Stereo Tape Decks / CD / Misc

TEAC A-6300 with cover

TEAC A-6300

TEAC A-6300 disassembly bench nudies

TEAC A-6300

stereo reel-to-reel deck ('75-'79) $TBD

Obtained from the estate of the original owner, this semi-professional TEAC A-6300 reel-to-reel stereo tape deck was one of the more inspired Teac offerings of the mid-to-late 70s.

To most of us that spent a lot of time fiddling with decks back in the day, there's something special today about kickin' back and listening to this TEAC spinning hours of pure, clean music while watching those large reels exude their hypnotic vision of the glorious 70's...

In a lengthy and labor-intensive servicing procedure, it has been completely disassembled for a thorough check and cleaning of all controls, heads, rollers and belts. (see the photos above). Essentially, the deck has no cosmetic damage of any kind and operates perfectly. Two new metal reels are included; one reel with fresh tape (which has never been used) and a second take-up reel. It also comes with the original factory dust cover.

This deck was very similar to the TEAC A-4300 but, unlike the 4300, the 6300 also handles the larger a 10½ inch reels. The engineering in this deck showed greater levels of inspiration than they would be offering a few years later.

The 6300 is a single direction record, bi-directional playback deck with four heads and three motors. Other features included an index counter repeat for replaying a particular section automatically, bias and EQ switches for normal or high-output/low noise tape and record lock-out switches and dual-scale VU meters. An interesting touch are the guide rings on the controls which enabled settings to be marked for later reference. This tape deck combines a 4-track system with a 10.5" reel, and is equipped with an Oatley berth (atypical tape head alignment design) and counter repeat playback mechanism. It also features an Oatley verse playback mechanism and can be played back and forth continuously. If you attach a sensing foil to the part where you want to reverse the tape, it automatically reverses from forward (forward) to reverse (reverse).

The tape is protected by a delayed circuit design that operates during reverse operation and the tape begins its run after the capstan motor reaches a constant speed. With a one handed button layout, you can press the REC and PAUSE switches at the same time to wait for recording, then press the Play button to start recording.
In addition, if you find the position you want to record during playback, you can add a follow-up recording without pausing the tape. This allows you to record continuously with less clicking noise between songs.

The 6300 is equipped with a "3J" mechanism (Just Bias/Just Equalizer/Just Level) to cope with low noise tape.
With this mechanism, you can set the bias, equalizer, and level switch independently to the optimum position for the tape.
The heads are made of high-hardness permalloy for a higher saturation level of magnetic flux and less wear.
The heads are referred to as a "hyperbolic shape", which gives a stable head touch and minimizes the contour effect. Teac's design assured that durability was improved by fixing a large motor and flywheel to a thick aluminum panel.

Specs:
Four heads: erase, record and two playback heads for bi-directional playback
Motors: three
Frequency response: ( 3dB) 40Hz -24kHz at 7½ ips
Wow & flutter: 0.06% at 7½ ips
Signal to noise ratio: 65 dB (3% weighted)
Rewind speed: 160 seconds for 1800′
Inputs: 2 mic, 2 line / Outputs 1 headphone, 2 line /
Dimensions: 20.5"H x 17.25"W x 8.25"D ”
Weight: 48.4 lbs

About TEAC...
TEAC Corporation was originally founded as Tokyo Television Acoustic Company on August 8th, 1953 by two brothers, Katsuma and Tomoma Tani. In 1956 the two brothers founded Tokyo Electronic Acoustic Company, finally merging the two in 1964 to form the modern day TEAC Corporation. Synonymous with excellence in tape decks and related products, TEAC patented many innovations in the advancement of audio technology.

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Revox A77 MK3

Revox A77 MK3 (dual voltage section enlarged)

Revox A77 MK3

('71-'73) $1200 (reel-to-reel stereo deck, one owner unit)

Obtained from the original owner, this professional Revox A77 MK3 reel deck has been extensively serviced and is in excellent cosmetic and operating condition. The deck handles reel size up to 10.5" and tape speeds of 3.75 or 7.5 IPS.

