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Nakamichi RX-505 Auto-Reverse Three Head Cassette Deck (1984-93) in beautiful condition. WHY BUY THIS UNIT:• Unique UDAR auto-reverse system — no compromise in sound quality• True 3-head design — real-time monitoring and better recordings• Dual capstan transport — superior tape stability• Top-tier Nakamichi engineering — precision and reliability• Iconic mechanical cassette flip — highly collectible and visually impressive• One of the most desirable non-Dragon Nakamichi decksIf you'd like to see our work, you can follow us on our social media. Thanks for watching.Instagram: @archerhifiFacebook: Archer High FidelityDESCRIPTIONTo Nakamichi, 3-Head always means three discrete heads, physically independent record, playback and erase heads that are perfectly optimized and critically aligned in magnetic azimuth to ensure flat response to beyond 20 KHz and optimum MOL.It’s the one of the most iconic and innovative cassette decks ever produced, featuring Nakamichi’s unique “UDAR” (UniDirectional Auto Reverse) mechanism. Instead of reversing tape direction internally, the RX-505 physically rotates the cassette 180°, maintaining optimal head alignment and preserving true Nakamichi playback quality in both directions.Positioned near the top of the RX series, the RX-505 combines 3-head architecture, dual capstan transport, and precision calibration controls, delivering exceptional recording accuracy, low noise, and outstanding musical detail. Its mechanical cassette-flip system is not only functional but visually striking, making it a standout piece in any vintage audio setup.SPECIFICATIONS Type: auto reverse, 3-head, single compact cassette deckTrack System: 4-track, 2-channel stereoTape Speed: 4.8 cm/sHeads: 1 x record, 1 x playback, 1 x eraseMotor: 1 x reel, 1 x capstan, 2 x mechanismTape Type: type I, CrO2, MetalNoise Reduction: B, CFrequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (Metal tape)Signal to Noise Ratio: 70dB (dolby C)Wow and Flutter: 0.04%Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.9%Input: 50mV (line)Output: 1V (line)Dimensions: 450 x 144 x 300mmWeight: 10kgYear: 1984Local pick up / inspection / purchase available at Archer High Fidelity in Falls Church, VA. We are a vintage sales and service specialist covering the Washington DC metro area.All major credit cards accepted, as well as PayPal, check on clearing, and Venmo.Any other questions, please feel free to ask.
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Nakamichi was founded in 1948 by Etsuro Nakamichi as a research institute in Tokyo, Japan, initially providing R&D services for major corporations and government entities before transitioning to consumer audio manufacturing under its own name beginning in 1972. The brand emerged from deep technical expertise in electromagnetism, magnetic recording, and acoustics, establishing itself as a pioneering force in Japanese audio engineering. Today, Nakamichi operates as a subsidiary of Chinese holding company Nimble Holdings, maintaining its heritage while expanding into contemporary audio categories.
The brand built its legendary reputation on cassette deck innovation, introducing the world's first three-head recording deck and the iconic Dragon series (1982), which featured bi-directional replay and automatic azimuth correction—innovations that remain highly sought after by collectors, with pristine examples commanding thousands of dollars on the secondary market. Beyond vintage cassette decks, Nakamichi's modern product portfolio encompasses home cinema audio systems, sound bars, speakers, headphones, mini hi-fi systems, automotive stereo products, and automotive lighting solutions, reflecting a diversification strategy that extends its audio expertise across multiple consumer segments.
Nakamichi occupies a distinctive position bridging vintage collectibility and contemporary consumer audio. The brand commands respect among audiophiles and hi-fi enthusiasts for its uncompromising engineering standards and Japanese precision, while simultaneously serving the automotive and mainstream home audio markets. Its legacy as an innovator in analog audio technology, combined with its evolution into modern product categories, positions Nakamichi as a heritage brand with credibility across both specialist and general consumer segments.
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