Nakamichi Dragon stereo cassette deck PROFESSIONALLY SERVICED BY WILLY HERMANN

NAKAMICHI DRAGON STEREO CASSETTE DECK #A801 23028
 
PROFESSIONALLY REBUILT BY WILLY HERMANN SERVICES WHS 04/19/2022
 
SUPERIOR ANALOG REPRODUCTION FOR THE CASSETTE MEDIUM
 
This listing is for a vintage Dragon stereo cassette deck. The Dragon is legendary known for the NAAC playback head azimuth adjustment system. Willy no longer works on Dragon versions before serial number 08000, this is a later machine from 1987.

This deck was rebuilt by Willy Hermann Services on 04/19/2022. I have used this machine over the last several months to verify the operating condition and sound reproduction. All functions, features, and indicators are working. I have also cleaned the tape path periodically to ensure proper operation. 
 
WILLY HERMANN SERVICE PERFORMED:

Discovered no lights or action at all. Traced to multiple problems in power supply circuits
Replaced several electronic components to solve, Re-worked cracked (repaired small corner area) power supply circuit board for satiability 
Removed and dismantled tape transport
Rebuilt auto azimuth block
Cleaned old lubricant from capstans, hubs, idler, cam mechanism, head block, pinch roller shafts, and rocker arms
Reconditioned pinch rollers
Relubed all as needed
Replaced spooling idler tire, cam belt, and counter belt
Replaced cassette well lamp and both auto stop lamps with LEDs and modified circuit to accommodate them
Replaced both left mounting posts with through-bolts for added strength
Realigned tape path guides and head depth and zenith
Reassembled deck
Adjusted transport stop, cue, and play points
Reset head height and azimuth
Adjusted electronics for correct play and record levels
Adjusted test tone levels
Set front panel controls for all three tape types
Verified that deck now meets original specifications
Tested machine for correct function both cold and hot
Machine passes all tests

When receiving this deck back from the initial service other issues needed attention. The NAAC system was not operating optimally, FWD/RWND modes had run-on slipping at end of tape, and transport had intermittent operation.

ADDITIONAL WHS SERVICE PERFORMED:

Dismantled unit 
Removed transport mechanism, dissembled, replaced both tape hubs, replaced spooling tire
NAAC problems replaced one likely cap in each of the six head amps
Reassembled transport and remounted in chassis
Completely recalibrated NAAC circuit
Replaced transport controller chip with properly working used chip
Checked calibration, tested deck both hot and cold, and ran extensively
Machine passes all tests

After exceptional service from WHS this deck is now completely operational. The NAAC system is working superior than any Dragon I have had here, transport is operating correctly. Sound reproduction is very special with a level of coherence from the cassette medium that gets your attention. 

I have played a wide variety of cassettes and recorded all three tape types. Calibration set up parameters, NAAC azimuth, Bias/EQ controls, test tones, all operate correctly. Dolby B/C tracking spot on.

I have used my personal Nakamichi, Mobile Fidelity and Nautilus reference cassettes for testing. This deck is a joy you will find yourself playing tape after tape rediscovering your collection.
 
Cosmetic condition is excellent with some signs of age and use. No nicotine contamination, no broken pieces, no dents, no dings.
 
Included will be the WHS repair receipt, WHS Performance Verification report, and the old parts that were removed. This will be expertly double box packed with all new ULINE heavy-duty materials or safe transit.
 
PLEASE NOTE VERY IMPORTANT PAYMENT TERMS:

Payment by PayPal with shipping ONLY to your confirmed/verified USA address associated with the payment.

SHIPPING AND PACKING:

Advertised shipping cost includes FedEx Ground service with full insurance and new ULINE packing materials. This item will be expertly packed to ensure safe transit. Please see my feedback profile for references and rest assured this will be done correctly.