Howdy all,
I have 3 Akai RTR's, a GX-630D, an M-8, and last but not least, a M-9. I need a little work on the M-8 and maybe some advice. Let me know if anyone can help, OK?

Here is the M-9

Finally the M-8,
I also have a pair of completely refurbished Bose 601 series ll,
Just bought a Sansui AU-999 amp and can't wait for it to get here so I can try it out. Let you know later.

You got a nice Akai collection Eilati !
I have a 630 D sitting here apart also, need another faceplate for it.:(
What is the problem with the M-8 ?
Maybe I can help you.

Hi Rolf,
At least I think this is Rolf. Is this your homepage?
http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/vintagetx/
I have e-mailed you about my M-8 and the problem it has on left channel. You told me to try a linkage between the record lever?
Haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I am sure it can be fixed.
I am looking at purchasing an Akai (what else!!!!) GX-630D SS
tape deck. Any thoughts about this recorder, anything I should be looking for?
Uri

Yes, that's me Uri:)
The world is small, I remember you now.;)
About the 630 D,SS that is a nice machine, watch out for speed-changes and the pitch-control...
Power-supply board usally got problems when not serviced.
Otherwise it's a winner Uri.
After you take the amp-section out on the bad channel as I told you earlier on the M-8 let me know what you find.

I think you got the reel-fever:cool:

Just picked it up Its got that akai Aroma AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

:beerchug:
I like it

You are very correct. About reel to reel fever. Very much to my wife's chagin!!! But she was the one who got me started on e-bay. I'll let you know when I open it up, I guess I'm a little intimidated with this. I just love to listen to good music on a tape.
Eilati

WOW, another Akai collector, great;)
Nice 4000 DS MK II there Tommy !
What brand is that metal-reel ? The shape is familiar but can't see the brand Tommy.

Uri, that's not nice to blame your wife for your collecting habits:p:
Reel-fever can be very dangerous, it starts with one deck and ending up with 50 very fast..:D Just Joking Uri.

Great buy on the 630 D.SS have you tested it yet or waiting for arrival maybe ?

Waiting for it to arrive. Sitting on pins and needles.
Uri

The first one's free, kid! :p:

Carl

I know the feeling waiting for things to arrive:rolleyes:
Be patient.... just take it easy and deep breath..

Feel better yet ? No... OK take a cold one:beer:

AH a cold one, now why didn't I think of that, glug, glug.
AAAAAHHHHHHH, BURP
thanks, guys

You welcome;)
I don't know if you have lurked around here on AK in the older threads, but here is some pictures of Akai M-series that I have:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12364

Bought a nice set-up from Carl:) here at AK, and restoring a couple of others old timers also Uri.
AK is a nice place to hang out, my time off late at night usally.:cool: Learing alot from other members and interesting subjects.

Hey Eilati, you bet Akai ROX!! I've had a GX-635D for a number of years, and now thanks to eBay and a revitalized interest in Vintage Stereo in general...I now have my second Big Akai, a nice GX-630D..and I've been checking out a GX-650D to boot!!

Someone stop me before its too late!!!:D :D


These big old Reel to Reels are just the best thing you can have in a nice vintage system..I'm gettin hooked.

Welcome to AK, and thanks again to Rolf for all his R<->R help for us newbies,,even if we have had one for a while.:thmbsp:

Originally posted by Vintage TX
WOW, another Akai collector, great;)
Nice 4000 DS MK II there Tommy !
What brand is that metal-reel ? The shape is familiar but can't see the brand Tommy.

Uri, that's not nice to blame your wife for your collecting habits:p:
Reel-fever can be very dangerous, it starts with one deck and ending up with 50 very fast..:D Just Joking Uri.

Great buy on the 630 D.SS have you tested it yet or waiting for arrival maybe ?
The reel is TDK I bought the deck from epay and picked it up locally. The guy said he hadn't used it for 25 years. I practically soaked the pinch wheek in alcohol, cleaned the heads and generally cleaned with isopropyl. The stereo and record light do not come on, one of the lights om the left vu meter doesn't work and the on off switch is stuck in the on position. She records and plays well after a 25 year rest!

Mobydud,
I found something yesterday if you want a nice Akai, there is a black GX-747 on Ebay right now in 99 % nice cosmetic condition with manuals, original black take-up reel etc.
The king of Akai;)
http://cgi.msn.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3080277311&category=15000&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Tommy, that TDk look different compare to others I have.
Classy look !
About the power-switch On/Off njaa, they made it like that.
Do this test: Push the button to OFF, put a tape on the deck and when you lift the tension-arm (right side of the pinch-roller)
the motor should start.
So when the tape ends the tension-arm falls down and the deck stops.. ;)
I know it sound stupid but it was made like that.
If you press ON it stays on all the time even after the tape ends.

