Dragon, RX-505 or DR-2 ?

AKAI GX-95 MK II (TOTL) is another excellent choice w/ both level and bias calibration, and is usually cheaper and equals RX-505 in SQ. I have both and I highly recommend them.

harold-not-the-barrel"AKAI GX-95 MK II (TOTL) is another excellent"

Akai is second rate, budget, low performance option while it is not a bad deck it does not even remotely approach a Nakamichi such as the 505 or Dragon in performance, construction, or audio quality.

 Dream on

Buy a non-functional Dragon that's in good physical condition (that hasn't been adulterated by a tech; ideally a higher SN), and send it in to get a full restoration. There's no point in paying extra for a deck in "perfect working condition" because any deck you procure will need a full restoration to perform at spec.

By following this approach, I became the owner of a 16XXX SN Dragon that is in pristine (and I don't use that word lightly) physical condition and now performs as good as new (care of WHS). Total investment: Around $1,300.

I bitterly regret having sold my CR7 15 years ago, I would not have taken half the money of what is required today to have one because I never thought that in 2019 the Naka were very popular and prices were constantly rising


I had everything, boxes, papers and accessories but I had not used it for a long time and it was practically new; at least I made a happy enthusiast who has traveled more than 1000 km. with the car to come and get her.