Nakamichi CR-3 Discrete Head Cassette Deck
The Nakamichi CR-3 is a vintage three-head cassette deck from 1988, a reminder of a time when cassette wasn't just convenient, it was serious hi-fi. Built by the Japanese brand that practically rewrote the rules of analogue tape, the CR-3 carries unmistakable Nakamichi DNA.
Nakamichi described it as its least expensive deck offering the three essentials of Nakamichi recording technology. It focuses on accuracy rather than boosted bass or treble, delivering clean, natural sound that stays true to the original recording. For collectors and purists, the CR-3 isn't nostalgia; it's proof that cassette, when done right, is still something special.
Design & Engineering
The CR-3 is built around those three Nakamichi essentials. The first is a discrete three-head design with separate record, playback and erase heads, with the record and playback head azimuths individually adjusted for optimal alignment. This allows true off-tape monitoring, so you can hear the recording as it's being made and fine-tune levels in real time.
The second is an asymmetrical dual-capstan transport, where capstans of different diameters and rotation speeds keep mechanical resonances from building up for stable, low-flutter tape motion.
The third is recording electronics designed to reach +10dB levels with metal tape, giving generous headroom. Recording EQ can be selected independently of tape type, a classic Nakamichi touch that gives experienced recordists extra control. Other features include Dolby B and C noise reduction, a switchable MPX filter for clean recordings from FM radio, digital LED peak level meters, full-logic transport controls, a four-digit tape counter with memory stop, a headphone jack and wired remote control capability.
Technical Specifications
The CR-3 is a 3-head (discrete) stereo cassette deck with a belt-driven asymmetrical dual-capstan transport, Dolby B and C noise reduction and an MPX filter. It handles normal (Type I), chrome (Type II) and metal (Type IV) tapes, with a frequency response of approximately 20Hz–20kHz with metal tape. Connections include RCA line inputs and outputs, a headphone jack and a wired remote socket.