Cassette Decks in 2019

Al, I was pretty active with cassettes in the '70s and '80s.  Not all at one time but I owned several decks -- HK (2), Tandberg, Nak (480, not impressed), Aiwa, Pioneer, etc.  I was always disappointed by commercial pre-recorded tapes.  But I never heard any of the Advent or CSIS products.  For the others I expect it was the high speed duplication that was their undoing.

However I found making my own recordings, mainly from LPs, with careful attention to tape quality, bias, clean sources, etc. gave very listenable results.  I think some who were disenchanted with cassettes either heard poor quality pre-recorded examples or poorly done home made.

Of course, I can't. So technically, my comments are conjecture. I wouldn't buy the Tascam, as superior vintage models can be acquired for less. 

Let me start by saying that I am a former broadcast professional and have extensive experience with Tascam equipment, from the excellent analog 112 & 122 units to both 2 track and multi-track reel-to-reel machines and onwards to Tascam DAT machines. I am a fan of Tascam.

I firmly believe that the Tascamm 202 MkVii is the best new cassette deck money can by. Zero doubt. However, looks good and sounds decent is okay for a $50 100 purchase, but $500? Even discounted to $400? 

Unless someone wanted a USB port, I cannot offer any compelling reason to invest that kind of money in a machine that doesn't perform to the level of price it commands. 

If money is no object, by all means. But $500 will get you a hell of a nice restored vintage 3-head, closed-loop, dual capstan high performance machine from the likes of Nakamichi, Yamaha, Teac OR a real Tascam, Sony ES, Denon, Akai, Pioneer etc. 

Sorry of I happened to offend anyone. Just an old fart who is passionate about old-school analogue recording. It can still be done well for a reasonable cost.

YMMV

Pryso,

You and I are in the same boat. I never cared for mass produced commercial cassettes.

I forgot to mention Aiwa too. I owned an AD-F770 and just adored that machine. Have owned Nakamichi BX-300, Akai GX-9, Teac V900X, Yamaha: KX-1200, K720 & KX-500.

Currently have a 2-head Nakamichi BX125 (gave to my son) and Yamaha K1000 & K1020 both 3-head. 

Taking a good 3-head deck with a good quality, properly calibrated cassette tape and making a recording from vinyl and even CD is pleasing. I enjoy the sound of a well recorded cassette. It's a natural sound and pleasing to my aging ears.

I lucked out last week and was able to purchase a stock of almost 150 brand new, sealed Maxell tapes. 20% type IV and 80% type II. That's enough to keep me happy indefinitely. 

Even mass produced SONY Walkman cassette players sound better than off the shelf CD players by a considerable margin. Please, no angry emails. Yes, I know CDs are perfect sound forever. 😛

As far as mass produced commercial tapes, sure there were some stinkers but to get an idea of a very well done tape try out;


Songs from the Big Chair by Tears for Fears

Then report back......