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Which Dual Cassette?

BGVinyl

BGVinyl

New Member
Here we go again.....

I've read a couple of old threads about this, but I'd like some fresh opinions about which dual cassette deck to get.

What about....

Sony ES series, WR11, 801ES, 901ES, 99ES, or something else like the TC-WR835S?

Denon DRW 840, 850, other?

Yamaha KX series, 952, 900U, 67W or other?

Tascam 202 MK?, 302?

Technics?

I've also read that there is a Marantz dual machine with dual three-head wells. Anyone know anything about it?

I believe that amorphous heads are a must. Bias adjust.....maybe. At least auto-adjust.

What is the best in your opinion?

Thanks for the feedback.....
 
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Likely, it's more important to get one with Dolby HX PRO (and Dolby B, C, S NR if your into that). I'm not aware of dual cassette decks with 3 heads on each side.

This thread should be interesting. :lurk:

I have a 90's JVC TD-W709 dual cassette that sound pretty good. It has Dolby B-C NR and HX PRO for play and record in both wells. It has auto-reverse in both wells. I bought it new in the 90's, but it sat idle for about 15 years. I cleaned and demagged the heads and now it sound great and makes great cassettes for my 4Runner.

The one thing thing that the TD-W709 does not do that would be useful for me is the abilty to switch play from one well to the next automatically. With two 90 minute cassettes, that would give 180 minutes of uninterrupted playing (more than 4 LPs).

You might add JVC to your list.
 
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I've been pleasantly surprised with the TC-WR99ES I picked up because it is compatible with my Sony DST house system. Not in the same class as my better Naks or Tandberg decks but quite competent.

John
 
I've had a Technics and Kenwood dual well deck that have been quite good to me over the years as well. Higher priced models, but excellent service:thmbsp:
 
The best dual well deck I ever seen is the Aiwa AD-WX909. The recording deck is a three head deck with Dolby B, C and HX pro with bias adjustment . While the playback deck is an auto reverse deck with quick reverse. Each deck has it's own noise reduction switch. Both can be used separately since both have their own output jacks. There is a switch for normal and double-speed dubbing to each deck. Good luck in finding one. I never seen one used anywhere.
 
AnalogDigit said:
The best dual well deck I ever seen is the Aiwa AD-WX909. The recording deck is a three head deck with Dolby B, C and HX pro with bias adjustment . While the playback deck is an auto reverse deck with quick reverse. Each deck has it's own noise reduction switch. Both can be used separately since both have their own output jacks. There is a switch for normal and double-speed dubbing to each deck. Good luck in finding one. I never seen one used anywhere.
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Thank for the info on the AD-WX909. Question: Does only one well record?

The interesting thing about my JVC TD-W709 is that both well record, both wells have their own switch to select Dolby NR, B, C, or off, and both wells have HX PRO.

Thank for your input.
 
I have a Yamaha KX-W421.

Sound Quality Design
Play Trim Control (Both Decks)
High-Speed Play Trim Control (Dubbing)
Dolby HX Pro Dynamic Bias Servo
Dolby B/C NR

Convenient Operation
CD-Tape Synchro Rec Start
Two Speed (Normal/High) Dubbing
Microcomputer-Controlled Full Logic Operation
Music Search
Auto Rec Mute
Rec Return

Specs
Wow/Flutter (W RMS): 0.08%
S/N (NR Off/Dolby B/C): 58/66/74 dB
Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz, 3 dB (Metal)

http://www.yamaha.com/YECDealerMedia/adgraphs/products/KX-W421.jpg
 
Went to GW today and spotted a Pioneer (sorry missed the model), but it was 6 cassette changer. Never seen one b4.
 
2 separate decks of high quality beat any double deck compromise. Both in sound quality and in longevity. Get you a nice pair instead. :tresbon:
 
I like my Sony TC-WR901ES. 3 head, 3 motor in each well and well built. Although, my Nak. CR-7A hooked up to my Dragon works well as well.
 
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Hajidub said:
Went to GW today and spotted a Pioneer (sorry missed the model), but it was 6 cassette changer. Never seen one b4.
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Picked up one of those as a oddity. It had a "as is" sticker on it, and had been marked down from $24.99 to $6.99. Once I switched the selector on the back from European to US voltage, it worked fine. The sound is adequate, and the changer part looks incredibly complicated.
 
Good Info

Thanks to everyone for the valuable info. I agree that two decks are beter than one, but my space is limited, and for what I am doing I believe a TOTL dual deck will suffice. I have read in a couple of places that some of the later dual decks were quite good.

I have my eyes on a couple of decks. If I get what I have my eyes on now I will probably have some questions on it. We'll see.

Thanks for the input.
 
BGVinyl said:
Thanks to everyone for the valuable info. I agree that two decks are beter than one, but my space is limited, and for what I am doing I believe a TOTL dual deck will suffice. I have read in a couple of places that some of the later dual decks were quite good.

I have my eyes on a couple of decks. If I get what I have my eyes on now I will probably have some questions on it. We'll see.

Thanks for the input.
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Let us know what you wind up with and how you like it.
 
aabottom said:
Thank for the info on the AD-WX909. Question: Does only one well record?

The interesting thing about my JVC TD-W709 is that both well record, both wells have their own switch to select Dolby NR, B, C, or off, and both wells have HX PRO.

Thank for your input.
Click to expand...

No, only one well records. But I never seen another brand that has a 3 head deck in one well. I don't know if there is any other decks like that.
 
Hajidub said:
Went to GW today and spotted a Pioneer (sorry missed the model), but it was 6 cassette changer. Never seen one b4.
Click to expand...

I remember when they came out. If I am right I think the one I was looking at was about 499.00. I would have grabbed the only you were looking at quickly. Never had one and still want one.
 
The one thing thing that the TD-W709 does not do that would be useful for me is the abilty to switch play from one well to the next automatically. With two 90 minute cassettes, that would give 180 minutes of uninterrupted playing (more than 4 LPs).
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Actually the TD-709 that I have will switch from one well to the other automatically for play and I think record as well. I use mine for this type of playback a lot. I have never tried continuous recording but seem to remember reading that it can be done.

Regards,
Steve
 
Firby13 said:
Actually the TD-709 that I have will switch from one well to the other automatically for play and I think record as well. I use mine for this type of playback a lot. I have never tried continuous recording but seem to remember reading that it can be done.

Regards,
Steve
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Thanks for the reply. Maybe mine can, I just haven't figured it out yet. I can't find my manual. :bash:

Hey, can you scan yours and put it on the AK Database or send it to me. Is yours a TD-709 or a TD-W709? Mine is TD-W709.

Thanks.
 
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