I might have used up ALL of my luck.

Discussion in 'Cassette Decks' started by Walking_Man, Jun 19, 2025.

  1. Walking_Man

    Walking_Man Member

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    I can't believe it. I'm still in shock. What should I do now? I found this at an estate sale for 1500 CAD, which is about 1090USD. Granted it was not cheap(for me at least) but I know I probably won't ever run into one of these again in this condition so I had to buy it.

    The box was sealed. I think this is NOS(?), it looks like someone bought this, tested it, and packed it up again. The deck it self does not have a single scratch, the capstan and rollers looks really clean.

    I know I probably shouldn't have but I plugged it in and both capstan seems to be turning and it did play cassettes. The pinch roller arms are snappy. I do hear some clicking when I turn it on though.

    I will probably buy a full restoration kit and service the transport anyway. But during my time waiting for them to arrive, what are some issues/checks I should know regarding this unit specifically? I do restoration on decks and portables for people and as a hobby so I think I know my way around these things but I'm always eager to learn. If you can share your experiences I would appreciate it very much. Thanks!
     

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  2. Walking_Man

    Walking_Man Member

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    Here's some more pictures. Serial number is 04129, which seems pretty low? What does that serial number tell you? I also found out that it doesn't seems to want to FF or RW. Makes a loud clicking sound. Definitely will open this up.

    Edit. I have found that the clicking is due to to the hardened idler. It seems that this unit might not be NOS. As I found what seems to be residue of melted belts. However it seems that there is a new belt in place.

    Edit 2. I discovered that it might not even need a kit. The idler might be all it needs. I have now done recording and playback tests and everything seems to be working, calibration works fine. Only thing is that is the bass seems slightly boosted. I'm not sure though.
     

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    Last edited: Jun 19, 2025
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  3. TooCooL4

    TooCooL4 Well-Known Member

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    Looks like you have found a nice unit there, if it were me I would find someone that knows what they are doing and services Nakamichi and get them to do a full service on it.
     
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  4. Walking_Man

    Walking_Man Member

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    It would seem that in my excitement I have accidentally posted this on the wrong sub-forum. Is there any way to move this thread to the appropriate forum? Sorry.
     
  5. TooCooL4

    TooCooL4 Well-Known Member

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    I think only the mods can move it for you. You can always re-create it in the Cassette Decks area.
     
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  6. isolator42

    isolator42 Active Member

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    A cassette deck with 50W power consumption - wow!
     
  7. TooCooL4

    TooCooL4 Well-Known Member

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    It has a lot of motors in it.

    I run a Nakamichi CR-7 and that can use up to 55 watts Max

    Nakamichi 1000ZXL can use up to 60 watts Max
     
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