Cassette Hookup
 

I have purchased a Nakamichi deck and would like to record my vinyl, CDs and other digital sources. It has been many years since preamps and receivers have included the tape loop. Is there way to hookup the cassette for recording? I have tried using the line in and the analog out rca hookups, but this doesn’t seem to accomplish my goal. I don’t think it matters, but my preamp is a CH Precision L1.

Thanks

https://www.ch-precision.com/wp-cont...ch-l1-back.jpg

What happens when you feed your tape deck with the Analog outputs?

The recording doesn’t work. Could it be the preamplified signal is so low, I just don’t hear it?

You should see the VU meters movement on your deck when in the recording mode on pause.

I see these going up and down, but am not getting any sound when I playback my attempt at recording.

Ok, are you sure the deck is functioning correctly? VU movement verifies that it is receiving an audio signal.

Do you have another tape deck to try?

Also, which Nakamichi model is it?

I checked it again in standby mode. During recording, when the cassette is set to source, the meters move. When I flip to monitor, I get nothing.

Place a tape in the deck and put in the machine in record. (Not on pause, not on standby, but actually recording a tape.) The deck's meters move when the deck is set to source, correct? What do the meters read when the deck is switched from source to tape?

Again, knowing the model of machine would help. Also, are the record tabs on the cassette shell edge intact?

The same result when just on record. The meters moved when set to source. When I toggle to tape (monitor), no meter movement. The tapes are new so I assume they should be good to record.

The deck is a Nakamichi ZX-7.

And what happens when you try to play back the tape? Is there any signal on the tape?

No sound in playback mode. Not sure if using the analog out in place of a line out is a solution. I imagine its intended purpose is to drive an amplifier.

No other decks to try. ZX-7 is the model.

It’s been forever since I recorded anything . I assume the preamp should have the source to be recorded selected during recording.

The analog out you're using should work. Since it's a standard pre-out, the output level is controlled by the preamp volume control and you therefore need to make sure the volume is turned up enough to create an adequate signal. You should be able to see this in the Nak meters, and if you're showing adequate input signal level, then there is some other issue, not the analog out - you're getting signal, just not recording or getting playback.

As Cleeds pointed out, make sure the tabs on the cassette shell are intact. Double-check the output level settings, the tape selector settings, try switching Dolby in and out, etc. This Nak has a lot of features and settings to play with, so make sure you've read the manual and have everything right, then try various settings on and off to troubleshoot. It could also be a problem with either the record head or playback head.

Cassette Hookup
 

I reviewed the manual and then attempted an azimuth calibration. It appears there is something amiss as it never enters this mode. I’ve never had a deck with this calibration feature, but my basic read is this optimizes the record head for different tapes. I don’t know if this is the reason I’m not getting a recorded signal, but I can’t rule it out. For now, I guess I’ll just use it for playback.

One other thing to try, after you go through the steps to record music. Use headphones in to your ZX-7 to see if in fact the recording was done.

This could verify you have an issue with the analog output of the deck.

Pretty sure I have some issues with the unit at least on the recording side. I’ve watched several videos and the unit does not perform these functions as shown. Any recommendations on someone who might do repairs? I’d like to at least call and get an estimate.

FWIW, the tech needs the machine on his bench to give an accurate repair quote.

PS: They are quite expensive to repair; I had my Dragon completely gone through two years ago. Belts, lubrication, old cap replacement, calibration, etc. it cost me nearly as much as the machine.

Good to know. Maybe it will just need to be a playback unit. I do have an old Denon, but it squeals and makes a terrible noise. It might be cheaper to fix and use for recording.

Cassette Hookup
 

If I can bear the sound, I might use the Denon to at least test my hookup for viability.

Soundsmith offers excellent Nakamichi service. It's isn't cheap and - as Ivan noted - they will need the unit on their bench before estimating cost of repair.

Thanks for the information. I’m guessing the cost may be more than I want to spend. I need to decide if it’s a path I want to follow.

Cassette Hookup
 

Is anyone aware of any 3rd party add-on boxes to mimic the tape loop functionality?

What about high quality analog to digital converters? In case I go the other way on recording.

You can't really mimic a tape loop, without a tape loop the next best thing is using headphones on the tape deck to monitor, but that's not exactly the same.

As for an ADC, what's your budget? If I want to go from analog to digital I use a portable Tascam DR-100 which has a nice ADC and I don't need a computer just to record. I've also read good things about Korg's USB DAC/ADC.

Very good ADC’s can get expensive rather quickly. I have/use Burmester.

That's pretty much the way I do it on my open reel tape decks. It's tough to find a dedicated tape loop like in the old days, and McIntosh has totally gone away with it.

Freddie, it's a shame, even the C22 reissue is missing a tape loop but then you've got some brands like Accuphase still including them.

Correct, and it is a feature that I use. ;)