Tandberg, Revox if you can find them. :)
Need advice
Hey guys, been gone awhile. Question, my 1970's teenage nostalgia is prodding me to want to add a cassette deck to my system. Other than what I have been researching, I am pretty clueless and overwhelmed with what decks might be a good solid playback performer for me. I don't really have an interest in recording. I do like the vintage alum/wood look (my system is an eclectic mix anyway)...but that is not a must. At the end of the day it is about what will provide me mechanical dependability and good sound. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks...PS..I need to stay on the moderate under 200.00 range if I can as this will not be a "main" piece.
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This new deck will fit the bill. None of the problems you might have with a vintage deck! https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1262615-REG/marantz_professional_pmd_300cp_dual_cassette_deck... |
This is an easy one. Don’t bother looking for a Tandberg or Revox, they aren’t available. I look all the time and never find them. Do the smart thing and buy a higher end Nakamichi. You won’t be disappointed! I recommend the Dragon, CR-7A, ZX-9, ZXL1000 or RX-505. If you need a rebuild or service, contact Willy Hermann in California. Unfortunately, you will likely need to spend more than $200, but at least you know what brand to look for. As far as tapes go, check thrift stores. |
If you can forego nostalgia Yogiboy’s recommendation makes a lot of sense.
Back to nostalgia, you might consider one of these three brands to keep within your targeted budget: Teac, Akai (with glass heads) & Pioneer. If gone through properly they will offer very good playback performance and reliability.
Revox, Tandberg and Nakamichi are great decks, but if/when they go down you can almost assuredly expect a repair bill larger than your targeted initial expenditure of $200.00. And yes, I can speak from experience in terms of owning at least one deck from each of the aforementioned brands over the years.
I have purchased two Teac decks from this eBay seller (theoldstereoguy) in recent years and they’ve arrived well-packed and in the stated physical/operational condition. Zero affiliation, just a reliable place to start. Good luck. |
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