What was (is?) the best of the best casette deck?
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danj
modern primitive
Nakamichi made a few models which could be considered "the best," whatever that means. So did Tandberg and Revox.
If I had to pick just one it would be the Nakamichi 1000ZXL Limited. Why? Because it was the best Nakamichi could make and it was a fantastically beautiful machine. Top notch in every category, it was the ultimate Nakamichi and, by default, the ultimate cassette deck.
Tandberg, Revox, and even Nakamichi fans might have a legitimate argument with that "best" moniker but even they must admit that there may have been a FEW decks that were the equal of the 1000ZXL, there were none better.
For one a little more down-to-earth affordable I would choose the Pioneer CTF-1250.
But if you want the ultimate analog recorder, nothing beats a good reel to reel deck. Even the absolutely best cassette decks ever made can only approach the quality of a good R2R.
If I had to pick just one it would be the Nakamichi 1000ZXL Limited. Why? Because it was the best Nakamichi could make and it was a fantastically beautiful machine. Top notch in every category, it was the ultimate Nakamichi and, by default, the ultimate cassette deck.
Tandberg, Revox, and even Nakamichi fans might have a legitimate argument with that "best" moniker but even they must admit that there may have been a FEW decks that were the equal of the 1000ZXL, there were none better.
For one a little more down-to-earth affordable I would choose the Pioneer CTF-1250.
But if you want the ultimate analog recorder, nothing beats a good reel to reel deck. Even the absolutely best cassette decks ever made can only approach the quality of a good R2R.
Alex Nikitin
Active Member
That is only true for 15 and 30 ips professional recorders, IMHO. Top quality cassette deck on a good metal/CrO2 tape can be equal of better than most R2R at 7.5 ips.
Alex
I have an Akai cassette deck with the GX head. In the more affordable price range (some of the best-of-the-best models listed above still sell for impressive sums), they're hard to beat.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
For me, it's Tandberg for sound quality alone. I also like ReVox and Studer cassette machines. Nakamichis come next in line. Ask the Viking who owns a Tandberg!
danj
modern primitive
Yeah, I should have added that qualifier, and then only when one talking about a very select and tiny group of cassette decks. With a garden variety cassette deck it's no contest and the R2R is the clear winner even at 7.5.
That's not a knock on cassette decks for they (usually) far exceeded the so-called limitations of the format. They shouldn't have sounded as good as they did given their SLOW tape speed and very narrow track width. Some very clever people showed us different.
You know the old saying; "It's aerodynamically impossible for a bumblebee to fly but nobody told the bumblebee."
I know it's not a Nak or a Tandberg, or a Revox, but I like my Akai GX912....best sounding cassette deck I have ever heard...
beans
Got arth-a-ritis
...but to put things on an even playing field, with cassette you have to be using noise reduction get R2R quality, and even then if you're talking the best quality R2R tape at 7.5 IPS... well, I've never known of a cassette that sounded better. I heard a top line Nak with dbx (I think it was a Nak) and did not like it (because of the dbx). I think Dolby B made the best tapes from what I've heard.
Trower
Two-Headed Boy
B has always been my preferred Dolby as well, never cared for the DBX ither.....
Alex Nikitin
Active Member
If the cassette deck is made properly than the S/N ratio (ref. 3% THD) without any NR could be in order of 64-66 dB A-wtd with 70us EQ (Type 2 or Type 4 tapes) . Dolby is not really required with this kind of S/N and I personally never use Dolby for my cassette recordings.
Alex
fortycoats
Super Member
Two other decks some people call "the best" are the Aiwa XK-S9000 and the Sony TCKA6ES. A boxed example of the latter sold recently in Germany for over €700.
Duffinator
Spin The Black Circle
What no love for the Pioneer CTF-1000?
i made excellent recording with my yamaha k1000. i had a dual made in germany for a short while that loaded tapes just like the big pioneers, no door. it was three motor, three head and even had a pitch control. it made amazing tapes but didnt last long before succumbing to motor issues.
Tinman
Super Member
For me personally it's the Revox/Studer decks. 4 motor direct drive, 3 head, HX-Pro, auto tape calibration and EASY to maintain. No rubber idlers, pulleys, springs and belts to wear out.
The recording quality on these decks is wayyy up there with the best, but some of the best are near impossible to fix, so I chose the Revox based on that as well.
The recording quality on these decks is wayyy up there with the best, but some of the best are near impossible to fix, so I chose the Revox based on that as well.
I have a Nakamichi CR-7A which I purchased new back in the '80s. I've never wanted anything else as far as cassette decks go.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
Tinman,
I would agree with you about the ReVox or Studer cassette decks being the best practical machine in daily service. Easier to get parts for of any of the ultimate class decks.
I would agree with you about the ReVox or Studer cassette decks being the best practical machine in daily service. Easier to get parts for of any of the ultimate class decks.
