• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Quick help about tape decks

  • Thread starter Thread starter brianlg
  • Start date Start date
B

brianlg

Guest
Hi guys.. I'm going tomorrow to look at a Marantz 2220b to replace my other Marantz that is in the shop. Anyways, I have just started collecting tapes and I am also in need of a tape deck. My question is, is it possible to get a quality tape deck that would double as a receiver? I basically only need the receiver for phono output to play records. If I got a tape deck would I also need to run a phono amp through it? I'm trying to spend the least money possible, and also have the best quality setup. Should I just buy the receiver and also hunt a tape deck, or what?

Someone let me know what to do!
 
Register to hide this ad
Hello,
There weren't many receivers with built in cassette decks that were in any way remarkable. Probably those that are would be out of the budget anyway. A few manufacturers made them, Technics comes to mind.
One major disadvantage of all in one units is that if one part fails, you have to service the whole thing, you mentioned that your receiver is out of action and possibly at a repair centre. If something happened to the tape deck in the future, then you would have no amp for a couple of weeks. Not an ideal situation I would think.
There are many decks out there and many more opinions as to which is the best brand/model etc.
I am not going to go into detail on any recomendations here as it would be too long to type.
But i do have what i think are key guide lines:
Make sure it works (or that you can fix it)
Looks are important, but not everything.
Unless you can't get out of your chair avoid auto-reverse.
2 motors are better than one.
For playback you may well only need a 2 head deck, this will keep the cost down. (However 3 head decks often have other nice features and better performance in other ways)
I like a lighted cassette well.

You don't need to run a phono amp through a tape deck, unless you plan to connect a turntable directly to the inputs rather than an amp

In short, hunt down a decent tape deck to plug into your receiver.

Cheers

Tony
 
Well I got my marantz 2220b today and I'm pretty happy with it. since I already have this thread up, does anyone know anything about Scott tape decks? I see this one http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/ele/2349926324.html on CL which is about 10 minutes from me and it's only $10.. Should I try it out?

And thanks Tony for all the info, I'm going to keep this bookmarked. And I'll just end up running the deck through my receiver!
 
Scott tape decks are only fair quality. For an integrated cassette and receiver combo, B&O Beocenters were the only ones I liked, but a bear to service and expensive parts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom