Vintage Cassette - Nakamichi BX-300 Discrete Head Cassette Deck

What is pitch control?: Pitch control allows you to speed up or slow down the tape in order to make up for tapes that were recorded on a machine that was too fast or too slow. (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)

Is the master fade supposed to mute abruptly before the fade is complete? Is there any way to change the timing on the fades and when the mute engages?: There are two speeds of fade. Two seconds if you hold the button in and four seconds if you just touch it and release. (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)

How do I clean tape heads?: To clean tape heads, use pure isopropyl alcohol and lint-free swabs. Throw the swab away after use.

How do I demagnetize tape heads?: Practical tape head demagnetizers are available for under $10. Try to find one with a plastic coated tip. If you can't find one which is plastic coated. you can slip a drinking straw or plastic tube over the tip for the same effect. This plastic will prevent the demagnetizer from scratching the head.
Before plugging in the demagnetizer, remove all tapes from your working area and unplug the recorder. Hold the demagnetizer away from the recorder as you plug it in. Slowly bring the tip of the demagnetizer up to the tape head and slide it back and forth across each tape head for five one-second strokes. Then pull it away from the head slowly and go on to the next. After demagnetizing the heads, use the tip on each metal tape guide with a similar five strokes. Last, slowly pull the demagnetizer far away from the recorder and unplug it. Recording engineers use a demagnetizer before each recording session. (courtesy of AudioFAQ)

How does direct drive differ from belt drive?: Instead of using a motor and a belt running to the capstan, the take-up side capstan has an electo-magnetic motor running it. In turn, with a belt, it moves the supply side capstan. In the unique case of the Dragon, both capstans are run directly. (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)

What's the strange cage around the play head on the dual capstan units?: It lifts the fibrous pad inside the tape in order to prevent scrape flutter--the bouncing of tape across the head--the result of uneven pressure on the tape. These pads are installed to put pressure on the tape to keep it in contact with the head in most machines but are not as consistent as the high-quality transport of the Nakamichi. (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)

What is assymetrical dual capstan?: Dual Capstan refers to the metal posts that you see down by the heads. A single capstan deck only has the metal/rubber wheel assembly on one side. A dual has it on both. Dual assists in more linear tape travel across the heads and results in less variances in the recorded/playback signal. The assymetrcial means the capstan flywheels are different sizes, and therefore, rotate at different speeds. The result is greatly reduced wow and flutter and stable pitch. Still, a Nak single capstan machine "is driven by a flat belt which ensureseven tension and accurate torque transmission from it DC servo motor." Almost without exception, a single capstand Nakamichi sounds better than the majority of other brand's dual capstan decks. (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)

Are the dual capstans supposed to spin all the time while the unit is on but stopped?: Yes. This assures tape speed will be accurate open hitting play (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)

What does discrete head mean?: The erase, record, and playback heads are all individual components. The result is better recording and playback as each head is dedicated to its specific job as compare to a 2 head which uses a common record/playback head whose function is determined by a switch or relay. Most three head machines allow for immediate monitoring or recorded signal with the exception of the 481, 581, and 681ZX. These machines have the sonic fidelity of a three head without the convenience or cost. (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)

What is the difference with models designated by an "E", "A" or "O" and those without?: Models designated by an "A" have been produced for North America (USA and Canada), "E" are products for Europe, "O" are products for Japan and those without any designation are for all other markets.

Is there an easy way for me to tell if a deck has the gear update? What would I be looking for?: The only machines than needed the gear updates are the BX-, CR-, MR-1, and the RX-202. The way to check is to open the tape well cover and remove the two screws located on the top at either side of the black metal plate which sits behind the tape. These screws are small--Be Careful!!! Pull this forward but take note of the grooves this sits in at the bottom. Between the reel tables, there will either be a rubber wheel (size of a penny) or a gear. That's it. When replacing the back plate, be careful to re-align the bottom of it with the grooves on the capstan (metal posts at bottom). Failure to re-align properly can result in motor damage and poor tape alignment. (courtesy of Nakamichi Cassette Deck FAQ)