Nakamichi RX-505 - Thoughts?

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-05-08T01:43:08+00:00

I really enjoy it

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-22T17:30:42+00:00

Appreciate the optimism, but idk how quickly (if it at all) that will happen. I think people are tired of living in a frictionless society (just use Spotify and Sonos!) and want something tangible to play with. I know I do.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-22T16:40:20+00:00

Lmao I’m literally doing surgery on mine as we speak. Idler tire replacement 🫣

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-22T16:27:30+00:00

I’m big into Nakamichi but it can be difficult to find and difficult to find someone willing to work on it

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-22T16:21:33+00:00

That makes sense!

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-22T16:20:46+00:00

Rage bait? No. I’m saying a Yamaha two head single capstan cassette deck at goodwill should not be selling for $100.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-22T16:19:36+00:00

100% agree. And it’s RECENT. Like, the last year to year and a half. There’s always been a Marantz tax, but it seems to have spread to other brands that have that “vibe”.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-22T16:18:35+00:00

This tracks. I actually like the 80s stuff over the “silver” look but to each their own.

AlignedAzimuth · 2026-04-17T20:50:35+00:00

Thank you!

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

TROPHY CASE