all the time try to state their opinion about AND I am also one with the equipment that, for sure, is able to reveal the differences in SQ.

There are lots of DIY guys everywhere.
They rarely have heard what they seam to be so smart about and they rarely have the same qualified listening skills as they have tech skills.

This is the proper answer.

My Dragon is in "pristine" condition and has been serviced by Mr. Herman. It's the only deck I'll ever need.

 

[perryinva]

you moved to san anton?

No, I am still in Richmond. That was for the poster from Texas that said he would just like to hear one in serviced condition. I have a good friend, quite talented, (the same one that serviced and sold the 3014a) that if things worked out schedule wise, would not mind an enthusiast visiting to give a listen, I think. He avoids the forums, because of how the earnest posts get degraded.so fast, like this one sort of did.

While I am humbled by the positive remarks made my way, I am not thin skinned, and feel it is better not to feed the trolls, than to further a pointless he said, she said argument.

I would never state that I have critical golden ears (certainly not since I am 55). Most anyone that has real music training in their 20s would be superior in that respect. Nor will I state that I know even close to everything about cassette decks, even Naks, that is pure arrogance or bravado by anyone, except perhaps Jeff at ESL regarding Naks. The man really is the best there is for Naks. I am good at what I do, and stand behind my work, but I know my limits, and what decks I will or will not work on.

I do not mean to disparage the Tandberg 3014. Sorry if that came across that way. Like the Revox B215, it just doesn't have impressive specifications, both of which, if in fine repair, likely exceed easily them. Perhaps it is a cultural thing, the Japanese brands compete against each other for the best possible measure parameters to prove superiority, while the European brands prefer to assure performance better than a certain minimum standard? The B215 specs W&F at <0.1%, which is laughable for a dual direct drive deck. A well serviced B215 can stroll all day at 0.025%. A Nak Dragon is speced at <0.018%, an exceedingly difficult spec to consistently exceed. While many do, (I just returned one that stays between .013 & .015), most hover right at that spec or close to 0.02%. Both are way below what anyone can possibly hear, so which has better W&F is moot.

If you only own one deck, the Dragon is not the one to get. There are most certainly tapes that will not play properly on a Dragon. But for most, I use it and enjoy it immensely.

 

[stoutblock]

That settles it then, the Nakamichi 1000 ZXL is clearly the best sounding deck

 

[ssmith3046]

That settles it then, the Nakamichi 1000 ZXL is clearly the best sounding deck

That settles it then, the Nakamichi Dragon is clearly the best sounding deck.

 

[Nuvintage]

I always wondered how long it took to dial in the optimum settings for the dragon...and what kind of tape worked best. Cr02? FECR? Black magnetite?

 

[perryinva]

All tapes dial in equally fast, about 8 seconds. For recording, the Dragon gets the most out of the best tapes, but really that can be said for any TOTL deck, & it doesn't record much different from any similar TOTL Nak of that era, like the ZX-9, CR-7, etc..