Topic: Tascam vs. Nakamichi cassette decks

[blajnwand]

I would like to transfer all of my old cassettes (recorded with my first "rig": a handheld Panasonic cassette recorder with internal mic) and have been looking at mid range cassette decks. I like the Tascam decks because they have balanced XLR outputs, but the mid-range Naks I am looking at have azimuth adjustment (but no balanced outputs, unfortunately). What's the stronger option to have for the transfers?

P.S. If anyone is interested, I am looking at getting either a Tascam 122 or 133 series or a lower model Nakamichi CR or DR series deck.

[bootray]

IMHO Nakamichi is not the company they were back in the 70's & 80's.
I cannot compare the Nak with the Tascam but the audoiphile status
of Nakamichi has been in question for almost 20 years.
XLR helps with High end recordings but may not be apparent
with lower quailty recordings..
Why not transfer to Hard Drive? Dubbing from Cass to Cass will only
add an extra 3 to 5db to the already abundant noise floor.
How many tapes? Could you rent or borrow?
Remember to "tail out" the Master Cass after dubbing for safe long term storage.
("play" mode all the way through to the end of side, no ff or rewinding)
I have ruined tapes from 20 years storage after FF or rewinding to
the end.

[blajnwand]

Oh, sorry if I wasn't clear. The cassette deck is only for playback purposes. I'll be transferring to hard drive via either an Echo Layla 24 or Lynx One soundcard (not sure which one I will get yet - will probably depend on eBay availability).

[setboy]

you want azimuth adjustment



Raphael

[blajnwand]

If that's the consensus around here, then I guess I'll go with the Naks. Too bad they didn't make any MR units with playback azimuth.

[Brian Skalinder]

Most decks allow manual azimuth adjustment, but unless specified as a distinct feature (meaning there's a user-friendly knob for tweaking), it requires [1] removing the cassette bay door, and [2] using a plastic screwdriver to adjust the azimuth.  It's really easy to do.  So I wouldn't necessarily limit yourself to decks having the azimuth adjust feature.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

How are you testing the azimuth setting?   The only ways I know to do that is to have a test tone written by the record deck onto the tape that you are trying to match or use a scope while playing the same segment over and over until you think you have found the maximum level. 

If you are going to change the azimuth on a deck for which that is not an intended feature, you should record a test tone onto a fresh tape so that you have someway of restoring the setting to it's original position after you are done with the transfers.

[Albix714]

Silly question, but I don't have the answer.

Where can I get a plastic screwdriver to adjust the azimuth?

Thanks.

[Albix714]

Silly question, but I don't have the answer.

Where can I get a plastic screwdriver to adjust the azimuth of my Nak deck?

Thanks.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

radio shack may still sell them.  any electronic supply house will have them.   Look in your local yellow pages if you are in or near a decent sized city. 

They are made of plastic but also some other non-metalic composite.

[Albix714]

I went to Radio Shack today, no dice. Hardware store guy suggested hobby shops or jewelers. Googled it and found nothing.

Good idea about the electronic supply house, thanks.

[Roving Sign]

FWIW - I've never used a plastic screwdriver...

Just made sure it wasn't one with a magnetic tip...

Althought I can see the wisdom of the plastic driver...you might still need a metal one break any screw sealer that is often applied.

[zowie]

Silly question, but I don't have the answer.

Where can I get a plastic screwdriver to adjust the azimuth of my Nak deck?

Thanks.

Eyeglass repair kits, from drugstore or eye care center.

[Albix714]

Thanks guys, I went with a non magnetic screwdriver, adjusted the azimuth and the transfer came out nicely.