Need advice
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. |
I bought a Nakamichi DR-3 in mint condition a couple of years ago here on A'gon for a hundred bucks. Works and sounds like a charm. I would avoid Tandberg. Great decks, but problematic ... and I speak from experience on this issue. They have solenoid switches that will have you pulling your hair out. Frank |
