Nakamichi - 550 Audio-cassette deck

The Nakamichi 550, also known as the "Dual-Tracer", is a legendary portable stereo cassette recorder (field recorder) that was produced between 1974 and 1982. The device was praised at the time for its exceptional audio quality that could compete with fixed hi-fi decks for the home. In the 1970s, the model was frequently used by professionals, radio stations and concert-goers to make high-quality live recordings on location.

Key features

Unique 3-Microphones Mixing: The recorder has inputs for a left and right channel and a third "blend" microphone in the middle. This allowed a user to voice or highlight solo instruments during a live recording.

Large Analog VU Meters: Equipped with professional peak level meters with a wide range of 45 dB, which was essential to prevent overdrive during live sessions.

Power on the go: The device weighs over 5.1 kg (without batteries) and runs on 8 thick D batteries, a car battery or mains power via an adapter. The internal Super Stabilizer provided a constant voltage to counter floats in the speed of sound.

"Focused-Gap" Kristalloy head: Nakamichi applied a specially edited recording/playhead that provided a very wide frequency range and extremely low disort.

Please note that the player has been tested only VIA batteries and it works. No power adapter included.
The unit has not been used for a long time. I have tested functions inputs outputs, rewind, forward and playback all is working with great sound quality.

Pictures are all original of this lot and part of description!