Nakamichi Dragon-CT (c. 1982–1985)
The Dragon-CT was the first Nakamichi cassette deck with the NAAC (Nakamichi Auto Azimuth Correction) system, the automatic head-alignment technology that became a hallmark of the flagship Dragon line. It shared its professional-grade, closed-loop dual-capstan transport with the original Dragon, but added automatic azimuth correction for both record and playback heads - something the earlier model lacked. Nakamichi's own brochure copy called it "the world's first cassette deck with automatic head azimuth adjustment," and the company explicitly aimed it at rivaling "the finest open-reel recorders."
The deck has a three-head configuration with Crystalloy heads. It auto-calibrates bias and record sensitivity for Type I, II, and IV tapes, and you can re-run the calibration without stopping the tape. It has four independent azimuth alignments. Playback and record EQ switch between 70 µs and 120 µs, and the non-switched record EQ allows individual adjustment for each tape type. The front panel also carries a motorized output level control and peak-reading level meters. Dolby B and C noise reduction were standard, with an automatic MPX filter for FM recording.
Audio magazine (April 1985, p.70) reported that its listening panel had great difficulty sorting out the tiny differences in sound between the reference and the Nakamichi Dragon-CT.
Owners and technicians generally regard the Dragon-CT as one of the finest cassette decks ever built. One enthusiast claimed it "blew my Studer A80 away." The auto azimuth mechanism is known to be its weak spot, though. The cams that drive the azimuth correction wear out, Nakamichi has discontinued the replacement parts, and some aftermarket tapes can cause the system to hunt. Capstan belts harden and need replacement every 10-15 years, and pinch rollers eventually wear out with no OEM replacements available. Asking prices in the current market run from roughly $2,750 to $3,900, with a rebuilt unit from Audio Classics offered at $4,800.
Documented specifications:
- Wow & flutter: 0.04% WRMS
- Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz ±3 dB
- THD: 0.009% at 1 kHz
- S/N: greater than 70 dB with Dolby C
- Three-head, dual-capstan closed-loop transport
- NAAC automatic azimuth correction (record and playback)
- Auto calibration ("CAL") for bias and record sensitivity
No confirmed original US retail price, chassis dimensions, or weight have surfaced in the documentation reviewed to date.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Garrard SP (1975)
- Luxman PD-310 (1981)
- Luxman PD-555 (1983)
- Thorens TD-124 (1957–1967)
- Harman Kardon kardon-turntables (1975)
- Onkyo CP-1020 (1979)
- Onkyo CP-1100A (1975)
- Thorens TD-150 (1965)
- Thorens TD-225 (1975)
- Accutrac +6 (1977)