Thank you for a superb video. Managed to replace the logic control and capstan belts and lubricate the capstan with just the top and bottom covers removed. My beloved ancient 480Z is back to life!
What id like to know is why the 400 and 500 series have the most incredible stereo separation of any of these decks. My CR1A and 2A come close.. As well as my Harman Kardon CD491 deck. So intriguing to me.
Thank you for the great video, it was extremely helpful and well made! My 480 had almost identical symptoms. I wish that you had shown how to change the idler tire though.
Puttng deep psychological preferences aside for a minute, the ultimate subjective test would be a 'blind test' where we are to compare (say) two decks which were recorded from the same noise-free source, and recorded to (say) 2% peak distortion for both. There are too many people out there who are persuaded by 'status' of equipment, it's a human thing I'm afraid. I am under no illusion that Nakamichi cassette decks are up there with the best performing; no doubt. Nakamichi, like Revox, and the best from the rest exploited the cassette format to its limits. However, the results of such a blind test I believe would expose our subjective frailties. Incidentally, your Nakamichi 480 there is a very desirable machine; I think the brushed aluminium finish is wonderful.
I agree, but the challenge here is to find two machines of different manufactures in a similar state. Depending on how they were stored and used, they will have aged differently. Some degree of servicing/restoration will be required to have them working at least. But then it would still not be a fair battle. Unless both are getting a full scale makeover. The deck is on sale in the shop, but I have noticed that most of my viewers are US based and I am in Australia. Not using the channel anyway for marketing but to share the passion and some knowledge with others.
My friend, i have a question. When I'm recording side A of cassette volume recorded on two channels are good. When I will record something on side B this same tape, volume on two channel are good, but on side A, recorded just before is about 50 % less on right channel. What is wrong? How to fix it? Nakamichi 480
The Z version got Dolby C and not just Dolby B. So if you plan to use Dolby C that would be the right pick. I love Dolby C and use it for all my tapes.
@@ClassicHiFiReviews yes, thank you, I didn't notice that, I found only the main differences that the 480 is not adjustable "bias", but the 480z is adjustable, and also - the 480 has "VU meters" indicators, while the 480z already has LED indicators.
