Cassette deck enthusiasts......

Nakamichi BX-300. 3 heads. Super reliable. Excellent sounding Dirt cheap at this point.

Mingles; I don't think the BX-300 has VU meters.

Maybe take a look into Akai and Tascam (TEAC's pro line) in addition to Nakamichi. Both produced top grade tape machines.

I suggest also a Nakamichi 670zx.
Vu meters, excellent sound and building quality, three heads, built-in 400hz oscillator for tape calibration, azimuth adjustable, manuals easy to find on the web.
I bought it on 1981 and it needed three services in these years, the last on 2009 about a dead pinch roller. A nice deck, you can also find a remote unit and you'll have a very very good sounding unit!
Marco

Great thread! I'm in the market for something similar.