Cassette Deck??

I have 2 Nakamichi decks from the mid 1980's, (a BX125, and a BX300). Still working perfectly (not that I listen to many of my cassette tapes made way back when...), but I've had no problems with them whatsoever in over 25 years!! No lie!! I think they still sound great. I'd part with the BX125 for pennies on the dollar if you wanted it. I don't have a need for 2 cassette decks. Never use them anymore, just keeping stuff around 'cause I'm OCD and I never get rid of anything (gearwise.) Check this out- I even have my 1st set of Advent 2 ways from 1973, and a friggin' mint condition ADC Sound Shaper 2 graphic equalizer from the same era. I hoard stuff and then build secondary systems in every other room of my damn house, in my garage, bedrooms, the family room, back patio, etc. I even have old classic stuff from the 70's, (still working too), out in my tool shed. It's outta control man. I drive my lovely wife nuts! But I'm trying to change! Working thru my anal retentive audiophile issues thru intensive counciling, shock therapy sessions, and very strong medications! Reinventing myself, so to speak. I'm actually selling off all kinds of stuff, and giving things away for free, and reducing my "carbon footprint" at the same time, Ha Ha Ha...or should I say excess clutter? Hey partner I'm serious as a heart attack. You can have the "lesser" Nak.(the BX 125) for $50.00 bucks plus shipping. I know! I know! Audiogon says we aren't supposed to use these discussion forums for selling stuff, so hows about this- I just give it to you? You pay for the shipping and I'll "pay it forward". You get a 25 year old (almost mint condition) Nak. cassette deck for FREE, your wife doesn't get pissed because you "once again" want more electronic toys and bullshit, (because it never ends with us audiophiles and gear heads), and I get to "weed out" another piece of ancient dust collecting gear! It's a win-win situation man! I even have the original box and instruction manual. This way, when your "passing fad" fades away in a year or less, you're not out any money, you can turn around and sell it off here on Audiogon, or have yourself that "much needed" yardsale, then use the money to finance your drug habit and/or gambling addiction! Just kidding about the drugs, Bro. Seriously though, I'll give it to you for free. You pick up the cost of shipping and I'll let you have it. You go ahead and enjoy it. God knows I don't "need" it anymore. Let me know if you wanna do that ok? I'm just sharin' the love. Peace and Happy listening you fellow Audiophile obsessive :-)

Elizabeth's advice sounds the best. I have an expensive Sony that will not work because I can't get a cheap belt. I wouldn't spend any more on a cassette than she recommends.

Sure, those $7-$10 Goodwill cassette decks should sound just as good as a Nakamichi? I'd go with that!

Cassettes are history, whether Nakamichi or the best Revox.

Right. RTRs are history too, so are tube amps and vinyl. You might be able to get belt for your Sony deck on ebay; I got a quality belt for my twelve years old CEC cd player.