Good Luck with your test and let me know what you find:)

PS/ the record light is probably just a bad connection, hardly never goes out. Inside on the back of the Playlever is a round contact- board for the different settings when Playlever is engaged, also the record-light is involved there.
Take the deck out from the cabinet and check that, a good squirt of contact-cleaner will take care of the problem.

VU-meter light is probably burned, I got new ones in stock if you want to fix it.;)

* King of Akai *;)

Those 747's are undoubtedly high on the list of Akai...however it's just not my taste,,weird huh? I never said I wasn't a bit of a quirk, heheh.

Especially since I already have one of these, not mine but :)

This one however, is mine :p:

OK I see, you like the silver look better right?:)
That's a classy model 635 , so have you find one yet ?

Duh... forget my last post... too early for me.:rolleyes:
That's right you already have one:p:
630 model looks nice, you are a lucky man !

I nearly cried when this went on eBay for..$800:cry: I just couldn't come up with the cash,,:cry: If the timing had been a little different..."sighs" But somebody got an absolutely awesome Akai!!

Thanks Tex! Yes the 630D is a nice deck, very nice. It's actually becoming my favorite over my 635D..I don't know how serious I am about getting a 650D as well...maybe :p:

Who knows what Akai fever can do??? :yikes:

Yes, the Queen of the King:eek:
Nice and rare... that one looks mint.
Sorry to hear that....
Always the good deals comes around when play-money is low...
I know a guy who got 5 of those in his collection, 4 is mint;)

:ntwrthy:

Hehe, seriously 5 of them?? Have you ever heard them play..or record? Are they as Kingly as they look?

I can only drooool :)

Personally I like the silver look on the 630, 635, 650,747:)
It depends what kind of set-up you have with amps and all the other stuff.
Mixing black and silver I don't care much about, but the taste is different.
Don't forget the smaller models like GX-230, 270, 270D SS, also the classic Akai look, wide and big;)
I got one GX-270 D here in the office that I use, works like a champ for 3 years now.;)

Yup it's that silver look I like, goes real nice with my Pioneer SPEC 1 & 4 amplification..and I've always been a silver fan no matter what. I guess we'll just see where the Akai trail leads...Open Reels' a Rollin along ;)

No, never seen those in person, he lives in New York and sent pictures one time from his playroom:eek:
A whole wall with very nice decks.....I was druling over the monitor:p:

That would figure :p: Those kinds of things never make it down here to the backwoods part of the country :p:

That must be one hellacious playroom !!!

The Pioneer Spec: 1&4 is something I have been thinking about also.
In the future I want to build a "silver-rack" with Pioneer and Kenwood together.
I have 4 Kenwood KA-7300 amps and a nice RT-707 + Kenwood Tuner now, but can always make the rack taller for some more:rolleyes:

Yes Tex this one looked about as good as you could expect , at least from the pics that the seller posted:

Amp section:

He travels all over and have connections for finding the right stuff.
Bought a couple of rare Akai items in the past from him.
Collects original boxes for everything, microphones, metal-reels, all those rare goodies:mad:
New York is big and if you started many years ago it will build up fast.

Amp section again:

NICE !!!!!:eek:
That's a shame you couldn't buy it.
Look at the details, just amazing........:)

I've had my Spec 4 poweramp for about 3 yrs now, it sounds very clean and strong..I really like it. I bought the matching Spec preamp about 6 mos ago..its not in as nice of shape but still pretty good. Faceplate is real nice so thats what matters the most in the looks department. They sound wonderful with either of my Akai decks hooked on..as well as my Denon Cd which I was using to direct drive the poweramp before I got the pre...still nice. The prices are really starting to climb though so if you are thinking of going for a set..better beware!! My stack cost me $550 total off eBay. Most nice ones now are about that much for each piece!! :yikes:

But very strong and open sound..yea.

Told you I wanted to cry :cry: :cry:


I seriously expected this Akai to go for well over a thousand..maybe more. I was stunned when it close at a mere $800!!!!

I might have tried harder to scratch up the cash if I thought I had a snowballs chance of winning it :(

And for reference:

About the pre-amp, yes, those prices are right.
Maybe I can find one locally here in town if I am lucky.
I have heard the Spec: 1 and really enjoyed the sound.

The price was low I think for the "King" a mint one like that and if it was working correctly should be around $1200-1500.....E-bay.
Another rare model that some people like is GX 400 model, also rare and the Quad 400 D-SS is even harder to find.
Those are around $ 800 and up..:rolleyes:
But the 1000 series is the top-of the line *
Never seen one in Houston on my "hunting trips"

You should delete those pictures.... will make you depressed poor guy:rolleyes:

Originally posted by Vintage TX
You should delete those pictures.... will make you depressed poor guy:rolleyes:

You may have a point there Tex:pity:


I guess I'll just be happy with my pitiful lil ol' 630D..and 635d...and..??

