Hi, Martin, NAAC (Nakamichi Automatic Azimuth Correction) as implemented 
on the Dragon is interesting. It adjusts over a more limited range than 
the wide ranging field (especially oral history) cassettes that I've had 
to digitize, so it is not a cure-all. I have Nakamichi MR-1s as well.

Yes, azimuth drifts along the length of the tape and I often monitor it 
with Stereotool.com 's display, one for each cassette. I'ave modified my 
Dragons to be remotely manually adjustable, using an "up/down" 
spring-loaded toggle switch. NAAC generally does NOT readjust in the 
middle of a tape in my experience--although I may have caught it doing 
it once or twice, it doesn't seem to do it when I'd want it.

Here is the explainer on how the Dragon's NAAC works (and other things 
about this interesting machine).

Cheers,

Richard

On 2019-07-25 12:42 p.m., Martin Fisher wrote:
> I haven't done exhaustive research into Nakamichi decks but if anyone can either point me to something that describes how the azimuth correction works on these decks (not azimuth theory but how the decks actually do the correction) I would be most grateful.  I'm very wary of equipment that supposes it can do a better job than a discerning ear and even a modicum of common sense along with (and this is most important) caring enough to do it right.
-- 
Richard L. Hess                   email: [log in to unmask]
Aurora, Ontario, Canada                             647 479 2800
http://www.richardhess.com/tape/contact.htm
Quality tape transfers -- even from hard-to-play tapes.