Are cassettes really making a comeback?

Options
24567…11

Comments

  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    Options
    They better bring these back then. I had a lot of these cassettes "back in the day".:
    o7qzjn8r4a9o.jpg
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    Options
    headrott wrote: »
    They better bring these back then. I had a lot of these cassettes "back in the day".:
    o7qzjn8r4a9o.jpg

    The tape would cost (today) more than most decks on the used market :|

    And, this is gmcman's Yamaha (for those, like me, too lazy to click on thumbnails) ;)

    z4t6ytgsqgpe.jpg
    · Share on Facebook
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,104
    Options
    My dad had this in his stereo setup. Let me tell you when I was a kid, those bouncing VU meters were the coolest thing:

    cassette-deck-nakamichi-480-black.jpg
    · Share on Facebook
  • Msabot1
    Msabot1 Posts: 2,098
    Options
    For cassettes DBX I&II is the best noise reduction there is...Dolby can't compare hands down...just sayin...
    · Share on Facebook
  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,497
    Options
    Clipdat wrote: »
    My dad had this in his stereo setup. Let me tell you when I was a kid, those bouncing VU meters were the coolest thing:

    cassette-deck-nakamichi-480-black.jpg

    I may or may not have that exact deck in my bedroom rig. (OK, I do).
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * McCormack DNA 0.5 amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Mitsubishi LT-30 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
    · Share on Facebook
  • agfrost
    agfrost Posts: 2,497
    Options
    Clipdat wrote: »
    My dad had this in his stereo setup. Let me tell you when I was a kid, those bouncing VU meters were the coolest thing:

    cassette-deck-nakamichi-480-black.jpg

    Take 2 at responding to your post:

    "Son?"
    Jay
    SDA 2BTL * McCormack DNA 0.5 amp * Oppo BDP-93 * Modded Adcom GDA-600 DAC * Rythmik F8 (x2)
    Micro Seiki DQ-50 * Mitsubishi LT-30 * Hagerman Cornet 2 Phono
    Preamp rotation: Krell KSL (SCompRacer recapped) * Manley Shrimp * PS Audio 5.0
    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    Options
    Bouncing VU meters are cool...

    · Share on Facebook
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,104
    Options
    The hipsters must've found out about cassettes, because those Nakamichi 480s are going for a pretty penny on eBay in good condition.
    · Share on Facebook
  • gmcman
    gmcman Posts: 1,880
    edited January 2018
    Options
    I like to show the kids how we used to make a "mix tape"...nostalgia purposes. I've thrown a tape in here and there..quite a throwback.

    This is the vid I sent my buddy to let him know his deck was finally working after a few belt changes and cleaning. He picked it up used real cheap....in very nice cosmetic condition albeit not working.

    https://youtu.be/AhVw0ye62MY
    · Share on Facebook
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 12,017
    Options
    Now, this IS a good deal so far for this model. No affil.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nakamichi-RX-202-Unidirectional-Auto-Reverse-Cassette-Deck-Working-/122925016201?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
    · Share on Facebook
  • Viking64
    Viking64 Posts: 7,814
    Options
    Clipdat wrote: »
    The hipsters must've found out about cassettes, because those Nakamichi 480s are going for a pretty penny on eBay in good condition.

    Hmmmmmm, maybe in a year or two Betamax will become "ironic" for the hipsters. I'd be rich. I still have my 1984 Sony with it's 25-foot corded remote and some prime factory video releases. :p

    pesifm0c6yux.jpg
    · Share on Facebook
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Options
    gmcman wrote: »
    I like to show the kids how we used to make a "mix tape"...nostalgia purposes. I've thrown a tape in here and there..quite a throwback.

    This is the vid I sent my buddy to let him know his deck was finally working after a few belt changes and cleaning. He picked it up used real cheap....in very nice cosmetic condition albeit not working.

    https://youtu.be/AhVw0ye62MY

    Nice tunes !!!
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
    · Share on Facebook
  • gmcman
    gmcman Posts: 1,880
    Options
    verb wrote: »
    gmcman wrote: »
    Nice tunes !!!

    Oh yeah....I bought that tape my junior year in HS. :p
    · Share on Facebook
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 12,017
    Options
    not too bad if you like country and are in Myrtle Beach.

    https://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/emd/d/country-music-cassettes-tub/6457623327.html
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
    · Share on Facebook
  • MrBuhl
    MrBuhl Posts: 2,419
    Options
    literally a steal at todays cassette prices!
    VA HT HK AVR20II, Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD, Polk Audio RC80i / Polk Audio CSi3, 60" Panasonic Plasma, Nordost / Signal Cable A2 / Wireworld / Pangea / Magic Power
    VA 2 Channel Focal Electra 926 speakers, Pass Labs X150.5 Amp, Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamp (Tutay mods), Eastern Electric Minimax CDP (Scott Nixon mods), Music Hall mmf 5.1 Turntable, Parks Audio Budgie Phono Pre , Audioengine B1 streamer, MIT S3 IC's / MIT Shotgun S3 Speaker Cables / PS Audio power cables
    Noggin Schiit Valhalla, Pangea, Phillips Fidelio X1, Polk UF8000

    Polk SDA1c modded
    Polk CRS+ 4.1TL modded (need veneer)
    Polk SDA2BTL (fully modded)
    A/L 1000VA Dreadnought Canare 4s11 SDA cable
    SACD Marantz DV8300
    Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD
    Yamaha YP-D6
    Soundcraftsmen PCR800
    Audible Illusions L1 Preamp
    Vincent MFA based Cocci Tube Preamp
    Pho-700 Phono Pre
    Signal Cable Silver Resolution IC's






    · Share on Facebook
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,104
    edited January 2018
    Options
    A tub of country music on cassette.

