Key Features
- UDAR cassette-flipping mechanism – Automatically rotates the cassette to play or record the opposite side while maintaining the same tape path.
- Nakamichi two-head transport – Features a laminated Sendust record/playback head and separate erase head.
- Dolby B and C noise reduction – Reduces tape hiss when used with appropriately encoded recordings.
- Normal, Chrome and Metal tape compatibility – Supports Type I, II and IV cassettes.
- LED peak level meters – Provide clear indication when adjusting recording levels.
- Independent recording level controls – Allow separate adjustment of the left and right recording channels.
- Dual master fader – Provides automatic two- or four-second recording fades.
- Music sensing system – Detects extended blank sections of tape to help reduce interruptions during continuous playback.
Design Highlights
Nakamichi developed the UDAR system to address a particular weakness of conventional auto-reverse cassette decks: maintaining accurate head azimuth when playing both sides of a tape.
By rotating the cassette itself, the RX-202E avoids the additional head-positioning compromises associated with reversing-head mechanisms. This is particularly important for high-frequency reproduction, where small azimuth errors can affect treble response and phase accuracy.
The cassette rotation is automatic and takes only a short interval. It also gives the RX-202E its distinctive appearance in operation, with the cassette physically emerging, turning and returning to the transport.
Although a two-head machine, the RX-202E was designed with considerable attention to recording performance. A contemporary Hi-Fi Choice review in October 1988 recommended the deck, recognising its strong audio performance and unusual engineering.
Technical Specifications
Sources: Nakamichi RX-202E owner’s and service manuals, HiFi Engine and Hifi-Wiki.
- Type: Stereo cassette deck
- Track system: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
- Auto reverse: UDAR cassette-rotation mechanism
- Heads: 2 – record/playback and erase
- Transport: Single capstan
- Motors: 4, including mechanism motors
- Tape speed: 4.8cm/s
- Tape compatibility: Type I, II and IV
- Noise reduction: Dolby B and C
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz at -20dB recording level
- Wow and flutter: Less than 0.06% weighted RMS
- Signal-to-noise ratio: Better than 68dB with Dolby C
- Total harmonic distortion: Less than 1.0% with specified ZX/EXII tapes
- Line input: 50mV
- Line output: 0.5V, adjustable
- Headphone output: Yes
- Dimensions: 451 × 136 × 255mm
- Weight: Approximately 9kg
Servicing & Vintage Equipment
The RX-202E has undergone servicing in our workshop. Its cassette-rotation system involves additional mechanical components compared with a conventional deck, so periodic maintenance remains important as the equipment ages.
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience selling second-hand hi-fi, we understand the importance of accurately describing and preparing vintage cassette equipment.
Unlike buying through an unverified private eBay listing, we provide careful packaging, a 3-month guarantee unless otherwise stated, and after-sales support by phone or email.
Summary
The Nakamichi RX-202E combines the convenience of auto reverse with a genuinely unusual mechanical solution. Its UDAR transport, thoughtful recording facilities and distinctive operation make it a worthwhile machine for cassette enthusiasts and collectors.
This listing is for one boxed Nakamichi RX-202E stereo cassette deck.
Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
