This is a Nakamichi CR-5A discrete 3-head cassette deck, professionally restored, fully recapped, and carefully calibrated to deliver reference-level playback and recording performance.

Part of Nakamichi’s highly regarded CR series, the CR-5A shares the same core dual-capstan, 3-head architecture and recording philosophy as the flagship models, offering exceptional performance in a robust and reliable platform.

🔧 Restoration & Service Performed

This deck has undergone a comprehensive restoration, not a basic service:

• 
  Full electrolytic recap completed
  
  
  
  • 
    Nichicon capacitors used in power supply and audio paths
    
  
  
  • 
    Additional high-quality components (Würth / Panasonic) where appropriate
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  Transport fully serviced:
  
  
  
  • 
    New capstan belt
    
  
  
  • 
    New idler tire
    
  
  
  • 
    Back tension corrected
    
  
  
  • 
    Mechanism fully disassembled, cleaned, and lubricated
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  Pinch rollers:
  
  
  
  • 
    Deep cleaned and restored for proper tape handling
    
  
  
  
  

🎯 Calibration (Performed to Service Manual Standards)

All critical alignments were completed using proper tools and test equipment:

• 
  Head alignment:
  
  
  
  • 
    Playback azimuth
    
  
  
  • 
    Record head azimuth
    
  
  
  • 
    Head height and tilt 
  
  
  
  


• 
  Electrical calibration:
  
  
  
  • 
    Playback level matched L/R
    
  
  
  • 
    Meter calibration
    
  
  
  • 
    Reel motor torque set using Nakamichi torque cassette
    
  
  
  
  


• 
  Recording calibration:
  
  
  
  • 
    Bias and record levels calibrated fo (see photos)r:
    
    
    
    • 
      Type I (TDK)
      
    
    
    • 
      Type II
      
    
    
    • 
      Type IV (TDK MA-XG Metal)
      
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  

📈 Performance Verification

Included are -20 dB frequency sweep measurements demonstrating:

• 
  Excellent channel balance
  


• 
  Flat frequency response across tape types
  


• 
  Strong high-frequency extension (including metal tape performance)
  

This deck produces recordings that are virtually indistinguishable from the source when properly set.

🧪 Usage

The deck has been used lightly over the past ~4 months t