Nakamichi LX5
The main features of the Nakamichi LX-5
are: 3 discrete heads and off-tape monitoring, digital tape counter with 4
digits and memory stop, manual tape type selection and capable of handling
normal, chrome and metal tapes with additional manual equalization selection,
belt driven dual-capstan transport.
Typical front loading cassette deck with
the cassette compartment located on the left side of the deck. Tape eject is
operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be
played facing forward in the cassette well which is opened by a damped
mechanism. Additionally the compartment can be accessed easily for head
cleaning by removing the well-cover. There is transparent shield of cover to
the tape, so good to see no reflection but it tends to collect dust over the
time.
Level meters used on the LX-5 are digital
LED peak reading meters. Full-logic transport controls used on the LX-5 let it
respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport
function selection.
Dolby C-type used in the LX-5 provides 20
dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by
B-type. The three-head configuration of the LX-5 requires a Double Dolby
system, one for recording and one for playback. The 19kHz multiplex pilot signal
present in FM stereo broadcasts can cause false triggering of the noise
reduction system. The switchable MPX filter of the LX-5 filters out the pilot
signal, and assuring proper Dolby processing of FM stereo programs.
For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for playback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable. All main transport commands can be issued remotely with a wired remote control. Even the music lover unaccustomed to audio tape decks will find it remarkably easy to produce
extraordinary recordings on the LX-5 thanks to the sophistication that lies hidden within. Microprocessor control virtually eliminates the possibility of tape damage even if you press the wrong button, and a special feature creates professional fades to and from full recording level at the touch of a bar!
An advanced 4-bit N-MOS microprocessor monitors the silent mechanism transport, control panel and (optional) remote-control unit, senses your every command, interprets it, inserts intermediate commands if they are necessary to prevent tape damage, and instructs the drive on how best to carry out your wishes. A light touch on any operation button is all that is required on your part, and it is virtually impossible to make a mistake! The microprocessor also makes possible such added features as Auto Playback and Punch-In Recording.
Want to repeat a favourite selection or advance to another? Just press rewind (or fast forward) along with record to engage Auto Playback. The transport rapidly winds the tape until the counter reads 0000 and automatically begins to play from that point. To mark the point to which you want to return, just tap the tape counter reset button.
To do tight editing - say, to insert a narration between selections - you can switch directly from the playback to the recording mode without stopping the tape. Just press record and play together.
Once channel balance and maximum recording level are adjusted, you can create smooth fades up to full level and down to silence by pressing the right or left side of the Master Fader bar. A single tap initiates a 6-second fade; press and hold the bar and you create a 2-second fade -automatically!
Optimum bias often differs slightly among the various brands of tape even among those that are nominally of the same type. Since bias affects recording Characteristics (especially at high frequencies) and thus might prevent the very best performance, the LX-5 has a Bias Fine Tuning control to achieve optimum response with each tape. The control is set so that the playback sound matches the original as closely as possible.
(https://www.hifiengine.com/images/model/nakam
ichi_lx-5_discrete_head_cassette_deck.jpg)
This is very easy to do with the Discrete Head by switching between Tape and Source and adjusting the bias control until the sound quality is the same. The control's center detent marks the correct setting for Nakamichi tapes.
You can command the LX-5 remotely via the optional RM-200 Remote Control Unit. From your armchair, you can delete commercials from an FM broadcast, eliminate selections from a disc you are recording, or perform any other function which normally would be handled by the deck's local mechanical controls.
Connect the LX-5 to an ordinary electrical timer, and you can have the recorder wake you with music in the morning, turn itself off when you retire, even record a not to be missed FM broadcast while you are away!
Whenever the record mute switch is depressed, the tape continues to move but no new information is recorded. With record mute you can erase unwanted material, edit out unnecessary announcements during recording, and create blank sections of tape whenever you wish.
Each of the two electronic recording level indicators spans an exceptionally wide range to encompass the dynamics of modern program material. The 16 LED segments in each channel provide excellent resolution and accurately respond to peak recording level even during brief transients.
The LX-5 features an advanced bidirectional electronic tape counter that counts to 9999 when the tape is moving in the forward direction and to –999 in rewind. When the Memory switch is activated, the deck stops automatically at a precise indication of 0000 during fast forward or rewind.
Specifications
Type: 3-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 4.8 cm/s
Heads: 1 x record, 1 x playback, 1 x erase
Motor: 1 x reel, 1 x capstan
Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal
Noise Reduction: B, C
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (Metal
tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 70dB (Dolby C)
Wow and Flutter: 0.06%
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.9%
Input: 50mV (line)
Output: 1V (line)
Dimensions: 450 x 135 x 307mm
Weight: 8.5kg
(https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/nakamichi/lx-3.shtml)
LX-3
(https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/nakamichi/lx-3.shtml)
(https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/nakamichi/mr-1.shtml)
MR-1
(https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/nakamichi/mr-1.shtml)
Year: 1981
Price: USD $850 (1981)
Market price now USD$600-800 (2023)
Performance
Listening
Sound is natural, clarity is high
7/10
Usage
Easy to use
9/10
Outlook
Sleek design especially with a cover to
mask those buttons not frequently used
Price performance
9/10
Value
Cost performance for purely listening
8/10
Future appreciation
8/10
HK Snob
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