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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: jim1274 on February 10, 2009, 07:29:46 PM

Title: Technics RS-M85MK2 cassette deck question
Post by: jim1274 on February 10, 2009, 07:29:46 PM

Does anybody know if the Technics RS-M85MK2 cassette deck has any value for somebody looking for a cassette transfer deck?  I have one that is in mint condition with very little use.  There was a just ended buy-it-now on ebay for the cheaper non-MK2 version for $375.  That price seems ridiculously high!  This seems like a pro quality deck--built like a tank.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330300180281&fromMakeTrack=true

http://www.thevintageknob.org/TECHNICS/RSM85/RSM85.html

Title: Re: Technics RS-M85MK2 cassette deck question
Post by: sunjan on February 11, 2009, 05:28:20 PM

There are two main criteria to look for when getting a tape transfer deck:
1. Manual azimuth adjustment of play head. Requires removable front lid for easy access of the adjustment screw (or go for the few Nakamichi models which have a custom knob for this).
2. Three head design, to minimize interference.
(3. Obviously, the deck also needs Fe/Cr/Metal bias selector, and Dolby if your tapes were recorded with Dolby, but that goes without saying.)

Looking at the specs, your deck is a two head model, so I would put my money elsewhere for this specific useage:
http://www.thevintageknob.org/TECHNICS/RSM85/RSM85.html

It's a nice deck, but I wouldn't get it for tape transfers.

Title: Re: Technics RS-M85MK2 cassette deck question
Post by: jim1274 on February 19, 2009, 07:38:15 PM

Quote from: sunjan on February 11, 2009, 05:28:20 PM

There are two main criteria to look for when getting a tape transfer deck:
1. Manual azimuth adjustment of play head. Requires removable front lid for easy access of the adjustment screw (or go for the few Nakamichi models which have a custom knob for this).
2. Three head design, to minimize interference.
(3. Obviously, the deck also needs Fe/Cr/Metal bias selector, and Dolby if your tapes were recorded with Dolby, but that goes without saying.)

Looking at the specs, your deck is a two head model, so I would put my money elsewhere for this specific useage:
http://www.thevintageknob.org/TECHNICS/RSM85/RSM85.html

It's a nice deck, but I wouldn't get it for tape transfers.

Thanks for the input.  I guess it is a nice deck that now has no use.  Can't imagine anyone RECORDING to cassette any more.  I'll just put on ebay if of no value to tapers.

Title: Re: Technics RS-M85MK2 cassette deck question
Post by: Belexes on February 19, 2009, 08:25:30 PM

Quote from: jim1274 on February 19, 2009, 07:38:15 PM

Can't imagine anyone RECORDING to cassette any more.

There still are some people that tape with analog for fun here. See team analog masters.