Nakamichi ZX-9 Discrete Head Cassette Deck

The Nakamichi ZX-9 is a stereo cassette deck with double Dolby B and C noise reduction, it was introduced by Nakamichi in 1982 with a list price of USD $1,550 and discontinued 3 years later in 1985.

The main features of the Nakamichi ZX-9 are: 3 discrete heads and off-tape monitoring, electronic tape counter with 4 digits and memory stop, manual tape type selection with support for normal, chrome and metal tapes with additional manual equalization selection, dual capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment 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 compartement can be accessed easly for head cleaning by removing the well-cover.

Level meters used on the ZX-9 are digital LED peak reading meters. Full-logic transport controls used on the ZX-9 let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection. Cue and review can be used to easily and quickly locate the beginning of a passage at two speeds.

Record azimuth correction. To ensure the best response from the wide variety of tapes available adjustment of, bias and sensitivity, to optimum levels can be performed prior to recording.

Dolby C-type used in the ZX-9 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 ZX-9 requires a Double Dolby system, one for recording and one for playback. To further maintain recording accuracy, the ZX-9 incorporates a switchable multiplex filter. When you record FM stereo broadcasts, the MPX filter of the ZX-9 can be swiched on to prevent the standard 19kHz FM pilot signal from interfering with the noise reduction system.

For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for plaback 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.

• Diffused-Resonance Transport
• Pressure pad lifter
• Direct Drive
• Double Capstan
• Silent Mechanism
• Microprocessor Control
• Discrete 3-Head Technology
• Asymmetrical Dual Capstans