Topic: Azimuth adjustment (nakamichi) vs. play trim (Yamaha, NAD)?

[sunjan]

Hi all,

I have a huge backlog of live recordings from the old tape days, ca 1988-1996. They were mostly recorded with my old Sony D3.
I'm looking at eventually transferring to WAV, but I'm not sure my current tape deck, Yamaha KX-W900U, is up to it.

I've been reading a lot on Nakamichi's playback azimuth adjustment, and know that some models feature this knob, and the Dragon even does this automatically. There are also a few other rare brands that have this knob (Tandberg, Revox). I'm aware that I could use a screwdriver for adjustment of most decks, but I don't trust myself enough to go that way.

But I've also gotten recommendations to pick up any Yamaha or NAD deck with the "play trim" knob. This is supposed to extend the range and adjust the treble straight at playback, matching the sound of high-end Naks. My current deck doesn't have play trim, but many others do, and the good thing is that they can be picked up for less than $100 on ebay.

Other threads on this subject:
http://gearslutz.com/board/showthread.php?t=102150
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=tape&n=6921
http://www.vintagecassette.com/search.jsp (search for "playtrim" without space)

For those of you who tried the play trim, would it suffice with a good Yamaha or NAD to give my tapes a decent playback? Or would a Nak make a huge difference?

Thanks,

Jan

[capnhook]

I only have experience with the Dragon.....I think one advantage with its auto azimuth control is that after you load a tape and the machine finds the correct azimuth, it locks into a closed-loop feedback system that tracks and adjusts the azimuth throughout the whole tape, as it is being played.  It actively seeks the best alignment, and adjusts the head from tape start to tape end.  At least, that's what I thought mine used to do.  Still listen to my cassette masters from time to time......man, that thing made great tapes.   
Sold it back to the guy I bought it from when it needed to go to the shop for some work.....sure glad I know where to find it again.