jklow888 Posted November 19, 2023 Posted November 19, 2023 Any advice on choosing between a Rotel RD 960-BX vs Luxman K-210 assuming both are serviced and working ? Looking for something cheap but viable to play my collection of ~70 cassettes.
muon* Posted November 19, 2023 Posted November 19, 2023 (edited) The Rotel specs states better measurements, and is 1.3kg heavier than the Luxman.. From the specs I'd choose the Rotel. Although the Lux has better specs on Frequency Response and THD. I'd still be leaning towards the Rotel myself, but that doesn't mean you would like it better. Very hard to choose something blind. https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/rotel/rd-960bx.shtml https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/luxman/k-210.shtml Edited November 19, 2023 by muon*
jklow888 Posted November 19, 2023 Author Posted November 19, 2023 (edited) On 19/11/2023 at 9:37 AM, muon* said: The Rotel specs states better measurements, and is 1.3kg heavier than the Luxman.. From the specs I'd choose the Rotel. Although the Lux has better specs on Frequency Response and THD. I'd still be leaning towards the Rotel myself, but that doesn't mean you would like it better. Very hard to choose something blind. https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/rotel/rd-960bx.shtml https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/luxman/k-210.shtml Expand Yeah - I'm really torn between the two and having the PD-264 TT makes this a harder decision. Was hoping someone would say stay away from one of them based on ownership experience, etc. Edited November 19, 2023 by jklow888
surprisetech Posted November 21, 2023 Posted November 21, 2023 On 19/11/2023 at 10:07 AM, jklow888 said: Yeah - I'm really torn between the two and having the PD-264 TT makes this a harder decision. Was hoping someone would say stay away from one of them based on ownership experience, etc. Expand Without a side-by-side comparison it is difficult when both are reputable brands in a particular product category. Personally, I'd be leaning to the Rotel. It's a little newer and has a slightly better wow & flutter figure, which IMO is the most important spec on a cassette deck. (Assuming both units are restored to factory specs) And FWIW, I own an RA-970BX Integrated and RT-870 Tuner from that period and have always been impressed with the design, build quality and performance of both units. It's understandable why Alex Encel championed both of those brands. Grab them both, them move the least favourite on after you've had some time with them!
jklow888 Posted November 21, 2023 Author Posted November 21, 2023 (edited) @muon*, @surprisetech - seems Rotel is the preferred option of the two so going to look at it tonight and if all good will probably get the Rotel. The Luxman seller hasn't responded and is also interstate so making it easier for me ... that said a nice old Luxman stack is something I always had in mind ! Edited November 21, 2023 by jklow888 1
surprisetech Posted November 21, 2023 Posted November 21, 2023 On 21/11/2023 at 4:45 AM, jklow888 said: ... that said a nice old Luxman stack is something I always had in mind ! Expand I know where you're coming from. My 2nd system is a nice old Pioneer stack and I even found one of those genuine Pioneer shelving units to put it in! Since the thread is about Cassette Decks, the 1998 CT-W606DR Cassette Deck is actually the second youngest component in that system after the Universal DVD Player.
jklow888 Posted November 21, 2023 Author Posted November 21, 2023 Passed on the Rotel - didn't have a good feeling when I got to the sellers place. Unit was on the driveway floor and a set of headphones hooked up for "listening". While my test tape played consistently and appeared to be sonically good, the pinch roller looked like it could be replaced and cosmetically the face plate and sides where rather sad. A pity as it sounded good and must have been fantastic in its day or when well serviced. Onto the Luxman's or more patience ...
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