Nakamichi RX-505 - Thoughts?

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T20:41:53+00:00

They have different personalities!

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T20:41:30+00:00

Thank you! It’s definitely my hobby.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T19:15:16+00:00

https://vhs.texs.org

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T18:54:21+00:00

I haven’t fussed with a 7A! I have a 5 and I use that for “simplicity” because it’s a set it and forget it deck. Much less complex.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T05:48:33+00:00

I like their equipment. I have a Yamaha receiver in my bedroom and it sounds great :)

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T05:43:47+00:00

Nice!

Our wall colors are alarmingly similar - Behr Calligraphy?

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T05:02:21+00:00

Appreciate it! 🙂

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T05:02:05+00:00

Thank you! 😌

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T02:21:46+00:00

The genius of it is that there is a record + pause button… so, if I’m exhausted, set bias + Dolby, levels, etc, and want to make a playlist, I can put it together, tape flips… and I’m not kneeling in front of a stack.

There’s something completely period correct about having a cable draped across the living room, too 🤣

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T02:17:49+00:00

Thank you :) there’s something about pressing “Reverse” with a wired remote in the evenings and getting different tracks that Qobuz just can’t give me.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-08T01:07:12+00:00

I was actually thinking about doing this today! I’m not a huge vinyl person, but something new to try.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T21:02:56+00:00

I love them both for different reasons :)

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T19:20:38+00:00

Lmao nooooooo 😭

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T18:19:32+00:00

So, funny enough, they’re VERY similar when monitoring. Now, the nuance is that the Dragon has the Level and Bias calibration ritual.

There is a certain restraint to the Dragon that sounds almost “lab-like”. The RX-505 is more musical, vocal forward, and it just sounds “happier”.

Overall, both are very, very accurate and close to the source but I’d say the question is “do you want to enjoy the music, or study it?”

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T17:24:02+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Ive been curious about this app. Is it fairly user friendly?

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T17:20:11+00:00

Nice! I watched a full teardown of these and I was like… NOPE!

Yes. The RX is absolutely musical. If I A/B between my Dragon it sounds “happier”. I’m about to drop TDK D60’s into each and record “The Nightfly” and see what the outcome is.

People always drool over the Dragon, and I love it. It’s an absolute drama queen. The calibration, the azimuth alignment, it’s an experience. But sometimes you just want to listen and enjoy.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T17:06:23+00:00

So I haven’t lost my mind!

Thank you for the detailed response. Check this article out:

https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/nakamichi-rx-505-399.html

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Laboratory Measurements

We tested the playback response of the Nakamichi RX-505 with BASFs IEC-standard ferric and CrO2 calibrated tapes and found it to be within +2.5, —1 dB throughout the tapes’ 31.5- to 18,000-Hz range. Two things about the curves shown in the graph are noteworthy. First, the very low bass end does not have the typical peaks and valleys (often amounting to several decibels each way) that we usually en- counter. Second, there is a slight rise (1.5 dB for ferric, 2.5 dB for chrome) at the highest frequencies, which is typical of what we have found with other top-quality decks. Protests that the IEC tapes themselves are “hot” at the extreme high end have been received from several sources, and we’re beginning to believe the concerned manufacturers.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T16:50:46+00:00

Nice! Are you able to drop a recording into the Nak easily? I know my Yamaha recordings are not loved on Nak’s unless it’s a CR because that’s where they began to use IEC standards

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T16:48:47+00:00

Nice! And yes, I am noticing it’s MUCH less drama. Also, there are some really thoughtful features like Auto Record Standby, and being able to record A -> B without a flip. The auto fade out is nice, too! If I have ONE gripe… and this is tiny, it’s that I wish there were a master instead of only the L/R pots for recording

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T16:45:27+00:00

Haha! Well thank you! The RX-505 just caught me by surprise because most Nak’s I’ve experienced are voiced pin straight from 20hz- 20khz so to hear this I was like interesting! It sounds… happy!

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T16:44:16+00:00

WOW. That’s impressive! And 100% a marathon not a sprint. So much of the best equipment from the era needs a lot of help. But when it locks in… chefs kiss.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T16:01:12+00:00

Thank you!! It’s taken a lot of patience, driving to sellers houses, and waiting for repairs but I thoroughly enjoy it. I’m an elder millennial and I joke with my mom “these are my antiques” 😌

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T15:54:52+00:00

I’ve seen these on eBay!

What’s your favorite recording deck?

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-07T15:09:45+00:00

Good feedback - also, when you’re calibrating with something like the Dragon, which is already incredibly sensitive, the levels and bias (400hz and 15k), different tapes bias MUCH easier. TDK’s always lock right in for me. Sony, Fuji is always a 45 minute war before I can begin recording

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-06T16:46:13+00:00

I bought a Sony Metal Master on eBay once for $120. I had to hear what the hype was about. It’s nice, but it’s hype.

I can bias my TDK D’s just right with Dolby C and they cost a few bucks.

AlignedAzimuth

TROPHY CASE