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

thanks folks...as always great responses...leaning towards the laptop/usd a/d approach at the moment...never thought of that...would i be able to record the signal from my analog tuner/preamp...or use the included tuner in the usb a/d product...which would sound better?

Doesn't sound like you are looking for the ultimate in fidelity, but if you are, try to find a Nak 1000 ZXL or 700 ZXL. Each listed for over $3,000 twenty-five years ago. They represent the pinnacle of cassette deck design. Good shops such as Analogique in Manhattan can really tweak these machines. With a metal tape and proper adjustment, the fidelity is remarkable.

The best cassette deck I ever owned was a Nakamichi CR7a. I was able to make high quality tapes, but the phrase "the ultimate in fidelity" never crossed my mind. When compared to the original vinyl the casette always sounded slightly congested and electronic.