A thing Pinknik didn't need, but he bought anyway: Nakamichi CR-3a cassette deck

Lovely, enjoy!

 

I now own a Nakamichi CR-3a. Tonight I’m just playing commercial tapes and they sound pretty good. Will check out recording soon, but I’m a happy camper on day 1.

 

fun! enjoy!

 

Welcome to the Nakamichi fan club!

 

From everything I’ve read Nakamichi made the best tape decks. Is this safe to assume, even their 2-head decks?

 

No.
There were as good or far better decks costing much less. The Nak name added far too much $$ to the item IMO.

 

Can you please recommend some more affordable decks please (through PM so we don’t derail the thread?)

 

The issue now is what is available out there used in serviceable condition. The used cassette deck market has taken a sharp turn up in cost.

 

As an update, the deck does not record properly. One channel is out completely and the other doesn’t sound too good. Not a deal breaker for me, as it is not my primary need for the deck. At some point, I’ll probably send it off to Willy Hermmann for repair, but for now it’s a nice playback only unit.

 

Oh that's a bummer re: record. Positive stuff -> good service manuals and schematics. CR1 to 4, models mostly on a single main board, nice layout, easier maintenance, less complex & less to go wrong. Also my memory of Naktalk list archive over the years is good for scavenging DIY tips, if that way inclined.