Ye Goode Olde Nakamachi TX 1000

[al2002]

Are any forum members using the Nakamachi Dragon or TX 1000 record decks?

If so, can they please comment on usability, long term reliability, availability of parts and service, etc.

I am tempted to take the plunge, but given their mechanical complexity am not sure that these decks are suitable for daily use at this point in time :scratch:.

TIA

[daytona600]

Adam ( Beobloke) is the man to ask

[Beobloke]

As most people know, I’m a massive fan of the Garrard 301. Mine was bought new in 1964 by my uncle and has been my number one turntable for over 20 years since he passed it on to me. I love it to bits, will never sell it, believe it to be one of the finest turntables ever made and nothing has knocked it off its perch as my number one deck. Well, not until last January anyway.

It was then that I took a deep breath and bought a Nakamichi TX-1000 from a chap on this very forum. I’m sad to say that my beloved 301 is now gathering dust in my man-cave. Fear not, I’ll be digging out my Alphason HR-100S and re-fitting it to it soon, but the TX-1000 now has pride of place in the lounge as my daily driver and I have no plans to change that, and not just because it takes two people to move it!

It wasn’t cheap but, believe me, it was worth every single penny. The level of design and engineering that has gone into the deck is nothing short of astonishing and it is a complete and utter delight to use. Most importantly, it sounds absolutely stunning – it’s the best sounding turntable I’ve ever owned and this is compared to the likes of a Technics SP-10, Sony TTS-8000, Sony PS-B80, Michell Gyro SE and my beloved 301. Heck, it’s one of the best I have ever heard, full stop. In terms of reliability, it’s a high end Japanese design that was allegedly built by Micro Seiki so there should be few worries on that score. The most I can muster in the disastrous reliability stakes is that one of the isolating feet (each of which is inflated with a bicycle pump and then the air let out gradually for levelling) tends to a lose a bit of air over a period of a month or so and needs topping up occasionally – I can cope with this.

All in all, I would say that if you have found one and can afford it, don’t hesitate. Make sure it spins as smoothly and precisely as any decent direct drive should, and that the self-centering works and you should be fine. Just make sure you’ve got a big enough rack to stand it on!

[tapid]

May even sound better on an old Townshend sink support ? just a thought. Used to enjoy reading your reviews in h.f. world btw ( tonearm test was a beauty)

[tapid]

Group tonearm test I should say.

[Floyddroid]

May even sound better on an old Townshend sink support ? just a thought. Used to enjoy reading your reviews in h.f. world btw ( tonearm test was a beauty)

Ditto that. I enjoyed reading your reviews too. The mag isn't the same as it used to be. I have remained loyal to it though and believe that Noel relieves nothing but praise from me for keeping it going. Hats off to the man no matter what many may think.

[Floyddroid]

I have to say that the Nakamichi tt remains the TT to own as far as I am concerned. Fabulous piece of kit.

[337alant]

Yes absolutely. ----------- or a pioneer P3a

http://www.regonaudio.com/NakamichiTX1000.html

http://audio-database.com/PIONEER-EXCLUSIVE/player/p3a-e.html

alan