What is the best, reasonably priced cassette deck around?

Question

**FIRST OFF, anyone telling me to 'Go buy a CD player' will get an automatic thumbs-down.**

I'm also NOT INTERESTED in those devices that 'rip' tracks from cassettes to mp3 format.

I just have a lot of tapes and want to be able to listen to them.

It's mostly a lot of late 70s and 80s music. Some of it are songs on independent labels that were never released on CDs in the first place.

Unfortunately, my 1980s harmon/kardon one just died.

Any recommendations?

A new model would be preferable but I'm willing to search for a quality used one as well.

Professional, mature answers appreciated.

I don't want a bunch of kids telling me: d00d, go get a ipod'.

Thanks.

Answer 1

You will have to find one probably online. They do not make cassette players anymore. You may still be able to find them at Best Buy or maybe even Wal Mart. Good luck! Maybe find a way to transfer those cassettes to CD?

Answer 2

d00d, whats a cassette deck??? lol jkjk

Sony, Onkyo, and JVC all make cassette decks for around $200. Just go to their websites and see for yourself.

Answer 3

Well, I can certainly relate to your question, as I recently replaced my 25 year old Harmon Kardon CD-401 cassette deck, with a used HK CD-491 model deck, that I bought used from an audio professional through craigslist.

I am very happy with the 491, and I wish you well in finding a deck that fits your needs. What could work is to figure out several makes and models of decks that you like, and do Google searches on each of them, adding a term such as "(Make & Model) for sale". Thats how I found my new-to-me 491.

From what I see in the new audio gear market, there aren't many high quality decks still in production. There isn't even a cassette deck section on amazon.com, and many of the models that are available there, are used items. And, most of the ones they sell new are double decks.

Answer 4

There are still are good cassette decks around:

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sony-Dual...

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Teac-Doub...

Here is a "pro" model:

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/33278...

Answer 5

I would check websites like Audiogon.com where people who take care of their gear are looking to get rid of some very high end casette decks on the cheap.  I have seen some very costly tapedecks back in the day go for pennies on Audiogon.