    Not sure of the last time I've vomited a little into my mouth and then swallowed it back down.
    · Share on Facebook
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Options
    Clipdat wrote: »
    A tub of country music on cassette.

    Not sure when the last time I've vomited a little into my mouth and then swallowed it back down.

    Ouch!!! LOL!!!
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
    · Share on Facebook
  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 13,104
    Options
    To be fair, the music I love would probably make you guys FULLY vomit.
    verb wrote: »
    Ouch!!! LOL!!!

    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    Options
    Don't all y'all like both kinds of music?

    Country and Western?
    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    Options
    I mean, if you're gonna listen to C&W, and you don't have an 8-track deck in your pickup... cassette's the next best thing.
    · Share on Facebook
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 12,017
    edited January 2018
    Options
    If you're as old as me, when we were growing up pre-puberty, all there was, was C&W.

    https://youtu.be/qcwpiVKxhig

    We had 3 channels and Hee-Haw was not to be missed each week. ;) Then the Beatles and Stones and Elvis and .....then Pink Floyd. :DB)
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
    · Share on Facebook
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Options
    This content has been removed.
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 12,017
    Options
    This just popped up. It looks nice but Sharp? I don't know.

    https://wilmington.craigslist.org/ele/d/as-is-cassette-deck-sharp/6471744147.html
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    edited January 2018
    Options
    The infamous Sharp Computer Controlled Cassette Deck -- also sold as "Optonica"
    (the upmarket Sharp brand). It was -- ahem -- ahead of its time.


    https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sharp/rt-3388a.shtml
    · Share on Facebook
  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 12,017
    Options
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    The infamous Sharp Computer Controlled Cassette Deck -- also sold as "Optonica"
    (the upmarket Sharp brand). It was -- ahem -- ahead of its time.


    https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/sharp/rt-3388a.shtml

    65db Signal to Noise ratio. OH My...

    I guess that was Dolby B's best at the time... :#
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.

    “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.”
    --Mark Twain.

    “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.” - Steven Wright
    · Share on Facebook
  • westmassguy
    westmassguy Posts: 6,850
    Options
    My little Nak BX-125 served me well. Still have it, but needs belts and a good dusting and cleaning.
    w5hmac866gay.jpg
    Home Theater/2 Channel:
    Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
    Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
    Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
    Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
    Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer

    dhsspeakerservice.com/
    · Share on Facebook
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,546
    edited January 2018
    Options
    "Z" series Teacs had dbx Pro, that's why I had the Z-6000. Far better than dolby NR.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on Facebook
  • DaveHo
    DaveHo Posts: 3,584
    edited January 2018
    Options
    westmassguy wrote: »
    My little Nak BX-125 served me well. Still have it, but needs belts and a good dusting and cleaning.
    w5hmac866gay.jpg

    That Nak was the first and only stand-alone cassette deck I ever owned. IIRC, I asked for it as a Christmas gift when I was 13 or 14. That was my one and only gift that year. I thought my dad was going to **** a brick when he found out how much my mom had spent on it!
    · Share on Facebook
  • smglbrth
    smglbrth Posts: 1,504
    Options
    Coming back? I don't think so in all reality so far as mainstream is concerned. Nostalgia comes into play here. My first real nice deck, and last, was an Onkyo Integra TA-2600. A very good machine especially with metal tapes. Many times I thought I should have kept it, just because...
    Remember, when you're running from something, you're running to something...-me
    · Share on Facebook
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,562
    Options
    westmassguy wrote: »
    My little Nak BX-125 served me well. Still have it, but needs belts and a good dusting and cleaning.
    w5hmac866gay.jpg

    There's a BX-125 in silver down in the basement. It works properly but it's a pretty bare-bones machine. I kept it because I found it (at the ol' Harvard town dump) in its original packaging, which is nice.

    A somewhat shabbier BX-100 passed through, too (same provenance -- of course :) ). I have a photo handy of the BX-100, so I'll share it here.

    14409014405_e1f8007580_b.jpgNakBX100running by Mark Hardy, on Flickr


    16527696880_9a55b73dc6_b.jpgcassettedeck2 by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

    This was a pretty nice, late(r) Nakamichi 2-head deck. Same provenance as above -- this one I gave to one of the local hifi gurus who had a good use for it (as opposed to havin' it sit on a shelf here). He had a bunch of cassette tapes from his early 1980s "New Wave" band that he wanted to retrieve -- for a reunion with his old bandmates :)

    (I think there was a three-head variant of this deck, as well)



    · Share on Facebook