khreb@mtuxo.UUCP (k.rosen) (02/25/86)
The responses to my request concerning information on cassette decks follow. /* ---------- "cassette decks" ---------- */ I would like recommendations on cassette decks in the $200-$300 (discounted) price range. In particular, I'd like to know about reliability and recording quality. Also, information about the sources with the best discounts for audio equipment will be appreciated. I just bought an Akai GX-R60. I am very happy with it. I originally planned to buy the NAD (6155?), and I looked at the Yamahas. But no other deck came near this one in stats/$. List is about $300, but J+R Music World has it for $200--Also check out the GX-9 for slightly more (recommended in High Fidelity this month). -Ben Leimkuhler I looked at three cassette decks in the price range $200-300. I'm sorry, I don't remember the model numbers right off hand; but, I'll get them for you. YAHAMAHA $220 Woodbridge stereo - Long Branch A auto reverse, dolby B & C. DENON $265 HI FI STEREO - RT 35 south of Eatontown Circle dolby B & C, output control, bias trim. HARMON-KARDON approx $300 HS STEREO - RT 35 south, Oceanport dolby B & C, output control, bias trim. I purchased the HARMON-KARDON because + I didn't want Auto Reverse. I heard that the tracking isn't as good because the tape head rotates to play the other side. I figured that I could do without Auto Reverse. + Although DENON is a quality name and the deck was well equipped, it didn't have as wide of a frequency response as the HARMON-KARDON. + the HARMON-KARDON is aesthetically pleasing. It has a simple front panel AND easy to locate and operate controls. The DENON deck is also a beautifully simple sight, but .... Basically, Ken, I think the HARMON-KARDON is the best buy of the three decks that I looked at. I shyed away from the SANSUI, KENWOOD, POINEER, HITACHI, TECHNICS, JVC, SONY, ... decks because I don't like all the flashy buttons, colorful front panels, and bizarre soft touch panels. I, therefore, have no idea of the quality of these decks. I do NOT, however, feel like I missed anything by passing them by. If you go to the $300-400 range you can look at a NAKAMICHI deck and a better HARMON-KARDON. In this price range I found that the main difference was in the features. For example, the HK deck had an input control and a tiny bit wider frequency response. The NAK had dbx noise reduction and excellent reproduction. I've heard that both HARMON-KARDON and NAKAMICHI decks are very good. Nothing that I saw in demonstrations and specs. disproved this. I purchase my deck mainly to record tapes for the car and to save wear and tear on my albums. I don't intend to use the deck heavily. Even if I don't immediately get my $300 worth, I know I've purchased a quality deck that, if needed, WILL produce QUALITY recordings. Hence, I'm prepared for an UNKNOWN future. Look into the Aiwa AD-F660. I got mine mail-order (Illinois Audio, I think) for about $250. You'll get three heads for good R/P fidelity, Dolby B and C noise reduction, Dolby HX Pro for headroom extension, music search, real-time counter, and more. It's sound quality is right up there with Nak units selling for twice the price. Reliability, based on three units I know of, is good -- no problems. -- Steve Schley ihnp4!mmm!schley I'd recommend the AIWA F660; this is a 3 head, dual capstan cassette deck with Dolby B/C, good frequency response and a number of nice features. It's discounted to $280+tax in L.A... I looked at the low end Nakamichi (BX-100) which is about $300, but for the money the AIWA definitely came out on top (you'd be paying for the NAK brandname).