The deck was well taken care of with little wear but, since we had no idea how much time elapsed since it was serviced, we had to perform the usual restoration work (minus the belt and tire replacement required by certain other machines).

Service work performed included head alignment, demagnetize and clean heads, lube motor bearings, test recording and playback, etc.
After this type of service is done, they are known to be very reliable and perform beautifully. Essentially, this deck is a very good performer at home and has the durability to put up with heavy or professional use as well.

At the time of its release, the Revox A77 MK lll was the best recorder that Revox had ever made. With its unique synthesis of reliable electronics and precision mechanics, it set a new standard in tape recorder design and performance. While fully capable of meeting the most rigorous studio demands, its ease of operation also makes it the perfect choice for the serious collector of high quality vintage gear.

The essence of this deck is its ergonomic design for (instinctive) operation with its operating elements systematically laid out and functionally grouped such as:

~Feathertouch push buttons (relay controlled) for all Transport functions
~All functions can be remote controlled (remote not included)
~Accurately calibrated backlit VU meters (with special lights to indicate record mode)

More information regarding parts and accessories here:
https://www.revox-online.de/en-gb/revox-studer-a77

Test report summary:
"The A77 MK3 tape recorder is perhaps the panzer of open reels. It is very heavily built and well designed. It is a 3 motor machine, with both capstan and reel motors being direct drive, so the only belt is a counter belt. These are 10.5" reel capable and record and play in only one direction. Revox strove for performance and reliability rather than bells and whistles like auto reverse and such. The A77 came in quarter track or half track and could be ordered with various speed configurations, the most common being 3 3/4 ips and 7 1/2 ips, though occasionally, machines with 1 7/8 ips or 15 ips capability do show up. These decks have very few electronic failures, so the most important components to be sure of on one of these is how much headwear there is and the condition of the brake hubs and bands. They have an optical auto stop which requires an incandescent bulb."

Essential specs:
Motor: 2 x reel, 1 x capstan
Reel size: up to 10.5"
Equalization: NAB, IEC
Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 ips
Wow and flutter: 0.08% (7 1⁄2 ips)
Frequency response: 30Hz to 20kHz (7.5 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 62dB
THD: 0.6%
Crosstalk: 45dB
Input: 35mV (line), 0.15mV (mic)
Output: 1.2V (line)
Output power: 8 watts
Dimensions: 16.25"W x 14"H x 8.5"D
Weight: 34 lbs

From Revox-online:
"The Revox A77 is still one of the most widely used semi-professional analog tape machines. Worldwide, about 450,000 devices were built in innumerable variations.The device is considered particularly robust and service-friendly. The professional design, with three motors and three sound heads, was well received not only in home use, but was also used by many small recording studios and broadcasters."

About Revox...(From a Revox brochure - 1972)
Willi Studer and his Revox tape recorder have gained an en enthusiast following reminiscent of the veteran car era and such names as Bugatti, Bentley and Duisenberg. His machines have been characterized by their advanced design, precision engineering and by their clean dynamic sound; the result of low distortion and wide frequency response.

The first machines (designated T26) were made in 1949. Many still operate today and are already valued as collector's items - a distinction that few electronic products can claim. The T26 continued until 1955 when the 36 series was introduced, and with it the international recognition of Revox as the tape recordist's recorder.

As production increased, new marked areas could be supplied and by 1967 distribution was functioning on a worldwide basis. However, even with five factories Revox has barely adequate production and marketing has to remain restrained or demand would soon outstrip the production capability which is dependent on skilled craftsmen. The Revox is still largely handmade.

Parallel with the development of the Revox line, the Studer range of machines was created for broadcasting and master recording purposes. Studer machines are now used almost exclusively throughout Europe in the respective fields of studio work and are known as the standard by which others are judged.

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Marantz 5220

Marantz 5220 bench nudies

Marantz 5220

stereo cassette deck ('74-'77) $950/firm (recapped, restored, WC-15T case)

This Marantz 5220 deck has been completely and professionally recapped, calibrated and fully validated against factory specs. All of the mechanical and electronic functions are in perfect working order.

