Who has Decks and What Kind

[derek92994]

Beautiful machine nando, recording level adjust is a must with these, the auto record level models do no justice.

 

[Elite-ist]

Thanks, Derek. Let's see if I can snag some sealed VHS tapes at the mini flea market, today. Would $1 each be OK. They are Sonys. Can't remember which model of tapes.

Nando.

 

[derek92994]

Thanks, Derek. Let's see if I can snag some sealed VHS tapes at the mini flea market, today. Would $1 each be OK. They are Sonys. Can't remember which model of tapes.

Nando.

More than reasonable, all comes down to personal values, I would go up to $5 each for sony's, more for tdks.

 

[derek92994]

I really enjoy using a Sanyo VTC-M40 (1984 Model) beta Hi-Fi machine for audio recording and extended play (up to 4 hours per tape). The recording quality is superb and you can record very hot with these without distortion/tape saturation (+8db peak). There is no hiss or flutter period (can't hear any with my ears anyway), you would have to measure that with a scope.

Two Tracks: Ray Charles - From the heart (sourced from cd), and Deep Purple - Highway Star (sourced from vinyl)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kskbeQGahCE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMnGG60iyIk

 

[Elite-ist]

I really enjoyed those clips, Derek. In my opinion, there's not much else that can show the strengths, or weaknesses in your chosen format than big band music. Ray Charles sounded wonderful!

Nando.

 

[kevin]

I just found a JVC Deck up at my mom and dads that i forgot I had... Has meters on the front of it. Ill get pics and a model number on here first chance i get..... I'd say it's 20 yrs old or better... Is a JVC tape deck even worth looking to see what it is ?????

 

[derek92994]

I just found a JVC Deck up at my mom and dads that i forgot I had... Has meters on the front of it. Ill get pics and a model number on here first chance i get..... I'd say it's 20 yrs old or better... Is a JVC tape deck even worth looking to see what it is ?????

Definately, they are great machines, most of the time need a belt change/lube/service, you can get help with this on the forum or send it away to be done which is more expensive. I learnt the hard way by self teaching, took me 20 years to know what I know now, the forums have helped greatly. My only JVC deck (TD-V661) 3 head dual capstan cost me $140 including shipping from california, it still needed a new belt and a full service, many think this is pricey but I ended up with a good machine with low hours on the heads in the end.

 

[derek92994]

I really enjoyed those clips, Derek. In my opinion, there's not much else that can show the strengths, or weaknesses in your chosen format than big band music. Ray Charles sounded wonderful!

Nando.

Thank you Nando, Glad you like them. That machine handles anything I throw at it, its also good for extended play. That tape has to be at least 20 years old, have a whole bunch that came from america and had NTSC recordings that could not play on this PAL machine. The sonys do very well in the tape quality department, TDK are great too. I only use good quality/new tapes to preserve the heads, once the heads wear out that's it, no replacements. I think the sonys still have replacement heads floating around though. Once I get my other "shelved" projects sorted I may go for the Sony SLHF-950 if my beta friend has one available for restore. Its going to be work work work from here on, as many hours as possible, will take a while to catch up with the bills. Starting at 5am so better get some sleep!

Derek

 

[Nick Danger]

Definately, they are great machines, most of the time need a belt change/lube/service, you can get help with this on the forum or send it away to be done which is more expensive. I learnt the hard way by self teaching, took me 20 years to know what I know now, the forums have helped greatly. My only JVC deck (TD-V661) 3 head dual capstan cost me $140 including shipping from california, it still needed a new belt and a full service, many think this is pricey but I ended up with a good machine with low hours on the heads in the end.

Love my JVC TD V531, it is my go- to deck for recording. Pretty gentle with the tape and has a reasonably quiet transport. Seems to handle all the tape that I throw at it: TDK D, Maxell XL II/ II-S and NAC Audio Pro Chrome.

I am waiting on my JVC TD V661 to show up as I have heard great things about this model and broke down a bought one earlier this week.

