With tape decks, convenience features, such as high-speed dubbing and auto-reverse, can also degrade sound quality. It's important to decide which trade-offs you're willing to make before you buy, and to listen carefully to the decks you're considering.
Instructions
1. Choose between dual-well and single-well decks. Dual-well decks will not sound as good as comparably priced or less expensive single-well decks, but they make tape dubbing easier.
2. Determine what's more important: convenience features or sound quality. High-speed tape dubbing degrades sound quality. Auto-reverse significantly degrades sound quality and reliability.
3. Decide on the noise-reduction technology you want. Dolby S is the most effective form of Dolby noise reduction. Dolby C NR is superior to Dolby B NR. Most prerecorded tapes use Dolby B NR. Dolby HX improves signal-to-noise ratio. Dbx, no longer available on new decks, is the most effective method of noise reduction.
4. Decide if you want control over the tape type. Most decks automatically read the tape type (I, II, or IV, also called Normal, CrO2, and Metal, respectively) and adjust the bias. But some decks allow you to fine-tune the bias for individual tapes.
5. Consider buying a used deck if you are willing to replace the heads, which will cost $100 or more. If you choose a used deck, buy one made more than 10 years ago to take advantage of better construction and sound quality.
6. Make your buying decision based on sound quality, price, features and the service provided by your salesperson.
7. Consider upgrading stock RCA cables that come with the unit.
Tags: sound quality, convenience features, degrades sound, degrades sound quality, most effective, noise reduction, single-well decks
