How long do Cassette Decks last


Just a curious question. How long do you think a well cared for cassette deck will last. One of the better models from Nakamichi, Tanberg, Revox, Pioneer etc. Can anyone estimate the hours they have on their old pal? Thanks.
128x128davt
I'm going to say roughly 15 years.... depending on the type of drive you've got. If you've done the gear drive upgrade on your NAK or if you have the "Cassette Deck model 1" that comes with gear drive, you're probably all right. Otherwise the drives do give out over time. Also I had a CR3a with a blown motor. My BX-300 failed and had to have the gear drive upgrade. I can tell you by perusing the ebay ads for naks that there are many CR-3a,CR-7a, others sold with some sort of drive problem.
My Nak CR-2 is about 15 years or so old and it should last a long long time unless it dies of dust collection. I don't know why I have it hooked up.
Most of the drive problems can, I understand, be solved with a simple idler wheel replacement/upgrade. If you're mechanical, you can probably do it yourself. The part is about $10.
I used a three head JVC TDV66 for 15 yrs. regularly until it finally stopped cold.I replaced it with a NAK DR 10. Nsgarch, I also second Jeff and his crew at ES Labs. They are an excellent group to deal with and is very highly recommended.
My Nak broke because of NON-USE! The two axle motors or is it the clutches (?) stop turning with the tape in gear after a while. A night of continuous spinning sets them well again - very annoying. But I use my DAT-recorder more, anyway.