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Just BIN'd a Nak ZX-9 Deck

108.180.238.151

Posted on June 20, 2016 at 13:50:25
Braxus
Audiophile

Posts: 926
Location: Fraser Valley
Joined: February 11, 2006






I have been wanting a Nak (either Dragon or this deck) for a while now. I saw this on Ebay this morning and he only wanted $900 US for it. These decks have been listing around $1500-2000 lately. So I saw an opportunity and asked him if he can take payment for it on July 15th. He said yes, so I BIN'd it now and will make payment next month.

It looks to be in good shape other then someone's security number on the back. I hope I can cover that up. Its been sitting idle for the last 2.5 years, so its probably going to need to be checked over. The serial number on the back, does that tell anyone when this deck was made?

 

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Nice machine..., posted on June 21, 2016 at 12:06:22
kootenay
Audiophile

Posts: 8442
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Joined: October 16, 2007
Motor and component wise they're the same construction as the ZX-7. Sound wise, they're about the same, although the ZX-9 was more visceral sounding than the two.

As a side note; The ZX-9 transport mechanism are prone to malfunctioning due to haphazard construction on the mechanical parts especially the belt and capstan. The tell tale signs if the transport mechanism needs servicing is when there's a speed fluctuations and excessive wow and flutter during play mode. Years ago you could buy the parts rather easily I'm not sure about it now.

If it's functioning properly enjoy, however, if it isn't I hope you'll find a competent tech to fix it properly.

 

Excellent ! ..., posted on June 23, 2016 at 15:40:51
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13112
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since:
January 19, 2010
Back in the day when the ZX-9 was a current deck and I was working in audio, the ZX-9 was the preferred machine of all the techs and audio geeks at Nak ...even over the Dragon. We sold a lot of ZX-7s, until the ZX-9 came out. The ZX-9 was clearly the superior recorder.

The ZX-9 is direct drive, while the ZX-7 is belt drive. They are otherwise the same.

For me, it is the ultimate cassette deck. But I must confess, I'm a big-time Nak fan.

Best of luck with it.

Dean.






reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

True..., posted on June 23, 2016 at 17:10:20
kootenay
Audiophile

Posts: 8442
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Joined: October 16, 2007
Even though they're called Direct Drive transport mechanism but, it is not a true direct drive mechanism in a real sense of the word. As the ZX-9 uses a belt to drive the other capstan flywheel one capstan is the motor rotor, while the other driven by belt, from the first capstan. On the ZX-7 both capstan are driven by belt by a separate motor, that's the difference between the two.

The only cassette deck that uses true Direct Drive transport mechanism is the Revox B215. There's no belts or idler, for both reels and capstans and all 4 motors are controlled by light gate system.

 

RE: Just BIN'd a Nak ZX-9 Deck, posted on June 25, 2016 at 06:28:05
denden11
Audiophile

Posts: 360
Joined: March 4, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
December 12, 2007
Back in the day, Figure Skaters used cassette tapes for the music used during their competitions. When my daughter skated, I bought a Nak ZX9. Her music always sounded superior to the competition. The ZX9 was a joy to use.
I could have bought a Dragon but I noticed that Nakamichi used the ZX9 to record their Audiophile tapes.

 

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