Cassette tapes

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mix4fix

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Cassette tapes
« on: 17 Mar 2022, 04:53 am »
Since recently someone was interested in cassette tapes, let's start a thread on them.

Show us your tapes.
« Last Edit: 17 Mar 2022, 04:44 pm by mix4fix »

toocool4

Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #1 on: 17 Mar 2022, 01:37 pm »
I have never stopped using cassettes.

I use a Nakamichi CR-7 at home and on the move i use Sony's WM-D6C, WM-DC2 and WM-DD9  :thumb:

JLM

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #2 on: 17 Mar 2022, 04:18 pm »
Due to the extreme biasing cassettes need, due to slow tape speed and narrow tape, they don't translate well from one machine to another even with adjustable biasing available.  Learned that lesson 45 years ago trying to play a tape I'd recorded on my $850 (1977 price) Nakamichi 700 to a Nakamichi 1000 ($1300 hand built version of the 700), sounded like crap.  Besides it still had tape hiss, CD's are much better, high resolution downloads/streaming is better yet.  Don't miss the old days.
« Last Edit: 19 Mar 2022, 03:22 pm by JLM »

toocool4

Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #3 on: 17 Mar 2022, 05:25 pm »
JLM If you are using Dolby and your decks are not aligned well, you may will get Dolby miss-tracking.
Having a CR-7 with manual azimuth control, I have no problem. All my Walkman are aligned to the CR-7 again not a problem for me.
With regard to tape hiss, once the music gets going it’s a none issue. My sources I record from are quiet anyway. I guess if you are listening a lot of classical with many quiet passages, the hiss may be an issue.

mix4fix

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #4 on: 18 Mar 2022, 05:29 pm »
Cassettes are like a an old car: yeah, newer cars are faster. But, they aren't cool like an old car.

Nobody cares if you have a million MP3s. But having hundreds or thousands of tapes is impressive.

veloceleste

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #5 on: 18 Mar 2022, 06:52 pm »
.
« Last Edit: 21 Aug 2023, 11:47 am by veloceleste »

toocool4

Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #6 on: 19 Mar 2022, 09:38 am »
veloceleste not one I have tried but the Teac W-1200 is meant to be one of the better ones you can still get new.
Personally I would say find a tech that can service your Luxman, they don't make them like they use to.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtAdZl7PXLA

JLM

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #7 on: 19 Mar 2022, 03:28 pm »
JLM If you are using Dolby and your decks are not aligned well, you may will get Dolby miss-tracking.
Having a CR-7 with manual azimuth control, I have no problem. All my Walkman are aligned to the CR-7 again not a problem for me.
With regard to tape hiss, once the music gets going it’s a none issue. My sources I record from are quiet anyway. I guess if you are listening a lot of classical with many quiet passages, the hiss may be an issue.

Was listening to rock back then.  The Nak 700 had Dolby B and manual biasing adjustments that I set before doing any recording.  Only used TDK blank tapes that I recorded off a B&O 4000 tangental tracking turntable.  The technology may have improved a bit, but with the advent of CD's I doubt if it has gotten much better.

toocool4

Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #8 on: 19 Mar 2022, 04:31 pm »
You will also find that tape decks and tape formulations have greatly improved since the Nakamichi 700, which was from the 1973 era.

Jstower

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #9 on: 19 Mar 2022, 10:24 pm »
Well guys, I just found and hooked up my Nakamichi 482 and located my old box of cassettes and I’m surprised it sounds pretty darn good.  Jim
« Last Edit: 20 Mar 2022, 02:01 am by Jstower »

toocool4

Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #10 on: 22 Mar 2022, 02:29 pm »
Here is what I was enjoying on my commute to work today.



mix4fix

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #11 on: 22 Mar 2022, 06:15 pm »
Earbuds?


mix4fix

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #12 on: 26 Mar 2022, 11:21 pm »
Do they still make the Tascam?

toocool4

Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #13 on: 27 Mar 2022, 01:35 am »
Tascam is a brand / manufacturer, like JVC or Ford etc. Not sure what the question is but if you mean are Tascam still around, yes they are.

mix4fix

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toocool4

Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #15 on: 30 Mar 2022, 01:55 pm »
Gladys Knight and the Pips - The singles album



mix4fix

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Re: Cassette tapes
« Reply #16 on: 31 Mar 2022, 03:31 am »
Gladys Knight and the Pips - The singles album



That tape is missing the greatest song from her:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y36aBTuRr1o