Older Nakamichi Gear ?? Stasis ??


Hi-

I'd like to get a simple system that is very warm
sounding. I'm specifically looking at older (used)
Nakamichi receivers and CD players. I am thinking
about a Nakamichi RE-2 Reciever with MB-2S CD player
or an SR-4A with OMS-7AII. I want it to be a simple
2 piece system and I want to use just one remote. Now
for my questions...

The SR-4A used a "Stasis" design. The RE-2 did not.
How did this affect the sound? I would think the SR-4A
is a warmer sound based on having a "Stasis" design???
Which model sounded better?

On the CD player side, which sounded better, the OMS-7AII
or the MB-2S ??

Thanks
Tom
eastside_guy
Just to respond to the person stating Nakamichi separates as being sharp sounding. I did own their poweramp, the PA5II, and it was sharp sounding and got rid of it really quick. I also had their preamp, the CA7II, which was sharp sounding too. I held onto this piece for a lil bit longer. I was using stock powercords all this time, btw. Until a few years ago, I started experimenting with aftermarket powercords. I found the CA7II has very good synergy with Mapleshade powercords. The sound became lively, warm, and the preamp ran very cool. With the stock cord, it was as hot as a class A amp. I can only imagine what the PA5II would sound like if I had tried it with the mapleshade.
I have owned a Stasis Amp, the PA-7. The Stasis and Class A output gave a nice warm sound that was also very dynamic. Strangely enough, in their second appearance, as in the Model IIs, as Viggen pointed out, several people state that the sound is not quite as nice or comparable to the original models. If you are to get a NAK receiver, get the SR-4A and avoid the newer models.
My opinion is that OMS-7, or 7II & SR-4a or TA-4a & you will have very wharm sound ...
Having owned a lot of it and sold it when it was new. The TA and SR amps are quite nice. The CD Players are pretty bad sounding by today's standards those.

I had a TA-3A which worked wonderful with a pair of Kefs. Not a bad sounding amp for pennies these days..

I would stay away from the older CD players though..

KiD
I've owned several Nak pieces over the years. Used to sell it back in the late 80's. I currently own a Nak Ca-5 preamp; MB-2s cd player and SR-3A reciever. I also have a broken OMS-5 cd player in the closet. Stay away from the RE series receivers as they are not anywhere near the quality of the SR or TA series, nor they sound anywhere as sweet. The SR series was the best receiver they built. Lot's of current well designed and practially bullit proof. Very open and dynamic once the idle current stabilizes. These have high idle currents so they tend to run on the warm side and need to be on for awhile to sound their best, IMO. The TA series stopped being buit in Japan and I feel it had a slightly lower build quality. Also they added video switching on all models and seperate listen/record tape switching which makes the design a bit more complicated. Same basic Stasis design as the SR each model produced more watts than any of the SR's. The TA's are still nice sounding units and it might be hard to hear a difference. The build quality and the additional switching are the weak links IMO for the TA series

The biggest problem with the OMS series of cd players is their age. If the transport mech. or laser assembly hasn't ever been replaced, I'd be suprised! This is a major expense if you can find the parts, and frankly the player isn't worth the repair. These players use old conversion technology, which at the time was the best, but now is mediocre. I'd opt for the original MB series if you're looking for a changer or the CDP series if looking for single. The MB(S) series has been known to have more transport problems(lesser build quality) than the original MB series, but I've had mine 7 years w/o incedent (knock on wood). Again almost impossible to get parts and more expense than the player is worth. They sound OK, clear and detailed, but completely lacking in soundstage width and depth. I use mine with an outboard DAC. When my MB-2S bites the dust I'll get something else rather than fix it.

Hope this helps.