Nakamichi LX-3 Tape Decks
Nakamichi LX-3 Tape Decks
USER REVIEWS
[May 20, 2016]
Richard Hebert
AudioPhile
This is the best quality cassette player that I have been using with my McIntosh Integrated Amplifier MA6200.
|
[Apr 11, 2003]
AudioPhile
Strength:
INCREDIBLE top to bottom cohesiveness! Tape handling is top notch. Auto fader is a great idea! Great asthetics (nice having the lesser used controls behind the swing down door)!
Weakness:
Azimuth adjustment is SERIOUSLY finicky, as there are two screws to adjust rather than the "cheap" decks with one little tiny screw. Rather bulky by comparison to todays machines! When I recently hooked back up with a high school friend/musician, he mentioned that someone had given him a tape machine and would I like to check it out? I said sure, went over to his place and saw this "Nak" sitting there in his closet! I offered him soem coin for it, he accepted and I took it home. Well, the drive belts were worn to death, the fast forward and rewind had tons of slipping to them, and to make matters worse, the deck would not go OUT of record mode. My technician friend had me bring the deck into his shop, where he proceded to teach me EVERYTHING about the transport mechs. on this deck! We got it working like new within 3 hours (and $3.00 for two new belts!). Even thought I've only had the deck for three days now, I can not believe how pure and clean the sound is, regardless of how it is set up (no NR, Dolby B, or C)! I sounds killer and makes me wonder why tape died (or is still dying) its slow death (personally, I think its the lack of GOOD machines like this!). From top to bottom, this deck gets almost everything right! Sure, you can still over cook (read: distort) the tape if levels are too high, but thats a small price to pay for something that gets vinyl AND CD down like a mirror image. My wife thought I was actually playing a record when she came home yesterday! I really FOOLED HER!!! I think I'll keep it! Similar Products Used: System- Precision Fidelity C-8a preamp Crown PL-3 and Mission (CyrusII) power amps Linn Axis Turntable w/ Linn Akito II arm and Audio Technica OC 9 ML MC cartridge. Denon DCM-370 CD changer Dahq |
[Mar 10, 2002]
elkcub
AudioPhile
Strength:
Fantastic sound quality that rivals vinyl. Easy to use feather touch controls. Very stylish period of yesteryear.
Weakness:
None found. Wow, was I ever smart to buy this unit. I''ve been using an entry-level Nak BX-100 (gear modified) for the last 15 years, but this older, classic, LX-3 is much more refined. In fact, it produces something very close to the warm sound of vinyl (Thorens, Grace, VPI cleaner), absent apprehensions of random buzzes and pops. I imagine that the improvement over the BX-100 is in the playback heads, but perhaps the precision of a dual capstan tape-feed plays a role. In any case, the musical sound is superb, and I''ve now gone through evey cassette in my collection with renewed enjoyment. Although I have not used tape recording features much in the past, I''m going to be experimenting with it again, using the 20 db Dolby C noise reduction this machine has. Although not as readily found as the newer BX series Naks, my advise to the serious audiophile is to buy one of these remarkable LX units if one is available in good condition. Similar Products Used: Nakamichi BX-100 |
[Jan 19, 2000]
jwg
Audiophile
Strength:
Great analog sound I've had problems with my deck since I purchased it in 1984. It needs some serious repair now adn I'm looking for someone who can fix it. Similar Products Used: JVC three head thing |
[Sep 17, 2001]
George
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Agree with EVERYTHING previous reviewer stated!
Weakness:
None Well my good man, you paid for the LX-3, the same amount I paid for my 581Z. $10, MINT condition. Original box, and owners manual. Purchased at the Officers Wives Club Thrift Shop at McGuire Air Force Base. I can't help but think the husband and wife were getting divorced, he was out of the country, and SHE brought it in for sale. MY good fortune, is HIS tough luck. Similar Products Used: Nakamichi 581Z |
[Dec 10, 2001]
Claudia Jansen-Dortmans
Casual Listener
Strength:
So musical...
Weakness:
none In 2Q I bought it on the web - a true second hand, flew it from Europe to the UK, switched it on and since then it has worked flawless. It did not come with a manual, but you do not need that at all. Similar Products Used: Sony TC-FX5, Denon DR-M1 |
[Mar 18, 2001]
Dan Johnson
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Unmatched sound. About as good as you can get with a cassette machine. Dolby tracking is excellent.
Weakness:
Meter is rather coarse for such an expensive deck. Would like more segments, or at least different color for over 0 dB. Believe it - or not - I bought this for $10 at a Goodwill store. It was in about 95% condition. It was missing a cassette door but I made one out of acrylic that actually looks better than the stock one. After a good cleaning and a new door, it's now 100%. I was originally going to sell it but realised I would be stupid to do so! Similar Products Used: KENWOOD KX1080 3-head cassette (excellent) FISHER CR4029 3-head cassette deck (don't laugh, it's better than about 97% of the stuff out there!) |
[Feb 24, 2000]
Roman Picnic
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Great design and superior sound quality
Weakness:
You really need good tapes (MAXEL MX-S) I recently bought a Nakamichi LX-3. I've wanted this machine since i was only a little boy. My uncle had a LX-5 and i still remember the amazing sound quality. I bought this machine for 500 guilders(approx. 250$), and i think it's a bargain since this machine is, or definitely will be a collectors-item. They don't make them like this anymore and that's a pity because it records much better than the most digital devices. Even 96kHz won't do the trick and i am starting to believe that analoge rules, when warmth and depth are important to you. The LX-3 is the best recorder ever made i believe. When you have the chance to buy a NAK, especially the LX-series, don't hesitate. |
[Sep 30, 1999]
Alex
an Audiophile
The LX-3 is one of the rare 2-head tapedeck with a dual-capstan mechanisme.This deck has the same high-quality tape-transport as the more expensive ZX-line form Nakamichi. |
[Sep 30, 1999]
Jan Evertse
an Audio Enthusiast
LX-3 is absolute top in 2-head tape-decks.great design, good build machine still 100% after 15 years |