Nakamichi Logo

Originating from Japan, Nakamichi is a consumer electronics brand known for its high-quality audio equipment. The brand came into existence in Tokyo in 1948, thanks to the efforts of founder Etsuro Nakamichi, who started by producing radios and magnetic tape recorders.

Nakamichi became a household name during the 1970s and 1980s for its unique and high-end cassette decks. It set a new standard in the audio industry with breakthrough products, such as the first three-head cassette deck and the auto-reversing cassette deck.

Despite its success, Nakamichi veered away from hi-fi components in the 1990s and turned its focus to car audio systems. In 1997, the brand underwent an ownership transition, first being taken over by the Chinese company Grande Holdings and later by Guangzhou Jieying Technology.

Despite no longer manufacturing its products, Nakamichi has maintained its brand identity in the high-end audio segment by licensing its brand name to different home theater systems and speakers manufacturers.

During its peak years as a cassette deck brand, Nakamichi faced fierce competition from Sony, Pioneer, and Technics. Today, the brand’s cassette decks from the 1970s and 1980s have become valuable collector’s items.

Even after several changes in ownership, the Nakamichi name continues to symbolize superior quality in the audio equipment industry.