I dunno, but always got the impression that Nakamichi are the Klein of the HiFi cassette world, TBH I cannot really see (or perhaps I should say hear) how a Nak can be noticeably better than the 24 HX or (44 HX) Both of these are highly rate and with adjustable biasm, Dolby C and HxPro can record so that playback is close to the original source. I did spend a while on ebay looking at Naks but they are still hugely expensive.
Regarding your days as hifirepairman, what was the common problem with the Denons? Ever recall seeing the problem I described? I can't figure out why it is/was happening. I have the service manual and it appears both capstans are driven using the same belt from one motor and I would expect the first one to be slightly smaller diameter so that it runs slower thus ensuring the tape in between them is under tensions; the first capstan has a weaker spring (by design) allowing tape slippage .... so it baffles me how the tape is getting out and then not getting taken up causing the loop. Hmmmmm....
Billy Vee still alive and kicking
Regarding your days as hifirepairman, what was the common problem with the Denons? Ever recall seeing the problem I described? I can't figure out why it is/was happening. I have the service manual and it appears both capstans are driven using the same belt from one motor and I would expect the first one to be slightly smaller diameter so that it runs slower thus ensuring the tape in between them is under tensions; the first capstan has a weaker spring (by design) allowing tape slippage .... so it baffles me how the tape is getting out and then not getting taken up causing the loop. Hmmmmm....
Billy Vee still alive and kicking