BookmarkAll about Cassette Decks
Tired of paying $5 for a used LP?
Looking to cash in on the cheapest and most disposable source of recorded material around? Compact disc prices seem to be rising steadily, and with SACD on the horizon, expect players compatible with all forms of digital music to be ubiquitous and pricey. The LP, longtime object of nostalgia for several generations now, often carries prices that reflect said nostalgia. What is left but the cassette? The 8-track's successor may have a little staying power thanks to a handful of overlooked benefits that other formats can't claim.
Made universally marketable in the mid 70s thanks to the development of Dolby B noise reduction, the audio cassette format quickly took hold in the home and car, as well as among home recording hobbyists. Previously, audio cassette decks were restricted to the domain of professionals employing the device for use with dictation or note-taking.
Quick buying guide
Machines became increasingly complicated throughout the 80s, and if you are looking to equip your home rack with a quality deck, you may want to seek out something from this era. Of course, a good deck can still be found at a retail store, but if you plan on indulging in a retro throwback for the sake of reaping the bargains at the back of the record store, it hardly makes sense to drop 300 dollars. The widespread abandonment of the cassette player also limits your selection at retail outlets, increasing the chance of getting a high-dollar, low-performance player. Pick out a few of the following features and start shopping.
Three-Head Technology This allows you to hear the input source or the recorded material. Most decks with recording capacity will simply play the source and record while doing it. By listening to the recording as it happens, you can make any necessary adjustments.
Dolby S Noise Reduction Dolby B and C are responsible for minimizing the tape hiss and making cassettes suitable for music, but type S is far superior and can compete with more modern options. Microprocessors will also adjust the bias automatically, but you may want a manual bias control just in case.
Manual Bias Control Since decks are made with different specs that work best with specific cassettes, a manual bias control can help tweak how the deck records and plays. Mainly a tool to reduce hiss.
Input or Microphone If you want to do some live recording, this may be a good option, otherwise you'll need a mixer with RCA outputs.
Dolby HX Headroom Extension This feature tackles distortion and hiss at high frequencies. For an accurate recording of your source, it is quite essential.
Auto-reverse For a hassle-free, continuous listen, get a double deck with auto-reverse. Using C90 tapes, this means three hours of listening without flipping.
There are loads of things to consider, and a salesman at a large retailer will not likely be able to tell you much about cassette decks. Find an authentic audiophile on line or at a local, independent record store if you are still unsure. Be persistent, he'll be excited to talk about it once you break past his reticence and apathy.
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