Nakamichi Tri-Tracer 1000 3-Head Vintage Hi-Fi Cassette Player

The Nakamichi 1000 Tri-Tracer, introduced in 1973, is widely considered the world's first discrete three-head cassette deck. This landmark machine redefined the cassette format by offering performance that rivaled professional reel-to-reel recorders. Its "Tri-Tracer" name refers to its three completely separate heads—one each for erasing, recording, and playback—which allows for real-time monitoring of the tape as it is being recorded. This Nakamichi Tri Tracer 1000 3-Head Cassette Player is in Excellent Condition, it's tested and working, following a very thorough refurbishing. You can refer to the last photo for extensive notes on the recapping and refurbishing of this unit. One item of note from that process is that the azimuth adjustment door was missing from the unit but our tech fabricated a new one with a 3D printer (!) and now this deck looks virtually brand new.

Final Testing and performance notes from out tech: "This units high frequency response is not quite as good as new particularly when recording. Even after replacing caps, clean & demagnetize heads, adjusting bias, checking bias frequency, I could not get great high frequency response above about 12k hz on recording. I suspect the record head is worn or weak. Playback on prerecorded tapes is better"

• Three-Head System: Discrete heads optimized for their specific tasks, enabling a flat frequency response beyond 20,000 Hz.
• Closed-Loop Dual-Capstan Transport: Uses a feedback-controlled DC motor to maintain unconditional speed stability and minimize wow and flutter.
• Alignment Beacon System: Includes LED indicators and a built-in 400 Hz test tone for precise manual azimuth calibration.
• Dual Noise Reduction: Combines Dolby B NR with Nakamichi’s Dynamic Noise Limiter (DNL) to reduce hiss by more than 13 dB.
• Frequency Response: 35 Hz to 20,000 Hz (with CrO₂ tape).
• Build: A massive unit weighing 39 lbs housed in a distinctive wood case.

In the Milwaukee Area? Stop in our shop to inspect/demo

See our feedback and thank you for considering. All the gear we sell is packaged with great care for safe arrival in the condition advertised and backed up by our 14 day full refund policy in the event you are not happy for any reason.

Local Pickup at our shop in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Vintage
10220 W. Greenfield Ave
Milwaukee, WI

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