The cosmetics are pristine and the original Marantz WC-15T walnut case is included. All of the complete and itemized data sheets for the restoration process along with a series of before / after photos and old parts are also included.

The Marantz 5220 was first released in 1974 with a list price of $350 and had a successful run of three years.

The main features are 2 heads, 3 digit tape counter and memory stop, manual tape type selection capable of handling normal, chrome and ferro-chrome tapes, belt driven single-capstan transport.

Other features include:
~Two large backlit VU meters that monitor the relative recording and playback level of each channel.~On the front panel are four independent slide-type input level controls and a stereo master level control.
~Bias/EQ selector switches select the proper bias and equalization to suit the three most common types of cassette tape.
There are many other features, too many to list here but, fortunately, there are many sources online concerning the 5220

Obviously, the 5220 is one of Marantz' highly sought after decks but, to get one in this restored condition is very rare indeed.

NOTE: If interested in the beginning and evolution of the "compact cassette", here is an excellent guide:
http://vintagecassettes.com/_history/history.htm

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Kenwood KX-1030

stereo cassette deck ('77-'80) $300

In near perfect cosmetic condition, this beautiful Kenwood KX-1030 deck has the very rare factory walnut case and all new belts (installed Sept 2023). The unit is also in excellent working condition as well. Near the top of the line for cassette decks in the late 70's the KX-1030 is certainly a top shelf, well built and reliable deck.

The Kenwood/Trio KX-1030 features three ferrite heads.

Sound that is actually being recorded on tape can be checked by one-touch operation, ensuring optimum recording at all times.

Fine Bias adjustment controls are provided for setting optimum bias for proper use of every type of tape currently available on the market.

The use of a Dolby noise reduction system greatly reduces hissing noise which is inherent in cassette tapes.

Specs:
Type: 3-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 1.78 inches per second
Heads: 1 x record, 1 x playback, 1 x erase
Motor: electronically controlled DC
Tape Type: type I, FeCr, CrO2
Noise Reduction: B
Frequency Response: 25Hz to 20kHz (Cr02 tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 67dB (dolby B)
Wow and Flutter: 0.06%
Dimensions: 17"W x 6.5"H x 13"D
Weight: 17 lbs

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Nakamichi CR-1A

stereo cassette deck ('88-'90) $225

Fully serviced, in excellent cosmetic condition and working perfectly, this Nakamichi CR-1A stereo cassette deck features the unique and proprietary Nakamichi 2-head reproduction system. The original factory owner's manual is included.

One head is used for recording and playback while the other head is used for erasing tapes.  It was engineered in such a way as to deliver sound and performance typically expected from a high quality 3-head design. The heads, transport and electronics were all specifically designed in-house by Nakamichi to deliver the peak of perfection in a two-head configuration. The combination of the CR-1A's microprocessor control and silent mechanism makes it a great unit!

Operation:
You can playback and record on a variety of cassette types, including Type 1 (I), Type (II) chrome and Type (IV) metal tapes. There is one knob on the far right of the front panel that serves two functions. The inner portion of the knob allows you to adjust the input signal when you are recording on a cassette. The outer portion allows you to adjust the left and right channel if needed while recording.

The auto-repeat function causes the tape to automatically rewind and start playing again once the side selected has finished playing.
Learning how to properly record on a cassette can sometimes be a challenge.  The key is recording on a quality type II (or type IV if you can find one) tape and making sure the input signal is registering properly at +3 for type II and +7 for type IV. With a little practice you will be surprised with how well you can record sound with this Nakamichi CR-1A deck.

