Opinions of CX-650R cassette deck

[PoorBoyRecordings]

Hello everyone. I just purchased a Teac CX-650R cassette deck to use for mixing down to and was wanting some opinions of this deck. i.e. - reliability, wow and flutter, etc. The usual stuff. I am still learning the in's and outs of recording and any responses would help. Thanks.

 

[A Reel Person]

From...

http://www.vintagecassette.com/Teac/CX-650R
CX-650R
Stereo Cassette Deck
MSRP $700
1980-1982

Acculign Rotating Head

Two Motor

Noise Reduction
Dolby-B Noise Reduction
MPX Filter

Transport
Auto Reverse
Mechanical Tape Loading
Dual-Capstan Transport
Auto Shutoff (Full)
Belt Drive

Heads
3 Head Design

Display
3-Digit Mechanical Counter
Analog Needle Meters

Controls
3-Position Direction Selector

Operation
Auto-Space
Full Logic Transport Control
Timer Recording/Playback
Line / Mic Input Select
Memory Play

Tape
3-Position Tape Selector
Chrome Tape Capability
Normal Tape Capability
Metal Tape Capability
3-Position Equalization Selector

Exterior
Front Loading
Orientation Left

Connectivity
2 Mono Microphone Inputs
Headphones
RCA Input/Output Connectors
Wired Remote Control Pro

Preamplifier
Output-Level Control
Individual Input Level Controls

Indicators
Cassette Back Light

General
Stereo

==============
Looks alright to me./DA

 

[PoorBoyRecordings]

Thanks Reel. It looked good to me when I bought it but wasn't sure about using for mixdowns. The specs you left me tells me it will do the job just fine for me as I am still learning and not recording pro.

Forgot to mention I got this unit for just $66. Thought I was getting a deal and seems as if I did.

 

[A Reel Person]

Well,...

For 1982 it was pretty fine & top of the TEAC CX- line. The features are fine and comparable with that era. Mic inputs are a plus, as is 3-head design. Independent input/output level controls are nice. Big VU meters are nice.

It's maybe not as super slick as later 80's designs, but is pretty solid in features. It's way better than the junk built in the late 90's.

Mixdown to cassette is a bit outdated, but it's fine if that's what you play around the house and in the car.

Vintage 80's decks might require a little maintenance for issues related to belts that affect speed, wow & flutter, etc., but there's no predicting what you'll come up with. You just have to try it and put it thru it's paces. Many 80's decks might have no issue with rubber parts or maintenance at all. It goes on a case by case basis, and is just something to watch for, not always requiring maintenance as a rule. I have many 80's vintage decks in original condition that run fine. Good luck.

 

[PoorBoyRecordings]

For 1982 it was pretty fine & top of the TEAC CX- line. The features are fine and comparable with that era. Mic inputs are a plus, as is 3-head design. Independent input/output level controls are nice. Big VU meters are nice.

It's maybe not as super slick as later 80's designs, but is pretty solid in features. It's way better than the junk built in the late 90's.

Mixdown to cassette is a bit outdated, but it's fine if that's what you play around the house and in the car.

Vintage 80's decks might require a little maintenance for issues related to belts that affect speed, wow & flutter, etc., but there's no predicting what you'll come up with. You just have to try it and put it thru it's paces. Many 80's decks might have no issue with rubber parts or maintenance at all. It goes on a case by case basis, and is just something to watch for, not always requiring maintenance as a rule. I have many 80's vintage decks in original condition that run fine. Good luck.

Thanks again for your reply. It helped alot. This deck had just been cleaned, lubed, new belts and heads adjusted when I bought it so hopefully it will go for a while without needing anything. The only reason I am mixing down to cassette right now is I am in the " Recording Learning Process". Using a Teac A-3340S r to r with a teac 2A mixer with the MB-20 meter bridge, and this cassette deck. When I learn more about recording, i.e. - mixers, eqaulizers, compressors/decompressors, etc. I will upgrade to at least mixing down to a DAT and then to CD.