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Audio and Video Talk
Reel-to-Reel & Cassette Tapes
What to look for in a cassette deck ?
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<blockquote data-quote="Steerpike" data-source="post: 901655" data-attributes="member: 807"><p>Dual capstans are theoretically better; but the common situation is that most of the better machines are now 30 years old or more, and need work. A dual capstan system requires more maintenance and has more to go wrong. In the R600 zone, a fully refurbished machine is not likely.</p><p></p><p>Technics beyond 1990 I would not want - they started using cheap stamped-metal OEM mechanisms, and they are not of the same quality as the Technics machines of the 1980s.</p><p></p><p>Sony and Teac (=Tascam) had some well made models.</p><p></p><p>Front panel bias trim, or full auto-alignment, are a very worthwhile feature.</p><p>Dolby HX or HX-Pro (not the same thing) are also a nice bonus if you make recordings (they don't operate in playback).</p><p></p><p>Anything with two cassette mechanisms (double deck) will always be inferior. </p><p>And auto reverse is always inferior to single-direction rec/play. </p><p>Avoid such machines if best sound quality is your primary goal.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Steerpike, post: 901655, member: 807"] Dual capstans are theoretically better; but the common situation is that most of the better machines are now 30 years old or more, and need work. A dual capstan system requires more maintenance and has more to go wrong. In the R600 zone, a fully refurbished machine is not likely. Technics beyond 1990 I would not want - they started using cheap stamped-metal OEM mechanisms, and they are not of the same quality as the Technics machines of the 1980s. Sony and Teac (=Tascam) had some well made models. Front panel bias trim, or full auto-alignment, are a very worthwhile feature. Dolby HX or HX-Pro (not the same thing) are also a nice bonus if you make recordings (they don't operate in playback). Anything with two cassette mechanisms (double deck) will always be inferior. And auto reverse is always inferior to single-direction rec/play. Avoid such machines if best sound quality is your primary goal. [/QUOTE]
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Audio and Video Talk
Reel-to-Reel & Cassette Tapes
What to look for in a cassette deck ?
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