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Physical dimensions of the unit's cabinet without attached feet.
The operational weight of the cassette deck unit.
The weight of the unit including packaging for shipping.
Physical dimensions of the unit's cabinet without attached feet.
The operational weight of the cassette deck unit.
The weight of the unit including packaging for shipping.
The NAD 614 Cassette Deck is a sophisticated audio component designed for high-quality home recording and playback of cassette tapes. Manufactured between May 1995 and December 1995, it incorporates advanced features that make it suitable for a wide range of audio enthusiasts.
The primary function of the NAD 614 is to record and play back audio on cassette tapes. It is engineered to deliver excellent sound quality, ensuring that both recorded and pre-recorded material is reproduced faithfully. The deck is equipped with a robust cassette mechanism that operates with remarkable quietness, a characteristic not commonly found in cassette players at its price point. This quiet operation contributes to a more immersive listening experience by minimizing mechanical noise during playback and recording.
The 614 features Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction systems, which are crucial for improving the signal-to-noise ratio of recordings. Dolby B is effective for reducing tape hiss, while Dolby C offers even greater noise reduction, resulting in cleaner and more dynamic sound, especially with high-fidelity recordings. For users who prefer to record without noise reduction or for compatibility with older tapes, a Dolby off setting is also available.
An integrated MPX filter is included to optimize recordings from FM radio broadcasts. This filter helps to remove the 19kHz pilot tone present in stereo FM signals, which can interfere with Dolby noise reduction systems and cause artifacts. By filtering out this tone, the NAD 614 ensures that recordings from FM radio are clean and free from unwanted noise.
The NAD 614 is designed with user convenience and versatility in mind. It builds upon the design features of its predecessor, the NAD 602, while adding significant enhancements. One notable feature is the "CAR" (Cassette Auto Recording) function. This innovative feature allows users to optimize a recording specifically for playback in car stereos or personal stereos. Car and personal stereos often have different frequency responses and playback characteristics compared to home audio systems, and the CAR function helps to compensate for these differences, ensuring that recordings sound their best in these environments.
Another key feature is the "NAD Link" capability. This allows the 614 to be remotely controlled when combined with other NAD products that utilize the NAD System remote. This integration simplifies the operation of a multi-component NAD audio system, enabling users to control various functions of the cassette deck from a single remote control, enhancing overall system coherence and ease of use.
For optimal recording quality, the 614 includes an overload indicator. This visual cue informs the user when the saturation level of the tape is reached during recording. Tape saturation occurs when the input signal is too strong for the tape to handle, leading to distortion and a loss of dynamic range. The overload indicator helps users to adjust recording levels appropriately, preventing distortion and ensuring that recordings are made at the highest possible quality without compromising fidelity.
The deck supports various tape types, including Normal (Type I), CrO2 (Type II), and Metal (Type IV) tapes. Each tape type has different magnetic properties and requires specific equalization settings for optimal recording and playback. The NAD 614 automatically or manually adjusts these settings to match the inserted tape, ensuring accurate frequency response and dynamic range for all tape formulations.
The front panel layout is intuitive, providing easy access to essential controls such as play, record, stop, fast forward, rewind, and pause. A clear display shows relevant information, such as tape counter readings and operational status, making it easy for users to monitor the deck's activity.
While the NAD 614 is built for reliability, proper maintenance is essential to ensure its long-term performance and sound quality. Regular cleaning of the tape heads, capstan, and pinch roller is recommended to prevent the buildup of tape oxide, which can degrade sound quality and cause tape jams. The design of the cassette compartment allows for relatively easy access to these components for cleaning.
Demagnetizing the tape heads periodically is also important to prevent the accumulation of residual magnetism, which can introduce hiss and reduce high-frequency response. Users can perform this maintenance using a dedicated head demagnetizer.
The robust construction of the NAD 614, typical of NAD products, suggests a design intended for durability. However, like all electronic components, it benefits from being kept in a clean, dust-free environment and away from extreme temperatures or humidity. Should any issues arise, the modular design often found in NAD equipment can facilitate servicing by qualified technicians, ensuring that the deck can be maintained and repaired to extend its operational life.
In summary, the NAD 614 Cassette Deck is a well-engineered audio component that offers a blend of high-fidelity performance, user-friendly features, and thoughtful design, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy or create high-quality cassette recordings within a home audio system.
General| Track System | 4-track, 2-channel stereo |
|---|---|
| Heads | 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase |
| Tape Type | Type I, CrO2, Metal |
| Output | 0.5V (line) |
| Type | Cassette Deck |
| Motor | DC servo motor |
| Noise Reduction | Dolby B, Dolby C |
| Wow and Flutter | 0.06% |
| Dimensions | 435 x 105 x 290 mm |
| Inputs | Line |
| Outputs | RCA |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 72dB (Dolby C, Type II) |
