Top 10 vintage cassette decks

I like the Nakamichi decks- they are built quite nicely...

BUT

the three-head models are prone to failure of the 3rd (record) head. The head is very difficult to find and expensive when you do. You may pay as much for that head as you do for the entire machine. IMO its not worth it.

If this warning is insufficient let's put it this way: Check the machine before the purchase is final; beware of 'one channel out in record'. These days that likely means a bad record head.

I will chime in and say ANY three head Nakamichi will likely outperform other decks out there... I have restored many and currently run a CR3A in my main system. It is an outstanding performer.

For overall good looks, it is hard to beat a Pioneer CT-F1250 or Akai GX-8.

+1 for Nak CR7A. Bought one new and still have it. I probably haven’t used it for serious listening in 25 years but can’t bear to sell it. Recently recorded a Qobuz stream on a metal cassette and the sound was amazing.  Only serviced once for new belts.  Many think it’s better than the Dragon.  

Even though I use aligned and calibrated by a pro Nak 682ZX with Maxell Vertex tapes on an almost daily basis, I do not recommend spending a lot on any cassette deck, including relatively high cost of maintenance. I think, 682ZX and ZX-7 are audiophile best values. 1000ZXL is a masterpiece, ZX-9 is excellent.

Yes, some say that Tandberg 3014A was the very best of them all.

My Nak has served me well for over 20 years but I really take care of it.

Oh, and I use $2600 cables with it, by the way. Yeah, I tried everything starting with Nakamichi cables, then going up Purist Audio line to Neptune, and finally settled on Wywires Diamond. It did take 20 years. I use Diamonds with phono too.

Anyway, if you want great performance - go for two track R2R.

Big recommendation for Onkyo 2600 or 2800.  I bought a 2600 new in 1989, and it still works fine.  Lots of useful features, three heads.  They come up on eBay occasionally.