Cassette decks....reliability and build quality...

My older Panasonic VHS recorder had an input level adjustment knob. It made great recordings even at the lower SLP setting. (No longer have the Panasonic.) But I have a really nice older very high-end Sony that my parents used many yrs. On Wed. (my next day off) I'll see how well it records an FM broadcast.

Check here for nakamichi info naks

NAD 6300. Tandberg electronics wih a really great set of heads. I have 2 that need service, but when they run they sound awesome.

Denon and Yamaha decks were quite reliable. NADs had a spotty record. Naks are fussy and produce non-standard tapes. Tandbergs and B&Os sound awesome, but can be service nightmares.

I'd go with Denon or Yanaha if I were you...

-RW-

Cassette decks are fairly complex devices. I would stay away from used, older decks due to maintenance issues. Even the best built ones require a good deal of TLC. A decent quality new Tascam or Denon deck will cost around $400. You could get lucky on an older deck, but you could get unlucky just as easily.

In a different direction, any sub-$200 USB A/D attached to a computer with recording software (usually bundled free with the A/D) will allow equal to if not better than cassette quality recordings, plus editing.