Best of the 2-Head Decks

[Scorpion8]

Okay, we all swoon over 3 head cassette decks, we all drool over hi-end Naks, and we argue endlessly over NR, Dolby B/C/S or dbx. But most of us cut our teeth early on a common 2-head deck and these still dominate what we find at thrifts, yard sales, etc. The fact is, there are some exceptional 2-head units out there, and they can make some really nice recordings.

For example, Nak480. Pretty common, pretty pedestrian. Benefits from the Nak transport dual-capstan mechanism, pressure pad lifter, and less complicated controls. Mine will play tapes that are missing the pressure pads and you'll never even notice. Makes great recordings too.

Another of my favorites was my Sony TC-K65. This whole line of Sony's (I have a TC-K71 inbound as we speak) benefitted from the Sendust & Ferrite heads, had bias/eq for all 4 tape types, and mine made superb recordings. A little more noise than a 3 head deck as you had the compromise REC/PB head, but still made sweet tapes. I also have a TC-K44 that I use at work right now. Yea, those whole series was keepers.

And one I've just gotten in recently is an Harman Kardon TD192. The PB on this deck is very quiet without any NR. Recordings are quite distinguished also, with v.good bass capture. I just rebelted this one and she plays like new.

So, post your best 2-head decks. Enjoy the music!

[Des-Lab]

1. Yamaha KX-300U (Pictures later tonight. Awesome little deck)
2. Denon DRM-500 (my first new deck and I would love to find a good one)

[Marc Hugo]

Good question!!

Of mine, my favourites are the Nakamichi 480Z (exquisite clarity and stability), Alpage Al-50 (demon 2-header which flatters any tape and is phenomenol with metal) followed by my Yamaha KX-493 (extraordinary, vice-free, indeed, completely expected competence from an affordable modern machine).

I wouldn't mind an LX-3 alluded to earlier though...

MH

[Naknut]

The Kyocera D-801 is one of my favorites. I love the styling and features and it sounds a lot like a Nakamichi on playback.

[Deon]

My first deck ever, Dual C-820. Probably use it more than latter a dozen three-head recorder combine.

Regards, Davorin

[Scorpion8]

Originally Posted by Marc Hugo

Of mine, my favourites are the Nakamichi 480Z (exquisite clarity and stability), ...

I think the Nak 480s are well regarded. The only difference that I'm aware of between a 480 and 480Z are the VU meters.

As Matt alluded to the MOTL Denon's produced some super decks also. I have two DRM-540's which are two head decks, and except for their reliance on electronics to set Tape type (I hate that!) they are really simple, easily maintained and calibrated decks. I've had one in my main living room hifi system for 10+ years now. A lot of plastic, and weighs about as much as a pack of gum, but they soldier on.

[Marc Hugo]

Originally Posted by Scorpion8

I think the Nak 480s are well regarded. The only difference that I'm aware of between a 480 and 480Z are the VU meters.

As Matt alluded to the MOTL Denon's produced some super decks also. I have two DRM-540's which are two head decks, and except for their reliance on electronics to set Tape type (I hate that!) they are really simple, easily maintained and calibrated decks. I've had one in my main living room hifi system for 10+ years now. A lot of plastic, and weighs about as much as a pack of gum, but they soldier on.

Hi Scorps, I'd love to have a Denon - I really like the lloks and build quality on all their gear...

The 480 and 480Z - sure it's the meters....and...Dolby C!!.. A Russian connection of mine once referred to the Z models as having "piggy mods" because Nak actually adapted (piggy-backed) the original bias traps and NR circuitry of the non-Z with the additional encode/decode set-up for Dolby C. When it's good, it's brilliant - but that's not often because over the years, all the glue they used to seal their additional electronics hardens. and becomes...brace yourself now.... conductive!! Oh yes, you have to pick this stuff off to stop the crackling.

Cheers - MH

[iamhifi]

I have heard plenty of 2 heads like Nak CR, Dr, Yamaha, Onkyo, Sony, and I think no, I know the winner has to be a Nak 480, for simplicity and sound, warm and pleasent sound.
Angel

Originally Posted by Scorpion8

I think the Nak 480s are well regarded. The only difference that I'm aware of between a 480 and 480Z are the VU meters.

As Matt alluded to the MOTL Denon's produced some super decks also. I have two DRM-540's which are two head decks, and except for their reliance on electronics to set Tape type (I hate that!) they are really simple, easily maintained and calibrated decks. I've had one in my main living room hifi system for 10+ years now. A lot of plastic, and weighs about as much as a pack of gum, but they soldier on.

[speakerman1]

Well I got all the bugs worked out of my LX3. I can't believe the sound. The only thing I have to compare to is my R2R. It sounds almost as good. I am happy I came to this site and found out about the Naks.

[faustus]

My best 2-head decks are both BOTL Naks. I've got a CR-2A and a pair of CR-1A decks. Originally purchased from ebay as low-cost playback-only units, I'm amazed at the quality recordings that can be made with these decks. They are single capstan, no pad lifter, and the CR-1A doesn't even have adjustable bias. On the positive side, they're very easy to use and maintain and the heads are stout. Perhaps the best thing I can say is that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them as a first deck or upgrade deck or playback deck.

[Dimitar Georgiev]

Akay GXC730D. This was the deck Dad brought home circa 1977 when I was 7 years old . I remember that I was absolutely in awe with that machine which was novelty those days in Bulgaria. Loved the autoreverse thingie and was so proud I had autoreverse deck believing that the other companies simply could not make autoreverse deck LOL Still have the deck back in Sofia but probably will need belt repacement.

