Nakamichi Receivers

[mc1822d]

Any thoughts on late 1970's-1980's -1990's Nakamichi receivers?

 

[Lapslah]

I have a TA-1A and a TA-3A. I'd classify the TA-1A as a satisfactory entry level receiver (I was in college when I bought mine new in the mid-80s). It has been relegated to powering the passive sub in my HT rig for years now, does a fine job there, and hasn't given me any trouble.

The TA-3A is a different beast altogether, being a STASIS design with ample power and high current. I used to have it running some Maggies and it was no sweat. After I switched to a different amp it was in storage for quite a while until I realized I had the makings of a whole system laying around. I set it up in the bedroom with a B&O RX-2 and a pair of KLH Sixes, and sometimes I think it sounds better than my main rig, which is probably worth at least 10x as much.

Their biggest weakness is a propensity for melting some solder joints on the internal PCBs at this age. My TA-3A did, and it took me forever to find the right tech to fix it, but now it's perfect and sounding fantastic as always.

 

[timofred]

Nak do not make bad things,
only great to superb.

 

[typesix]

Nak made the Advent 200 tape deck transport and that turned out to be a headache for Henry Kloss and Advent.

 

[bigaltx24]

I have a SR-2A in rotation in my workshop, great sounding receiver that will drive about anything you throw at it.

 

[Lapslah]

Nak do not make bad things,
only great to superb.

I love mine, but to be fair, I understand that Nak didn't manufacture the TA series in house, but farmed it out. Some people claim that's the reason for the failed solder joints I mentioned above.

 

[PabloTincho]

Best is the 730 and also one of the best vintage receivers ever

 

[chazix]

Best is the 730 and also one of the best vintage receivers ever

Cool in many ways, but the bloom comes off the rose if any of the "why tech" stops working. They are not a joy to work on. I think someone with an interest in a Nakamichi receiver from that era would be better off with a 530.

 

[satellite65]

You should listen for yourself. I'm into late 70's Pioneer in particular. I recently acquired a Nak 730 and didn't like the sound at all. It needed D-oxit, a few lamps, and the volume band tightened. While it was open I replaced all (approx 45) lamps. PITA, but do-able...

Sold it to a friend who is into Nak and he loves it.

 

[Johnny 007]

I bought a Nakamichi receiver in the early 90s. I'm not sure of the model, though. Anyway, I never had any problems with it. I ended up trading it for a computer a few years later.

 

[PabloTincho]

Cool in many ways, but the bloom comes off the rose if any of the "why tech" stops working. They are not a joy to work on. I think someone with an interest in a Nakamichi receiver from that era would be better off with a 530.

Here is the review from Leo Feldman for the Nakamichi 730, he was very impressed about the performance