Topic: would this deck be ok for cassette transfers?

[thunderbolt]

Thanks Terry.  I looked at all of those ads last night.  Just not familiar with cassette decks AT ALL to know what's good or not.  If all three were in tip top shape, which would you recommend?  I also have a Sony D6 at my disposal.  The one that actually recorded the masters.  Just need a power cable.  Would that be better?

IMO it's always better to transfer from the deck that recorded the master.  You don't have to worry about azimuth and alignment issues; it will be dead-on.  On the negative side, if you have dozens or hundreds of tapes to transfer, that's a lot of wear and tear for a D6 mechanism. 

I have a D6 and a proper power supply.  It's a Sony AC-D4L, 6V, 650 mA, but no longer available.  Ring is positive, tip is negative.

Nonsense - its a screw with a metal spring behind it - its subject to all sorts of temperature changes, jolts, jars etc...yeah - it might track properly, but you're better off making a sweep with the screwdriver just to be sure.

And the D6 was the worst of all the portable transports - notoriously flaky tracking on those things. Not recommended for transfers...

IMO - Any decent single direction deck is good choice...it doesnt have to be a NAK...

Nope, not nonsense, just your opinion.  I've made some transfers from the D6 that were fine.  There are far more crappy transports than a D6.  And as a general principle, deck choice aside, it is accepted practice that analog tape playback from the deck that recorded it is preferable, although it's true that this refers more to open reel than cassette.  I agree that any decent deck will probably do a good job, if it has been properly maintained.

[runonce]

Thanks Terry.  I looked at all of those ads last night.  Just not familiar with cassette decks AT ALL to know what's good or not.  If all three were in tip top shape, which would you recommend?  I also have a Sony D6 at my disposal.  The one that actually recorded the masters.  Just need a power cable.  Would that be better?

IMO it's always better to transfer from the deck that recorded the master.  You don't have to worry about azimuth and alignment issues; it will be dead-on.  On the negative side, if you have dozens or hundreds of tapes to transfer, that's a lot of wear and tear for a D6 mechanism. 

I have a D6 and a proper power supply.  It's a Sony AC-D4L, 6V, 650 mA, but no longer available.  Ring is positive, tip is negative.

Nonsense - its a screw with a metal spring behind it - its subject to all sorts of temperature changes, jolts, jars etc...yeah - it might track properly, but you're better off making a sweep with the screwdriver just to be sure.

And the D6 was the worst of all the portable transports - notoriously flaky tracking on those things. Not recommended for transfers...

IMO - Any decent single direction deck is good choice...it doesnt have to be a NAK...

Nope, not nonsense, just your opinion.  I've made some transfers from the D6 that were fine.  There are far more crappy transports than a D6.  And as a general principle, deck choice aside, it is accepted practice that analog tape playback from the deck that recorded it is preferable, although it's true that this refers more to open reel than cassette.  I agree that any decent deck will probably do a good job, if it has been properly maintained.

It may be preferable to play back on the original decks for some reasons...

But to say "You don't have to worry about azimuth and alignment issues" just because you have the mastering deck is...nonsense!

Even with the mastering deck, I'd still want to dial it in for each tape...

Cassette decks weren't the most accurate spec in the manufacturing world...lots of moving parts. Portables were particularly susceptible to problems.

The D6 was known for its warbly takeup at the beginning of tapes...and Im not sure its alignment system lends itself to repeated adjustment.

[Govt Mule]

all d6s tend to run slow so playback sounds fast on decks with the correct speed.

[thunderbolt]

It may be preferable to play back on the original decks for some reasons...

But to say "You don't have to worry about azimuth and alignment issues" just because you have the mastering deck is...nonsense!

********************

OK, gotcha, I think I misunderstood what you were originally saying.  Agreed.

[kirk97132]

the speed is off on the d6 most of the time. i would use it or buy a deck with adjustable speed or fix it in post

D6 had quartz lock for speed control, but the D6 does have a manual  has speed control

[leehookem]

just fired up the D6.  It works!!!  Doesn't sound like the speed is off at all.  More to come...

[leehookem]

It's a Sony AC-D4L, 6V, 650 mA

I know when dealing with mA you have to feed it at least the required amount, so in this case 650.  How much over is acceptable?  I found this one at Best Buy.  http://www.dynexproducts.com/products/cables-cords-adapters/DX-AC1200.html  Is 1200mA too much?

[Jackpine]

That adapter will be fine, make sure to pay attention to polarity.

Denon also made some nice cassette decks.