Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Cassette Vs CD

 The question of whether a cassette deck musical performance is better than a CD is subjective and depends on personal preferences and the specific context. Both cassette decks and CDs have their own unique characteristics and qualities.

Cassettes were popular in the past due to their portability and ease of use. They have a warm and somewhat nostalgic sound that some people find appealing. However, cassettes are prone to degradation over time, 30 to 40 years and their sound quality is generally considered lower compared to CDs. Cassettes can suffer from hiss, wow and flutter, and frequency response limitations.

 

However, Cassette sound is more analogue than CD, is more live and dynamic in terms of musical toen quality, especially using top class cassette decks such as Nakamichi 1000 ZXL, Dragon, Tanberg 3014 or Revox B225, B710 MK II…. If you have listed to them then you may know what I am trying to say.

 

On the other hand, CD format provides a higher level of audio fidelity and a more accurate reproduction of the original recording. They offer a wider dynamic range, lower noise floor, and better frequency response compared to cassette tapes. However all musical prime storage is in form or tape, the quality of the sound is analogue, after conversion into CD, it is becoming Digital which is different with cassette tape. CDs are also more durable and resistant to degradation, making them a more reliable medium for long-term storage.

In terms of convenience and accessibility, CDs are generally more convenient to use than cassettes. CDs allow for easy skipping between tracks and quick access to specific songs. They also provide a rather high level of audio quality when played on a good CD player or a high-quality audio system.

Ultimately, in my personal opinion, whether a cassette deck musical performance is better than a CD comes down to personal taste and the specific characteristics of the audio equipment being used. Some people may prefer the warm and analog sound of cassettes, while others may prioritize the higher fidelity and convenience of CDs.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Nakamichi Dragon and 1000 ZXL


 Anyone who had a chance to own two of these players will tell which one sound better.

For frequency response, 1000 ZXL is better than dragon. Dragon has an advantage is the auto reverse tape play function. Because of this function somehow I think some of the sound response was trade off comparing with 1000ZXL, so 1000 ZXL is still the King of all Cassette decks

Nakamichi 1000 ZXL was produced from 1979-1984 selling price was US$3800.

Dragon was selling 1984-1993 selling price was $2499. 

Weight of 1000 ZXL is 40 pounds and Dragon is 20 pounds, the weight of 1000 ZXL is 2X as Dragon.

So as its sound!

HK Snob

Remarks from top downwards

Pioneer T770S

Nakamichi Dragon

Pioneer T1000S

Nakamichi 1000 ZXL

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Nakamichi Dragon Slayer Tanberg 3014


 Many people say the best cassette deck is Dragon, well we don't argue on this point first. 

I long to get a Tanberg 3014 which was described as a Nakamichi Dragon slayer.

Well, haven't heard about its sound, would be great if one day I had a chance to listen to it.

HK Snob

Remarks getty picture


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Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Cassette decks


 from top downwards

Braun C4 deck

Nakamichi Dragon

Pioneer T1000S

Nakamichi 1000ZXL

HK Snob

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