The Main features of the Nakamichi DR-2 are: 3 discrete heads and off-tape monitoring, digital tape counter with 4 digits, manual tape type selection and capable of handling normal, chrome and metal tapes with automatic equalization selection, belt driven dual-capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the left side of the deck. Tape eject is operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well which is opened by a damped mechanism.

Level meters used on the DR-2 are digital FL peak reading meters. Full-logic transport controls used on the DR-2 let it respond to the slightest finger contact for fast and effortless transport function selection.

Dolby C-type used in the DR-2 provides 20 dB of noise reduction above about 1,000 Hz, fully doubling the amount given by B-type. The 19kHz multiplex pilot slgnal present in FM stereo broadcasts can cause false triggering of the noise reduction system. The switchable MPX filter of the DR-2 filters out the pilot signal, and assuring proper Dolby processing of FM stereo programs.

For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for plaback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable.