Cassette Decks

[SteveH72]

I am seriously considering resurrecting my interest in cassettes and am, therefore, looking for recommendations of a good deck. It’s only a whim so don’t wish to spend more than £100-200.
What models do you recommend? Thanks

 

[abacus]

If you have a large selection of cassettes then have a look in the used market, as I believe there is only one or two that are currently being produced, and are way outside your price range.
If you don't already have selection of cassettes (In good order) then don't bother.

Bill

 

[matthewpianist]

Look for something that has been serviced to at least some extent and, in your price range, I suggest focusing in on Denon, Sony, Technics and Yamaha, all of whom made very good affordable decks. You should, for example, be able to pick up a nice example of a Sony TCK-611S, which would be a nice option.

Belts are the main problem with older cassette decks, but also heads usually require at least a clean using isopropyl alcohol, though this obviously won't take away the effects of wear.

If you want something really special you would need to save quite a bit more up and look for a good Nakamichi, but I think that's more of a next step should you really get back into the format in a big way.

 

[Din5]

I can recommend Technics RS-BX501, because I own one ..!
It's got great features including superfast spin, auto-reverse, auto eq/bias etc , check out the specs online. I hooked it up to my new system recently, setup tape correctly and recorded a track and was amazed by the sound quality, easily worthy of playing in my system.
I'm sure there will be many fine cassette decks for sale second hand, just try to buy one that has been serviced and new belts fitted.
Hope this helps .

 

[SteveH72]

If you have a large selection of cassettes then have a look in the used market, as I believe there is only one or two that are currently being produced, and are way outside your price range.
If you don't already have selection of cassettes (In good order) then don't bother.

Bill

Thanks, Bill,
Yes, I have some of my older cassettes. Not many, hence I don’t want to spend much.

 

[SteveH72]

Yes, must definitely be serviced, but not looking to make a big investment.
My old deck was a Technics, which performed very well so would look again at them, but open to other makes.

 

[elliswils]

Tascam and TEAC were the last two manufacturers to make cassette decks, although I have sneaking feeling it is one factory making the same deck with two different name plates...

There are some very good decks out there and it comes down to doing the research and looking for a good 'classic' deck.

I picked up a second hand TEAC H-300 reference deck for my eldest daughter. In fact the whole TEAC 300 series of separates is worth looking out for. The alternative is to keep an eye on the specialist second hand hi-fi eBay companies. There are two very good ones in the UK that are easy to find in a search.

Cassette decks have been enjoying a renaissance for a couple of years now so the second hand market does not have the bargains it used to have.

Patience and know your classics from the turkeys!

 

[abacus]

Tascam and TEAC were the last two manufacturers to make cassette decks, although I have sneaking feeling it is one factory making the same deck with two different name plates...

There are some very good decks out there and it comes down to doing the research and looking for a good 'classic' deck.

I picked up a second hand TEAC H-300 reference deck for my eldest daughter. In fact the whole TEAC 300 series of separates is worth looking out for. The alternative is to keep an eye on the specialist second hand hi-fi eBay companies. There are two very good ones in the UK that are easy to find in a search.

Cassette decks have been enjoying a renaissance for a couple of years now so the second hand market does not have the bargains it used to have.

Patience and know your classics from the turkeys!

Tascam is the professional arm Teac, so yes they are the same deck. (Made in China I believe)

Bill

 

[SteveH72]

Patience and know your classics from the turkeys!

That is of the course the crux of the matter. My instinct is Yamaha, Technics, Sony or Pioneer. Plenty of serviced models available for reasonable money. Just reading around the different models.

 

[Geoff P.]

Abacus makes a good point about the actual cassettes being in good condition. I've still got over 100 pre-recorded cassettes from the 70s/80s, but know from experience that the problem is the adhesive connecting the leader to the recorded tape.
It goes hard and brittle, and will eventually come apart, leaving the tape end potentially marooned inside the case.
As my old Aiwa deck gave up the ghost a few years ago ( drive belts turned to black mush ! ), my 4 cases of cassettes are now just sat on a shelf, awaiting the time they'll turn into a good investment !

 

[nopiano]

There are Nakamichi models for under £200, though as with all cassette decks, condition is paramount. Many have either significant cosmetic damage, or signs of corrosion (indicating they’ve been stored in a shed or garage, rather than at room temperature).

Patience and research is vital, therefore. Second string to Nak, in my book, would be Denon and Yamaha. These were all popular in the UK, but if you live elsewhere, much will depends on what’s available.

My limited investigation suggests there are no new models worth bothering with, as none that I can find have Dolby B. A couple have a generic noise reduction setting for replay of Dolby recordings, but that’s not ideal ime.

Is that any help?

 

[ianb]

I own both technics and sony decks not to mention a vintage pioneer,recommend all.

 

[SteveH72]

Sadly, I got rid of a lot of my tapes, especially old mix tapes. I have rediscovered a few pre-recorded ones, hence the new interest. They haven’t been played for a long time, but they look in good nick.

 

[abacus]

There are Nakamichi models for under £200, though as with all cassette decks, condition is paramount. Many have either significant cosmetic damage, or signs of corrosion (indicating they’ve been stored in a shed or garage, rather than at room temperature).

Patience and research is vital, therefore. Second string to Nak, in my book, would be Denon and Yamaha. These were all popular in the UK, but if you live elsewhere, much will depends on what’s available.

