Nakamichi ZX-7 Cassette Deck

This deck was recently overhauled and brought up to factory specs by Willi Herman, so please do not compare it to decks which have not been recently refurbished.

If you are looking at this ad, I would assume that you know how nice a deck the ZX-7 is. If not, a Google search will turn up a large amount of positive information. Everyone has heard of the Nakamichi Dragon, but the ZX-7, ZX-9, and CR7a all came later than the Dragon at the top of the Nakamichi Line, and were generally thought to be sonically superior, though lacking the Dragon's auto reverse, a feature which added to complexity, but not sonics.

This deck was rebuilt by Willi Herman last November and I will include the relevant paperwork from that overhaul. This is his summary of what is included and was included here, when he rebuilds one of these:
"Removed transport from chassis. Dismantled tape transport. Cleaned old lubricant from capstans, hubs, idler, cam mechanism, head block, pinch roller shafts and rocker arms. Reconditioned pinch rollers. Related all as needed. Replaced spooling idler tire, cam belt capstan belt and counter belt. Replaced auto stop lamp with LED and modified circuit to accommodate it. Reassembled transport. Realigned tape path guides and head depth and zenith. Replaced transport mechanism in machine. Replaced bias oscillator and test tone circuit caps preemptively. Adjusted transport stop, cut and play points. Reset head height and azimuth. Adjusted electronics for correct play and record levels. Adjusted test tone levels. Repaired one knob whose shaft had broken in transit. Verified that deck now meets original specifications. Tested machine extensively for correct function both cold and hot. Machine passes all tests."

The cost for the rebuild was $458 and the receipt will be included with the sale, along with current test results.

It is possible to find a ZX-7 in similar outward appearance for around $850, from sellers saying it 'works fine." Unless Willi Hermann or Jeff Galin at ESL has rebuilt it, it absolutely will not 'work fine'. The lights may light up and the tape may advance, but, rubber being rubber, in this case old rubber, NONE of these decks, at this point in time, are working properly unless they have been rebuilt by a competent tech. And this means a lot more than new belts.
What I am trying to say is that, if you want a nice one of these, and don't want to wait months for it to be rebuilt besides, this is a really, really nice price. Unbeatable, actually. I've got over $1,400 in this one, plus it is a fresh rebuild. Well, 6 months old, pretty fresh.

The physical condition is nice for its age, but the photos are your best guide.

This will be very carefully packed and shipped via FedEx Ground within the continental USA only.

Reason for selling: taxes, that's the short answer. It's a lovely unit and does everything everyone says a new, or rebuilt, one of these could and can do. A precision instrument with amazing headroom and entrancing sound. You'll be happy.

Thanks for looking.