Cheap Earphones Review: Nakamichi NK780 Metallic Over-The-Ear Headphones

I've been enjoying my latest dirt cheap audio find:  Nakamichi NK780M headphones. I found them at Kmart for astonishingly low price of $8.  Now, these headphones obviously aren't Sennheiser or Bose.  But, they stand out from a crowded field of low cost headphones.

Nakamichi Over The Ear Headphones - Metallic Edition

Of course, it's crucial to know that these headphones aren't actually made by the fabled Nakamichi company of yore.  Nakamichi had trouble making the transition into the era of CD players.  Now, like many such revered names, the Nakamichi brand is owned by holding company that makes products in China.  But, all of that is history, how are today's Nakamichi headphones.  The answer is not bad.

Nakamichi NK780 Metallic Over-The-Ear Headphones

Specifications.  My Nakamichi headphones are the NK780M metallic edtion over the ear headphones.  They have 40mm drivers with a sensitivity of 96dB plus or minus 3 dB.  They have a frequency response listed of 20 to 20000 Hz.  They have a detachable, cloth-covered, cord that is about 1.5 meters long.  They also come with a built in microphone with a remote.  They have perforated ear pads that are quite comfortable.

Sound.  The sound from these headphones is quite good to my ears.  It seems well balanced and pleasant.  I think normal folks will be happy with them.  Audiophiles will probably find fault and pay for more expensive gear. These were very nice for streaming audio on my phone.  I don't think the earphones were a weak link in my audio chain.

Durability.  I have fallen asleep while wearing these headphones a couple of times.  I have rolled on them, and I have slept on them.  They have survived.  This is no small feat since I am a big guy weighing over 350 pounds.  These headphones hold up better than many in the category.  Thre are no small and fussy exposed parts to bend or break.  Like most low cost headphones, the simulated leather padding is a little thin and the stitching is a little uneven when observed very closely.

Style.  The style of these headphones is modern and contemporary.  The Nakamichi name and logo are present in an obvious, but understated, way.  The metallic backs of the headphones are shiny and sleek.

Comfort.  I found these headphones to be comfortable once I adjusted them to keep the padded arch up  off of the top of my head.  The ear pad cushions are quite comfortable.

Overall, I like these earphones.  They provide good sound for a good price.  If you check them out on Amazon, you may well find low prices from a variety of sellers.  They are great bang-around headphones.

 

Technics Thrift Store Stereo System

Over the Memorial Day weekend, I saw an interesting looking Technics stereo set up at a local thrift store.  The system was like my current main system (Technics SU-V76 amplifier and Technics ST-S76 AM/FM radio tuner) with the addition of a Technics multi-CD player. 

For speakers, the thrift store had hooked up some venerable Realistic Optimus-2B speakers.  These speakers were made in the 1975 timeframe.  You can read more at Seventies Stereo about the Optimus-2B.

I didn't have a chance to stop and give these a listen, but it's really cool that this particular Goodwill store takes the time to set up working stereo systems.

Vintage Speaker Review: Technics SB-2845 Speakers

I recently added a set of vintage Technics SB-2845 3-way Speakers to my stereo system.  These speakers are 200-watt old school monsters!  They were a ridiculous purchase for an apartment dweller.  However, they sound very good.

When I found these speakers in a downtown Atlanta Goodwill for $20, I immediately pulled off the grills.  I expected to find dusty blown out speakers with half the foam flaked off the surrounds and a ripped cone or two.  Instead I found all the surrounds and cones to be intact.  The only issue seemed to be their size and some crumbly laminate at the rear of each enclosure.

When I brought them home, I found that the bulky Technics speakers dwarfed my sizeable Cerwin-Vega VS100 floor speakers.  The SB-2845 speakers were quite a bit taller and a little wider.   Fortunately, they weren't quite as deep so they nestled up against our walls quite well.

I hooked them up and found the sound quality to be very good.  The bass was deep and powerful.  The mid-range sounds and high notes all sounded clear.  Even our dog seemed happy with the sound.  He positioned himself in the perfect spot between the speakers.

Of course, when I posted about the Technics SB-2845 speaker's  on audiokarma, the very first reply scoffed and dismissed them as low end rack system crap speakers.  Perhaps if I "auditioned" dozens of speakers over the years, I might think the same.  But, I'm not so sure.  When it comes to stereo equipment, to thine own ears be true.  They sound good to me and I'm happy with them.

Of course, the Technics brand never got a lot of respect.  It was always known as a solid mid-range brand for Panasonic.  However, I have nothing but respect for mid-range brands that deliver solid value.  These speakers were a great find for $20!

Nakamichi Headphone Deal

It's been quiet on this blog lately, but I've recently added a few new and vintage items.

The first thing you should know is that Kmart has many Nakamichi brand headphones marked for clearance .  I bought some full-sized Over-The-Ear head phones for $8.  That is an amazing price! Others were marked at similarly affordable prices.