Cheers,
Dimitar

[gamve]

The Tandberg TCD310 MkII is a very nice sounding 2 head deck. Very minimal features, built like the proverbial.... easy to use and makes great recordings. I would recommend one of these oldies to anyone. The sound quality beats the shit out of entry level Yamaha's and the like IMHO.

[close652]

Originally Posted by Dimitar Georgiev

Akay GXC730D. This was the deck Dad brought home circa 1977 when I was 7 years old . I remember that I was absolutely in awe with that machine which was novelty those days in Bulgaria.

That was a big thing back in those days in the Eastern block, same here in Hungary - btw. in 1977 I was also 7 years old...

[Acoustic]

I have to go with the Nak CR-2A also because of it's price vs value now. Since everyone wants a 3 head you can pick up one of these gems for $30- 50 easily on our fav auction site shipped this past month. Here's some examples w/price and shipping to Kansas. $27.48 $33.62

Here's mine:

[Mr. Lin]

I have to mention the deck I use, which is a Nak BX-1. Bottom of the line for Nakamichi, amazing performance regardless.

[Kent T]

Best 2 head deck ever, the Advent 201. Also, the only all American deck in this lineup. Still a good performer today in nice shape. Has the Wollensak Audio/Visual cassette transport (the most rugged and reliable ever made) and Advent designed electronics and custom heads.

[JaeTee]

I have owned an Onkyo TA-2058 3-head since I found it in a pawn shop for $20 about seven years ago. Within the last year I picked up a Nak RX-303 2-head on eBay. It would not play/record properly so I had it fully reconditioned. I've always wanted one of these self-tape-fliping decks!

Prior to the two decks I have now I have owned a Pioneer CT-7R, Nak BX-125 and one of the Technics 2-head DBX models. Those are long gone, but I still have many tapes recorded on those units.

I always thought the Onkyo made fabulous recordings and was very satisfied with it, but I was drawn to the unidirection autoreverse of the RX-303 and took the plunge. Much to my surprise, I have to admit that the recordings from the RX-303 are noticeably better than what comes out of the very good Onkyo. Even the tapes recorded on the Onkyo sound better from the Nak. For that matter, all my tapes sound better on the Nak and the Onkyo has been relegated to FF and REW duties (kinda sad). I noticed that the Nak deck is about twice as heavy as the Onkyo..., I guess all that heft has purpose?!

On a side note, the technician who worked on the Nak for me has 30+ years of experience working on these decks. He told me that he used to regularly talk to Nakamichi techs & reps and that thier designers back in the 70's were focused mainly on two-head designs and that they initially felt that 3-head decks were more of a marketing fad when they first hit the market. According to him, they kind of went kicking and screaming into 3-head tape deck development because the market was heading that way... The point of his story was that Nak overengineered their 2-head decks so much that many Nak 2-head decks will outperform competitor 3-head units.

I think I have to agree with him on that last point for sure.

I compared RX-303 specs to RX-505 specs. These two decks are identical except for # of heads and the "monitor" button which is present on the RX-505. The specs read virtually identical across the board except for S/N ratio. If I remember correctly, the 3-head RX-505 is rated at only 1 db better.

[Dimitar Georgiev]

Originally Posted by JaeTee

I compared RX-303 specs to RX-505 specs. These two decks are identical except for # of heads and the "monitor" button which is present on the RX-505. The specs read virtually identical across the board except for S/N ratio. If I remember correctly, the 3-head RX-505 is rated at only 1 db better.

RX-303 is indeed one of the best two-headers coming from Nakamichi. I have RX-505 though and can say something about it - RX-505 makes excellent records, I use it frequently and I am very happy with it. RX-505 has classical Nak transport , very well built deck, everything on it is made to last. I remember that I took apart the RX-505 6 or 7 times until I figure out all the adjustment pots and tuning tricks and for more than an year and half works without a single problem. Very impressed with the mechanics inside - as I said it is built to last. The record is undistinguishable from the source to my ears as it is with the rest of my Naks.

BTW, if you compare the schematics of RX-505/RX-303 with that of Dragon you will find out that many modules on the singal path such as the playback and recording amplifiers, dolby circuits etc are identical to those of Dragon.

D.

[Scorpion8]

Why Nak did certain things is a mystery to all of us. I also have a Nak 581, which is a 3-head deck masquerading in a 2-head machine. It has the "discrete" PB/REC heads of a 3 head machine design, but no off-tape monitor. In other words, it may act like a 3 head machine but plays back as if it were a 2 head machine. Huge machine also, longer and bulkier than many receivers of the day.

[JXBJXB]

My dual-capstan black Nak 480 is the best sounding of all of the decks I own. You would think the MR-1 I own (BX300 pro derivative) would best it, and maybe it does in terms of being 100% accurate to what is fed into it, but the 480 has a warm, smooth, silky sound that is addictive.

It's the second one I've had. The first died from orange cap disease, so I bought a replacement off eBay for around $40. The reel motor and a few of the indicator lights from my original 480 went into the replacement, and I also put in the very-excellent "D2" capstan belt from Marrs Communications. Oh - every other belt except the idler tire was replaced, too. Then I calibrated with Luis Peromarta's cal tapes.

I've been recording on used, second generation (the glittery gold ones) XLII-S with Dolby B in the 480 recently, and the sound is just magnificent. I play most of the tapes back in my stock Audi A4 headunit on the road, and they really sound nice.

Since you can get a 480 for not much more than the bottom of the line single-capstan Naks, I'd go the 480 route - but realize that they are older decks that may need a bit more TLC and refurbishing due to age.