Nakamichi CR-7A Cassette Deck - Playback Machine - Read Description

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While this Nakamichi CR-7A was thoroughly serviced, we are unfortunately unable to get the Auto Bias Recording Function to work properly because of a part that is no longer available.

This machine is working 100% as it should for playback functionality, but it it will not auto-calibrate for recording.

And do note the machine will record just fine and did so in our testing, but it will not be dialed in perfectly to match the specific characteristics of your loaded blank tape.

Therefore we're advertising this machine as more of a playback unit, great if you have a bunch of tapes already that you want to enjoy.

And at a significant discount from our regularly listed CR-7A decks.

The manual azimuth works perfectly, and all other functions like FF, REW, Play, Pause, etc. are also tested and working perfectly.

*This will also make for a wonderful machine for someone looking to transfer a bunch of tapes to digital.

Watch this walkthrough from our YouTube for complete details:

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

Specifications
3-Head Single 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, 2 x Mechanism

Tape Type:
Type I, CrO2, and Metal

Dolby Noise Reduction:
B, C

Frequency Response:
18Hz to 21kHz (Metal Tape)

Signal to Noise Ratio:
72dB (Colby C)

Wow and Flutter:
0.027%

Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.8%

Input: 50mV
(line)

Output: 1V
(line)

Dimensions:
17-1/8" x 5-5/16" x 12"
(435 x 135 x 306mm)

Weight:
19.85 lbs.
(9 kg)

Accessories:
RM-7C Remote Control

Year:
1986

Nakamichi CR-7A Detailed Sales Brochure

Nakamichi CR-7A Owner's Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Tape Decks and Reel to Reel Machines:

First steps are performed to determine if the unit is a candidate for our full restoration process or if its just in need of a light service.

We first do a  basic functionality test to ensure proper playback fast forward and rewind.  We look for smooth operation of the motors, transport engagement and associated rolling parts.  

We then do an internal physical inspection to ensure the belts and rubber consumable parts are up to spec.  

Internal components are checked to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage particularly in the power supply section.  Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR. 

A light service will involve replacement of belts and rollers, external cleaning of heads, mechanism and boards and basic record and playback tests.  

A full restoration will often include disassembly of the drive system and replacement of all consumable and wearable parts including pinch rollers, belts, brakes, bearings.  We then clean lubricate and re-assembly the drive and perform basic mechanical alignment to ensure proper tape path and head alignment. 

Final calibration will involved adjustment of playback erase and record heads and optimization of the bias for a specific tape type.  We do this with the aid of a  Soundtech 1510A tape deck analyzer and a Nakamichi T100 unit and reference calibration tapes.  

Final listening tests are done while monitoring with our reference Grado HP1 headphones and a variety of factory and custom reference recordings.  We find that there is no better system for critical listening on tapes than the headphones specially when comparing a live feed to a recorded feed.