|
Tape Trail Reel to reel, cassette and other analogue tape formats. |
|
|
|
Tape Trail Reel to reel, cassette and other analogue tape formats. |
|
In Reply to: I figured this Forum needed a little excitment posted by Grant99 on September 9, 2006 at 06:16:10:
Grant
I have compared a few decks in my time. But the real test will come when I can find replacement meters to put in my Tandberg 3014, then it will be head to head against my Nak LX-5.The only decks that I have used that do compare to Nak, are the Tandbergs. I had a working TCD 310 and the warmth and expanse of the sound is incredible for such an old deck. I now own a TCD 310 mkII, and it too has that warm Tandberg sound. I also own an old Nakamichi "Wedge" deck, the 600, and that is built on incredible engineering for it's day. I do believe Tandberg and Nakamichi were trying to out-do each other as main competitors back in the day. Looking at the TCD series of Tandberg and the Nak 600 series and Tri-Tracer decks, it's easy to see that the competition was keen.
The LX-5 is a three head deck, and makes seamless, clean, crisp recordings that are constantly being "glossed" by my friends who I exchange tapes with. No one has reported any negatives on the recordings, although, common knowledge dictates that the Naks sound better on Naks, but even on lower end equipment, apparently, they are passing muster.
The LX-5 is absolutely the best deck I've ever used, the workhorse of my system. You can find one on epay for the low to mid 2's. Not $500 to $600. Of course, if you have that kind of money, I'd go with a Nak 505 or a higher end upright Tandberg, like the TCD 330, 340 or 440 (all 3 head). There are some great decks in that slightly higher price range too, like the Nak ZX or ZXL series, the 680 and 681 machines. Buddy of mine recently bought a CR-5, and sez it's the best he's ever owned, and you can find those in the high 300's... But they can get pricey.
I imagine since I'm becoming a big Tandberg "convert", that the 3014 will be filling my main record slot once I find some meters. But until then, I guess I'll rely on old reliable, Nakamichi LX-5. Plus, Tandberg parts are WAY harder to find than Nakamichi in my experience and service on old Tandbergs might mean mailing your deck out of town. I hate to do that. Luckily, I recently found a good tech here locally in Denver.
There are many issues with old decks, and service is needed every five years or so to clean and lube. BUT, I find Naks and Tandbergs to be very solidly built, WAY over engineered for their time, and the LX-5 is just a joy to use. I can't wait to get the big Tandberg going and do the comparison. I'll report my findings as soon as I do.
The only other decks that constantly get rated as high or higher than Naks and Tandbergs are the Revox units. I've always wanted one of those cool Revox B215's, but many are sold "across the pond" and shipping would be a killer on a heavy unit like that. No belts to wear out as they are direct drive. Most of the postings I've seen on Revox's rate them the best ever. Although I also see the Tascam/Teac decks constantly raved on. The Tascam's have been studio standard here in the states for years...
I've always wanted a KX-102, Luxman's "suck face" three head offering. I just wish more of the faces worked, but someday, I'll find a working unit for my system!
stickwork
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Follow Ups
- Re: I figured this Forum needed a little excitment - stickwork 11:28:01 09/09/06 (3)
- Re: I figured this Forum needed a little excitment - DaveInVA 12:49:57 09/12/06 (1)
- Now if I could only.... - DaveInVA 12:51:41 09/12/06 (0)
- Re: I figured this Forum needed a little excitment - Grant99 18:01:06 09/11/06 (0)
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
