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8 Classic Nakamichi Cassette Decks

If there was one cassette deck to own, it was a Nakamichi. With the release of the model 1000 (its number reflected its high price) in the early 70’s, reel-to-reel tape recorders were rendered all but obsolete, for consumers. With the release of the 700 Nakamichi created a functional and design classic.

Because cassette tapes are in the gap between vintage retro and mere obsolescence, Nakamichis can be picked up for a reasonable price on Ebay.

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1
At the time of the RX 505 other manufacturers were implementing auto reverse mechanisms. Nakamichi considered that to do this properly it was best to physically turn the cassette around to create proper head alignment, so they developed the UDAR mechanism which actually removed the tape, spun in around and re-inserted it.
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wistit »
Nakamichi RX 505. more...
(votes: +14)
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2
Although the 700, which was released in 1973, had a model number which reflected the fact that it was 30% cheaper than the 1000, the 700 combined both aesthetics and sound quality into a true design classic.
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Nakamichi 700 - the design classic. more...
(votes: +8)
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3
Gold plated, with a mahogany cabinet, when the 1000 ZXL Limited edition was released, in the early 80s it cost over $2000.
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Nakamichi 1000 ZXL Limited. more...
(votes: +5)
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4
A classic Nakamichi deck, such as this one can be picked up on eBay for a very reasonable price. If you are looking for a long term investment in classic hifi gear, this is a good time to buy tape decks, which are in the lull between merely obsolete and nostalgic retro.
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wistit »
Nakamichi 700ZXE. more...
(votes: +5)
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5
Released in the mid 70s, the Yamaha TC-800GL inspired, sloping fascia brought the sound quality of the Nakamichi 1000 to a product costing ‘only’ twice as much as a high end turntable.
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wistit »
NAKAMICHI 600. more...
(votes: +4)
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6
The Legendary Nakamichi Portable was released a year after the first Nakamichi machines, in 1974. A true portable, it has been described as the real first Walkman.
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Nakamichi 550. more...
(votes: +2)
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1 comment »
7
The Nakamichi 1000 had a model name which reflected its price - not something to be scoffed at in the 70s. This was the first audiophile cassette deck, and the machine which rendered reel to reel obsolete.
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Nakamichi 1000 - the machine that made reel to reel obsolete. more...
(votes: +2)
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8
Decks like the 480 brought Nakamichi in to the realms of the affordable, while still being of premium quality.
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wistit »
NAKAMICHI 480. more...
(votes: +1)
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