 

[Elite-ist]

Love my JVC TD V531, it is my go- to deck for recording. Pretty gentle with the tape and has a reasonably quiet transport. Seems to handle all the tape that I throw at it: TDK D, Maxell XL II/ II-S and NAC Audio Pro Chrome.

I am waiting on my JVC TD V661 to show up as I have heard great things about this model and broke down a bought one earlier this week.

Nick: Good call on acquiring the V661. Let us know when it arrives and how you find it in comparison to your present V531.

Nando.

 

[Elite-ist]

Thank you Nando, Glad you like them. That machine handles anything I throw at it, its also good for extended play. That tape has to be at least 20 years old, have a whole bunch that came from america and had NTSC recordings that could not play on this PAL machine. The sonys do very well in the tape quality department, TDK are great too. I only use good quality/new tapes to preserve the heads, once the heads wear out that's it, no replacements. I think the sonys still have replacement heads floating around though. Once I get my other "shelved" projects sorted I may go for the Sony SLHF-950 if my beta friend has one available for restore. Its going to be work work work from here on, as many hours as possible, will take a while to catch up with the bills. Starting at 5am so better get some sleep!

Derek

Derek: Looking at the peak LED meters on your Sanyo VTC-M40 Beta deck, it appears it's meant to be used for recording hi-fi audio. I like the back-lighting on the function buttons, too.Your Beta deck is a cool addition to your stereo system.

Nando.

 

[Elite-ist]

Nakamichi RX-505

This deck was purchased in about 2007. I found it at the St. Joseph thrift store, here in town, for $15. It's the first Nakamichi deck I owned. I have acquired two more since then, a Nakaimichi BX-100, which was gifted to me, and just, recently, I bought a nice BX-150 from Innovative Audio with a portion of my store credit. This RX-505 has been sitting idle awaiting a back-ordered Dolby chip for over a year. The tech I brought it to, has all the original factory parts to service my deck, with the exception of that chip. I used it as a playback deck for about four years. A very nice deck, and I can't wait to have it back from its repairs.

Nando.

 

[Nick Danger]

This deck was purchased in about 2007. I found it at the St. Joseph thrift store, here in town, for $15. It's the first Nakamichi deck I owned. I have acquired two more since then, a Nakaimichi BX-100, which was gifted to me, and just, recently, I bought a nice BX-150 from Innovative Audio with a portion of my store credit. This RX-505 has been sitting idle awaiting a back-ordered Dolby chip for over a year. The tech I brought it to, has all the original factory parts to service my deck, with the exception of that chip. I used it as a playback deck for about four years. A very nice deck, and I can't wait to have it back from its repairs.

Nando.

Very nice! This is on my wishlist as well. I take it the chip finally came in to finish the repair?

 

[Elite-ist]

Very nice! This is on my wishlist as well. I take it the chip finally came in to finish the repair?

Nick: It's not in, yet. The tech was going to call me once the deck is ready.

Nando.

 

[pennysdad]

Nick: It's not in, yet. The tech was going to call me once the deck is ready.

Nando.

Is that the one where the cassette physically rotates on axis to play the other side?

 

[Elite-ist]

Is that the one where the cassette physically rotates on axis to play the other side?

Yes, Nakamichi calls it UDAR. If my deck were here, I would post a video of the unidirectional auto reverse function. I have to borrow a video clip, instead. Watch for it - it happens fast. The cassette is inserted upside down in the well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Pk3abiDRw

Nando.

 

[orange]

I have the 575, Nando...it's a mess tracking now but they are impressive beasts.

 

[Elite-ist]

I have the 575, Nando...it's a mess tracking now but they are impressive beasts.

A 575? You got me there - I don't know of that model.

Nando.

 

[kevin]

I still have no pics but this deck i found is a JVKD-15. On the back the model # is KD-15j. I will get a pic of it.. Like to know if its any count. Id say it came fromback in my DJ days.... lol.....

 

[pennysdad]

Yes, Nakamichi calls it UDAR. If my deck were here, I would post a video of the unidirectional auto reverse function. I have to borrow a video clip, instead. Watch for it - it happens fast. The cassette is inserted upside down in the well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Pk3abiDRw

Nando.

I could watch that all day.....
Amazing.