Essential Specs:
2-Head, Single Compact Cassette Deck
Track System: 4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo
Tape Speed: 4.8 Cm/S
Heads: 1 X Record/Playback, 1 X Erase
Motor: 1 X Reel, 1 X Capstan, 1 X Mechanism
Tape Type: Type I, CrO2, Metal
Noise Reduction: B, C
Frequency Response: 20Hz To 20kHz  (Metal Tape)
Signal To Noise Ratio: 70dB  (Dolby C)
Wow And Flutter: 0.06%
THD: 1.0%
Dimensions: 17"W X 4"H X 10.5"D
Weight: 12 Lbs

Nakamichi Dragon

Nakamichi Dragon (manual, brochure, catalog, etc)

Nakamichi Dragon

cassette deck ('82-'94) SOLD

In absolutely pristine cosmetic condition, this "holy grail" *Nakamichi Dragon is completely and fully operational in all of its many functions including playback and record. The heads have been aligned, cleaned and demagnetized. The meter and *azimuth calibration has also been done.
Also included are the original owner's manual, full-color brochure, catalog and two sealed premium cassette tapes.

*NOTE: A perfect adjusted azimuth exists only in theory. In real life, on a certain cassette, this azimuth can vary. A good player will have easy adjustable azimuth ( Nakamichi plastic gears on 480 and other three headers),so you did right when adjusting for your ear, if you have a good ear and you do it properly. After all, you are listening to the cassette and it is all about your ears. Nakamichi understood this and did a nice job by using quantization by clicks on play and record head separately, also automatic azimuth on top deck, adjusting dynamically (Dragon). Many cassettes are out of perfect azimuth due to tape wear or imperfect shell, so, for perfect listening of a certain tape, you sometimes need to adjust for the specific tape. This make the Dragon unbeatable as a player.

NOTE: Here's an excellent website that discusses the Dragon's design and back story: https://www.tonepublications.com/old-school/nakamichi-dragon/

When comparing the Dragon to the other legendary Nakamichi ZXL deck, there are a few plus/minus for both but the Dragon did have a few functions above and beyond the ZXL.

The DRAGON was the ONLY deck Nak ever made with dual direct drive capstans. All other direct drive machines they ever made, from ANY era, only drove the take up capstan and the supply capstan was belt driven off the take up. Even the mighty ZX-9 did this. So that right there is one serious advantage to the DRAGON transport. Many people put a properly operating DRAGON transport probably in the top three of the best performing W+F of any deck, anywhere, from any manufacturer, from any time. Yes, it's that good.

The other big advantage of the DRAGON over the ZXL is NAAC. Basically it automatically corrects azimuth alignment for any tape on playback, optimizing every single tape to perform its absolute best. The ZXL will do this on recording with its ABLE system, but it does nothing for playback or tapes recorded elsewhere. So that's two advantages of the DRAGON.
One more item for the Dragon: Auto Reverse in play mode...

Features:
Auto azimuth adjustment
Auto reverse replay
Manual calibration
Dolby B and C

Specs:
Type: auto reverse, 3-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 4.8 cm/s
Heads: 1 x record, 1 x playback, 1 x erase
Motor: 2 x capstan, 1 x reel, 1 x auto azimuth, 1 x mechanism
Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal
Noise Reduction: B, C
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 22kHz (Metal tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 72dB (dolby C)
Wow and Flutter: 0.04%
THD: 0.8%
Dimensions: 17.8W x 5.4"H x 12"D
Weight: 21 lbs

About Nakamichi...
Nakamichi was founded in 1948 by Mr. Etsuro Nakamichi, starting from a small research institute in Tokyo, Japan that provided R&D for major brands, government entities, universities and organizations. Since then, it has established itself as a trusted creator of high-quality audio products, such as the Nakamichi 1000, the world's first 3-Head cassette deck. Nakamichi's product lines are driven by an intense scientific curiosity, the passion for audio, and commitment to uncompromising quality and performance.

The Nakamichi Shockwafe represents a fundamental disruption in home entertainment. We have successfully blended plug-and-play simplicity with high-end surround performance. Our suite of hybrid soundbar systems allows you to enjoy a cinematic experience at home, with minimum effort. To date, the Nakamichi Shockwafe has been rated the best Dolby Atmos soundbar by both audio critics and users.

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