Nakamichi - LX-3 Cassette recorder-player

Nakamichi LX-3 Cassette Deck

-In the excellent and (fully functional*) condition shown in the photos.
-The photos show the actual item for sale.
-All functions have been thoroughly tested.
-The mechanism underwent full maintenance approximately one month ago. This included a new belt kit, a new idler tire, and the removal of old lubricants followed by re-lubrication. The service was performed by a specialist dedicated to repairing Nakamichi, Pioneer, and Akai (exclusively Japanese) tape decks. The electronics were not refurbished, as it was not necessary.

*Observation during testing:
I tested all functions of the deck. I encountered only one issue: when lowering the volume using the output level potentiometer, the left channel does not silence completely. When the output potentiometer is turned all the way up, the output is perfectly balanced and the signal level is flawless. This may be an issue when using headphones. However, if the deck is connected to an amplifier, mixer, or another recorder, this problem disappears completely (provided the output volume is set to maximum).

Attention!
-This is a Japanese domestic market product requiring 100V power. In Europe, the UK, or Australia, it can only be operated using a step-down transformer!
-No warranty! You are purchasing a used item; therefore, I do not accept claims, complaints, returns, or retroactive withdrawal from the purchase. These are my terms of sale. If you do not agree to them, please do not make a purchase.

Thank you for viewing my listing!

"The sound of this deck is amazing and I would dare say it can rival the sound of vinyl (NOTE: some owners of this deck also made the same claim). It sounded more natural than the other decks that I had reviewed for this site. Absolutely sweet, which is no wonder because this is a Nakamichi. As with the other decks that I had tested and reviewed before, I played my fave The Eagles Unplugged album on the LX-3 and I tell you that it made that album sound better than I ever heard it before with those other decks. The lows we profound and rich, the mids were on point and the highs were absolutely crisp. The warmth of the sound is what will make you do an “Ohhh!” or an “Ahh!” and will probably make you save up or rob a bank to get either a Dragon or the RX-202. Like with the DT-7, I was too lazy to change the speakers that I had connected to the amp. So, I am sure that better speakers will make this thing sing even better. Also, the Dolby on this thing is superb, which made me wish that the other decks that I had the pleasure of testing before had the same Dolby quality.

The looks alone is a killer. No protruding buttons. Everything is flush and looks like it has been designed by an artist. The aesthetics are great, the controls are feathery to the touch. The tape handling is next to none. Well, not exactly as high end Nak decks will most probably trump the tape handling of the LX-3 but it is up there. Not only is the LX-3 a joy to listen to but also a joy to look at.

When I was doing further research on this model, I found information posted by owners at different forums that the LX-3, along with the LX-5, was the last of the 2-head greats that Nakamichi produced. After the LX-5, Nakamichi entered the entry level decks with their BX series. Having heard a couple of those BX models – the 100 and 150, in particular – I can tell you that those two will not hold up against the LX-3. So, the claim of owners that the LX-3 was one if the last greats may hold some truth to it.

Elegance mostly comes at a premium. For the Nakamichi LX-3, it did in the 1980’s. Forward 40 years, this Nak does not command the premium price that it did back in the day but its premium sound will always be one that stays in the mind of all who owned it.
Great deck. Period."

General

Manufacturer: Nakamichi
Model: LX-3
Type: Cassette Tape Deck
Years of manufacture: 1982 - 1984
Made in: Japan
Color: Silver, Black
Remote control: RM-200 optional (cable)
Power consumption:
Dimensions (WxHxD): 450 x 135 x 307 mm.
Weight: 8,5 kg
Original price approx.: 1'300 DM


Connections

Number of inputs:
Line 50 mV/70 KOhm
Number of outputs:
Line 1 V/2.2 KOhm
Headphones


Technical Data

Audio heads: 2
Motors: 3
Synchronization fluctuations: < 0,06%
Tape types: Type I,II,IV
Frequency response: 20 - 20.000 Hz
Distortion factor: < 1%
Signal to noise ratio: 62/68 dB Dolby B/C
Auto Reverse: no
Title search: No
Dolby: B, C
MPX filter: switchable
Fader: Yes
Pitch control: No
CD synchro recording: No


Special Features

Double capstan
BIAS control
Adjustable output level