I would get 680ZX or 682ZX or ZX-7. ZX-9 is great but is usually very expensive. 680ZX in good condition should probably be around $500. I would not save $200-$300 on deck, the difference may be big, depending on what you record and play and the tape you use.
They sound good even with entry level audiophile cables but respond well to cable upgrades. I have $1350 cables on my 682ZX, yes much better than with $800 that I used before. But again, it sounds very good with $100 cables as well.
