Relative Value of Two Nak Decks

[Scorpion8]

I've got a Nak LX-3. Never really been thrilled with it, and don't really know where it stands in the heirarchy of Nak decks. Shown here:

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p141/Scorpion008/DSC00144.jpg

It just doesn't excite me. I use it to transfer cassettes to my PC when that need arises. I have other decks that I use more.

Issue: My local gypsy dealer has a Nak 482. The LX-3 is a 2-head, and the 482 is a 3-head, but the Nak 482 (Black) is closer to a Nak 480 (silver) that I already own.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p141/Scorpion008/Nakamichi482CassetteDeck.jpg

Question for the Naksters around here:

Which is more preferrable, or desireable? Better performing? Which one would you rather have? I think I can swing a trade with this guy.

[MacGyver]

i prefer the look of the 482 myself, but that LX-3 appears to be a physically larger unit. that is usually a sign of a more elaborate internal construction with better quality parts...

[Acoustic]

Which is more preferrable, or desireable? Better performing? Which one would you rather have? I think I can swing a trade with this guy.

I'd go with the 482... could it possibly be a 482X? I looked at there specs here (http://www.vintagecassette.com/Nakamichi). Personally, I'd rather have a three head deck... but other than most 3's record better than 2's... the flexibility of listening the tape while your recording. So you can set levels, check levels, adjust bias without trial and error, A/B NR instantly... eases and makes more satisfying setting up the recording process. I've not heard either but the 482 should be the better performer.

[macster]

I lusted after the LX series decks for years and everytime I see one on Ebay, I get close to pulling the trigger. I feel the same way about 480-580 series decks. But if it was me, I'd see if I could get a demo on the 482 and go from there.

M~

[Scorpion8]

I'm going to go see/listen to it again today. The 482 has an issue (tape monitor switch) so I'm hoping it equalizes any disparity between the decks. If not, I may pick it up outright, and move the LX-3.

[Marc Hugo]

Hi Scorpion,

The 482 is a really good machine. I think all the 480s are. The non Z models will hopefully not sport any of the hardened brown glue disease which really came about due to the "piggy mods" that nak did to the NR circuit board to accommodate Dolby C. Not that the 482Z should not be avoided really, just a consideration. The sound that 480s have is to my mind amazing.

The LX-3 - pity that it has not impressed you!! It might be out of tune because normally their owners are happy. However, if that's the lie of the land, I would moan a bit about the 482's monitor switch, and then, with a tortured expression and some well-practiced sighing, accede to a swop. I would take a cassette along and test all the functionalities though.

Good luck!!

MH

[macster]

Marc

Good point, Scorp can "tweak" the LX-3 by adjusting the rec/pb head a tad for a "demo" tape and that should make it sound pretty good to the perspective buyer.

M~

[Scorpion8]

Thanks Marc and Mac -- I should clarify, I guess I don't have an issue with how the LX-3 sounds, but more the design and styling. It's built like a inner-city prison building compared to an downtown office building. Everything's hidden behind that door on the right, and you have to get down and squint in to see the tape on the left because there's a 1/2" deep port-hole into the tape well. The 482 just looks more like a tape deck, and a Nak at that. I always thought the LX-series were styling abberations for Nakamichi.

[macster]

Seems like you've got the old mind made up. Go for it and let us know how it turns out.

M~

[BroonsBane]

Good luck!

[MacGyver]

i'll admit again that the LX-3's styling is not to my tastes either. i agree that the 482 does indeed look more like a proper cassette deck. still, to my eye, it does appear more physically robust...

[Scorpion8]

... on a trial basis. This thing was dusty and crappy and needed a good head cleaning and wipe down throughout! But anyway, I have it for the weekend to see if the functionality is good (needs a lube, probably new belts, and serious cleaning inside plus probably the dread Nak orange-cap job) and cosmetic stuff (couple of function LEDs are out -- I can fix). Plus I have to try out the functionality like recording. But a serious demagger is needed first.

In short, it's a vintage deck that's, well, vintage....

Here's some quick pics. I'll post bigger ones at home tonight.

1513 1514

[MacGyver]

here is the LX-5, which i am guessing is a step above your LX-3...




http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/LX-56.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/LX-55.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/LX-54.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/LX-53.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/LX-52.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/LX-51.jpg

[Acoustic]

... on a trial basis. This thing was dusty and crappy and needed a good head cleaning and wipe down throughout! But anyway, I have it for the weekend to see if the functionality is good (needs a lube, probably new belts, and serious cleaning inside plus probably the dread Nak orange-cap job) and cosmetic stuff (couple of function LEDs are out -- I can fix). Plus I have to try out the functionality like recording. But a serious demagger is needed first.

In short, it's a vintage deck that's, well, vintage....

Here's some quick pics. I'll post bigger ones at home tonight.

She is a looker.*hearts* Hope it works out. I like the trial basis deal.

[Scorpion8]

here is the LX-5, which i am guessing is a step above your LX-3...

Yup, the LX-5 moved up to 3-heads, whereas the LX-3 is a 2-head deck.

She is a looker.*hearts* Hope it works out. I like the trial basis deal.

It needed some exercise. I've been playing some Al Jarreau and after about 5 FFW/REV cycles it's starting to sound, well, like a Nak! As long as she records okay (yet to be checked), it'll probably be a deal. That way my 480/482 combo can also be parts decks for one another in some cicumstances.

Yea, this guy deals primarily in selling unblocked cell phones to cruise ship crews as they pour thru town. He also deals in anything electronic 2nd hand and is my main yard sale competition. But he thinks the Era of Tape has passed, so I make sure I don't mention TH as a growing community .... :D

I also keep a Reel-Kleer tape at work just for photo ops! Thanks for that, Matt!!

[Rat44]

I like the meters.
Hope it turns out to be a keeper.
Good Luck.

[Scorpion8]

She's playing sweet. I won't get to trying to record until I can re-arrange the rats nest of a desktop ...

[BroonsBane]

Very cool! I hope she's a permanent to the collection.

[Scorpion8]

Bigger pics...

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p141/Scorpion008/Nakamichi482CassetteDeck01.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p141/Scorpion008/Nakamichi482CassetteDeck02.jpg

[Web Police]

It looks like a nice addition to your herd of decks. *Hi5*

[Scorpion8]

It should be. I'm itching to try a recording but it's at my desk at work. Maybe this weekend I'll make it in. I'm already pondering the possibilities ....