Revitalizing the Nakamichi RX-505: Inside the Unique Rotating Mechanism

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  • čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
  • Join us on a thrilling journey as we bring a vintage Nakamichi RX-505 cassette deck back to life! In this video, witness the transformation of this iconic piece from a state of disrepair to performing like new. Our adventure includes:
    Dismantling and servicing the intricate rotating tape mechanics.
    Resolving the challenging issue of stuck pinch roller arms.
    Expertly servicing the tape transport for flawless operation.
    Correcting a previous technician's modification in the playback amplifier, which had unnecessarily boosted high frequencies.
    Discover how we meticulously restored this legendary deck, enhancing its sound quality to match the renowned Nakamichi CR-7. With a detailed analysis of technical parameters and sound tests, see how we achieved a linear record response up to 22,000 Hz, with a remarkable clarity at 20 kHz.
    If you're a fan of vintage audio gear or just love a good restoration story, this video is a must-watch. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content like this!
    🔍 Tags: #NakamichiRX505 #CassetteDeckRestoration #VintageAudio #AudioRestoration #NakamichiCR7 #HighFidelity #SoundEngineering #AudioTech"

Komentáře • 35

  • @willievivanco1
    @willievivanco1 Před 9 měsíci +2

    i just started watching yor videos,very well explained but somtimes can't really see what exactly your doing its like off camera but definitely interesting videos to learn how to fix cassette decks it would be nice to see how to calibrate head and pinch roller height i can't seem to get it this far tk

  • @giuseppelavecchia775
    @giuseppelavecchia775 Před 9 měsíci

    Adoro l'RX-505 e anche ZX-9,bel lavoro

  • @m80116
    @m80116 Před 9 měsíci

    To me sticky lubricant screams one thing: WD40. I have next to no doubt Nakamichi didn't use a lubricant that dries up into a sticky goo.
    At this point I have 2 sets of oil and 2 sets of grease. Medium sawing machine mineral oil, thin silicone oil, Molykote EM-30L for plastic gears, lithium grease for metal. I have other lubricants and greases that I barely ever use.
    I've since started considering PTFE lubricant and graphite for parts that are sensitive to wet lubricants.

  • @IpadAccount-pk9ts
    @IpadAccount-pk9ts Před 7 měsíci

    Great to see that it is getting some love. Can you recommend a grease for all those plastic parts in the mechanism that will not dry up and leave a sticky goo? Plain white lithium grease or’’?

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 7 měsíci

      Silicon non drying like Super Lube or Libra-film from Amazon

  • @AFriendofMrCairo
    @AFriendofMrCairo Před 4 měsíci

    Do you receive decks to repair? How much would you charge for the repair you did for this RX-505?

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 4 měsíci

      if you are US based, please send an inquiry to hifirulezzz@gmail.com

  • @richardgendron4461
    @richardgendron4461 Před 7 měsíci

    Hi, I own one in great shape, but it is original so probably in need of new belt, idler, grease. Do you do job like that ? Thanks

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 7 měsíci

      PM to my email hifirulezzz@gmail.com

  • @Very_Dark_Engineer
    @Very_Dark_Engineer Před 9 měsíci

    Hi, would you recomend to change traditional capasitors in playback amplifier (green 4.7nF in feadback path ) to polypropylene or polystyrene type?
    Will it improve THD, or all this is just audiophile endless dreems.
    I already swapped them to polystyrene but it will be nice to hear your mind
    Thanks

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 9 měsíci +1

      The schematic shows 10nF caps for C119/219. Not sure which caps you have in mind. I did not replace or measure those caps. The best THD is on my 680zx - 0.48%.

  • @604merlinIII
    @604merlinIII Před 9 měsíci

    Please let me know if I can change the transport mechanism strap by simply removing the rear base or do I necessarily have to completely remove the transport mechanism? As shown at minute 15:10 it seems that is not necessary.

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 9 měsíci +1

      I am doing everything properly. Also, idler should be replaced as well and there is no way to do it not disassembling transport.

    • @604merlinIII
      @604merlinIII Před 9 měsíci

      Thanks for answering

  • @adaboy4z
    @adaboy4z Před 7 měsíci

    Do you change the record/play relay on all Nakamichi restorations?

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 7 měsíci

      What are you talking about? This is a three head deck.

    • @adaboy4z
      @adaboy4z Před 7 měsíci

      @hifirulezzz For example on a RX-202, or BX series. I'm watching your channel and trying to learn.

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 7 měsíci

      @@adaboy4z then you should know that I was disassembling and cleaning most of relays which performed poorly. I replaced only in Sony FX6. Other are with good plated contacts and they much better than modern ones

    • @adaboy4z
      @adaboy4z Před 7 měsíci

      @hifirulezzz OK thank you. I was just told to replay the record/play relay by couple of members on tape heads as its just a good maintenance idea due to the age of my RX-202. It's working great to my ears. I'm a beginner.

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 7 měsíci +1

      @@adaboy4z If it works and you are happy - dont touch it ;)

  • @604merlinIII
    @604merlinIII Před 9 měsíci

    please help! my rx505 was working fine and I removed the top cover to lubricate the transport mechanism, sprayed some WD-40, activated rew and it worked fine but after that nothing works, the cassette does not move

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 9 měsíci +2

      Looks like you lubricated idler, make sure all rubber parts are dry.

    • @604merlinIII
      @604merlinIII Před 9 měsíci

      thanks for your time@@hifirulezzz

  • @vmaletailic5237
    @vmaletailic5237 Před 9 měsíci +1

    30:20, You just found the right tool...😭

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 9 měsíci +3

      Aha, do you have a better idea? My tool works.

    • @vmaletailic5237
      @vmaletailic5237 Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@hifirulezzz Ма ти си будала!

  • @altergermane2200
    @altergermane2200 Před 8 měsíci

    You only did things by halves! I would have changed the two pressure rollers at the same time. They were worn out and will cause problems sooner or later.

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 8 měsíci

      I did everything needed for that deck. Used old Nakamichi rollers much better than new self-made ones. Don't tell me. I tried dozens of rollers and hundreds of decks.

  • @CvetkovIlian
    @CvetkovIlian Před 7 měsíci

    Wow! Thank you for the videos and the effort but I wouldn't let you come close to my gear.
    What a treatment you gave to the mechanism! Why didn't you take a big wrench and beat the crap of it till it surender the pinch rollers? And the head assembly - hanging on the head cables while you are wanking the mechanism all day around!
    Sorry for the word but sometimes when I see someone dealing with such a piece of equipment like a car mechanic it realy triggers me. Do you realize that there is no more production and those decks are growing rare? You should really let go the second dose of coffe and put the white gloves.

    • @hifirulezzz
      @hifirulezzz  Před 7 měsíci +2

      Well, I do what I know best. For example, I would never allow to heat those arms as their shafts are sitting in plastic. And many people recommend heating those arms. I am against it. And there is no easy way to pull out arms without using large grippy tools. So, I wish you luck with white gloves. I have fixed way more decks than many others. And these decks are working well till today. I have spare parts if needed - the privilege of buying decks for parts. You rather trust your mechanic or look for the one who you trust. There is no other way. Or better do it yourself.

    • @CvetkovIlian
      @CvetkovIlian Před 7 měsíci

      ​@@hifirulezzz Once again - I am sorry for the harsh words. Please don't take this to deeply but little more attention and carefulness would be appreciated. Especially when it comes to such special models. I believe we would agree this one is unique in many ways.
      Thank you for making the video and please keep on. Cheers 🙂

  • @buitenb
    @buitenb Před 9 měsíci

    It’s really ugly , but technically a nice machine! Thanks for your video