My limited investigation suggests there are no new models worth bothering with, as none that I can find have Dolby B. A couple have a generic noise reduction setting for replay of Dolby recordings, but that’s not ideal ime.

Is that any help?

Dolby stopped issuing licences for their noise reduction system around 2014, so its no longer available for any manufacture to include on new decks. (Perhaps if the cassette comeback is real they may think again)
While Dolby B is the most common, if you want to record your own for personal use, then Dolby C in combination HX Pro is the best, just not compatible with most normal players.

 

[elliswils]

Yamaha, Technics, Sony or Pioneer are all good decks. I use a TEAC W-890-R twin deck which is great. I bought it new from Richer Sounds about 12-years ago when my Pioneer packed up.

I've put together a 'tool kit' for repairing tapes way back when I used a Sharp 'walkman' player for my daily commute, now that was a great little player barely bigger than the tape itself, so can fix most problems. You can't do that with CDs or vinyl.

They are out there, you just need to take time finding the right one.

 

[Rodolfo]

My last player was a Nakamichi, and I'd shop for a used one today. I still own a very nice Nakamichi SoundSpace 8, though that only plays CDs.

 

[kramer2020]

I am seriously considering resurrecting my interest in cassettes and am, therefore, looking for recommendations of a good deck. It’s only a whim so don’t wish to spend more than £100-200.
What models do you recommend? Thanks

I've recently bought an AKAI GX-F31 a very nice direct drive deck.

 

[DREADZONE]

There are Nakamichi models for under £200, though as with all cassette decks, condition is paramount. Many have either significant cosmetic damage, or signs of corrosion (indicating they’ve been stored in a shed or garage, rather than at room temperature).

Patience and research is vital, therefore. Second string to Nak, in my book, would be Denon and Yamaha. These were all popular in the UK, but if you live elsewhere, much will depends on what’s available.

My limited investigation suggests there are no new models worth bothering with, as none that I can find have Dolby B. A couple have a generic noise reduction setting for replay of Dolby recordings, but that’s not ideal ime.

Is that any help?

I have a Denon DN-790R: I originally bought it (in 1996!) because it has wide ranging adjustment features which might work with my large self-made recordings across AKAI, JVC and Denon decks. Rarely use it now, but it does serve the purpose I bought it for.
This is a useful review from Hifiengine:
Reviewed Mar 21st, 2022 by BlakeW2
"Having serviced two of these decks, I have to say that despite the cheap plastic case, there's gold to be found inside. The mechanism is solid and easy to access (ignoring the finicky belt replacement and reassembly), with acceptable wow/flutter (being a belt-drive unit, after all) and I can't fault the electronics. The auto tape tuning is what elevates this deck above the DRM-800, and being able to tweak the bias is always welcome (since auto tuning only adjusts recording sensitivity and EQ). The sound is very clear and direct, and recordings basically sound identical to the source. I have a feeling the amorphous heads may outlast me!"

 

[Gray]

I've recently bought an AKAI GX-F31 a very nice direct drive deck.

Tape was an Akai speciality.
If I'm not mistaken the GX meant the model had a 'glass crystal' head for longer life.

@SteveH72 be sure to check for head wear as some soft metal ones will have a deep wear line (that will stop a fingernail when run across the surface).

 

[nopiano]

I have a Denon DN-790R: I originally bought it (in 1996!) because it has wide ranging adjustment features which might work with my large self-made recordings across AKAI, JVC and Denon decks. Rarely use it now, but it does serve the purpose I bought it for.
This is a useful review from Hifiengine:
Reviewed Mar 21st, 2022 by BlakeW2
"Having serviced two of these decks, I have to say that despite the cheap plastic case, there's gold to be found inside. The mechanism is solid and easy to access (ignoring the finicky belt replacement and reassembly), with acceptable wow/flutter (being a belt-drive unit, after all) and I can't fault the electronics. The auto tape tuning is what elevates this deck above the DRM-800, and being able to tweak the bias is always welcome (since auto tuning only adjusts recording sensitivity and EQ). The sound is very clear and direct, and recordings basically sound identical to the source. I have a feeling the amorphous heads may outlast me!"

Wow, I don’t remember that model, but it looks the dogs! Even has balanced inputs and outputs, and still fetching a hefty price. Nice!

 

[SteveH72]

Well, I’m still researching and navigating the minefield. There are a lot of very good decks available at reasonable prices. I’m filtering by looking at serviced models.
Brand new and sealed blank cassettes are in abundance on eBay, as are pre-recorded ones.
Could be a fun foray.

 

[Al ears]

Well, I’m still researching and navigating the minefield. There are a lot of very good decks available at reasonable prices. I’m filtering by looking at serviced models.
Brand new and sealed blank cassettes are in abundance on eBay, as are pre-recorded ones.
Could be a fun foray.

Let me know how it goes, I have some new blank tapes that need a new home.

 

[nads]

My JVC still gets used occasionally. Bought in new in the 80s as does the Technics tuner.

 

[BernardWilliamson]

I am seriously considering resurrecting my interest in cassettes and am, therefore, looking for recommendations of a good deck. It’s only a whim so don’t wish to spend more than £100-200.
What models do you recommend? Thanks

I believe there is only one or two that are currently being produced, and are way outside your price range.

 

[SteveH72]

I believe there is only one or two that are currently being produced, and are way outside your price range.

Thanks, but I wasn’t looking to buy new.