:)

You will find another one, just be patient:)
Enjoy the nice ones you have, those are great decks;)

Could be worse you know, no deck at all or a portable one with dead batteries:p:

Originally posted by Vintage TX
Could be worse you know, no deck at all or a portable one with dead batteries:p:

It could even be *GAsP* 8-track:eek:

Hehe, the decks I have will certainly do. That King Akai would probably be wasted on me anyway :) Wouldn't know how to treat it right..now a 650D,,Hmmmm..:)

What is wrong with a 8-track?:mad:
I have several sitting here.




Just joking....

Have you ever visit 8-track heaven website ?
If not you be surprised Moby......

Hmm, so 650 is the new investment in your collection, great plan hope you find a minty:)

Shhhhh , don't tell anybody but...I *too* have an 8 track deck in my bedroom :D

People tend to laugh at these things as hopeless, somehow the 8 track is still...cool..to those of us that *know* ;)

I've even bought a batch of tapes of eBay recently, thought I'd never be buying any 8 tracks again!!

Hmm,, you are not alone... admit I use to collect them:o
but they take alot of space and repairs.
Splicing-tape always get dry and fall off:mad:
But another secret is I got a 8-track in my car for listening:p:
Making my own recordings from vinyl or reel to reel and sounds decent in an old Cadillac from 1966.
Still have 2 big boxes of tapes in the closet:p:

Hi Guys,
Does anybody here have or know where I can get a 10.5" Akai take-up reel or two? I would like to get one for my 630D and the 630d ss when it comes in. Silly, I know but-----------What can I say.

No, checked my stash and didn't find any Akai 10 inch...sorry:(
Have one brand spanking new Maxell in original box, never used.

Originally posted by tommyd111
Just picked it up Its got that akai Aroma AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

:beerchug:
I like it
OOPs this thing plays tapes I have recorded in the past BUT when I record and set the levels for new taping the VU meters barely bounce into the red. But when I play back the tape there is nothing there just blank tape! I have ran it through two good working receivers and one amp and still get the same result. It will erase over old songs but not record anything? Hmm?

If the erase function works but not recording check the recording head wires or the track-selector switch located on the head-cover.
See if the deck records on track 1+3 or 2+4 , try both options.
Also switch between tape/source when recording and see how the VU-meters react. (lower signals or higher )
Did you try with different tape, and same results or ?

Good Luck !

Originally posted by Vintage TX
If the erase function works but not recording check the recording head wires or the track-selector switch located on the head-cover.
See if the deck records on track 1+3 or 2+4 , try both options.
Also switch between tape/source when recording and see how the VU-meters react. (lower signals or higher )
Did you try with different tape, and same results or ?

Good Luck !
Yes I tried different tape and 1+3 2+4. Before I check the wires I am going to try another set of patch cables from my Pioneer CTF-500 cassette deck that now seems to work after I changed the patch cables (Hooray).
I never checked wires before. So I guess I'll just be checking to make sure they are not frayed and shorting out by touching another source?

A new set of wires is always good;)

Hello again all you Akai freaks!

This pic is mostly for Vintage, but y'all can look too.

I wish she didn't have a shirt on:D
Pretty sight:rolleyes:

Originally posted by Vintage TX
I wish she didn't have a shirt on:D
Pretty sight:rolleyes:
Sign in Jim Denny's burgers in Sacramento:

" Boys no shirt, no service.
Girls, no shirt, no charge"

Man, look at all the reel discussion! Maybe it's time for me to get another :D

Maybe we should have a forum just for Reel to Reel in the future?

Not for you, Gary, for the tape machines ;) :D

Kama, can we have a reel to reel section with 8-tracks also ?:rolleyes:

Please... ....:ntwrthy: :ntwrthy: :yes: :yes: :deal: :thmbsp:

I promise only post nudie pictures of decks, no b**bs:D

or :bash:

or :butt2:

or:twak:


or:pistols:


or:bs:


just be happy reelers:boink: :nutz:

:wave:

All you folks who have 8-tracks I have some tapes that were left after I sold the Hitachi Quad system. They are yours for the shipping.

Rob

Hey Rolf,
They look "Reel" to me!

Yes, but they are only 3 inch, we need 10 !:D

Originally posted by mobydud
People tend to laugh at these things as hopeless, somehow the 8 track is still...cool..to those of us that *know* ;)


He he - I don't have an Akai R2R (got an ancient Sony Tapecorder TC105 but that barely counts since it's mono quarter track!), but I *do* have an Akai CR81D...

I paid £20 for this beast in 1998, and it's now in my bedroom system (I moved it from the lounge when my Nakamichi DR2 turned up):
http://www.btinternet.com/~domfjbrown/images/box/akai_cr81d.jpg

http://www.btinternet.com/~domfjbrown/images/box/akai_hendrix.jpg

Yep - I'm a brit collector - have some OK 8tracks (David Bowie, Doors, Pink Floyd etc). Fixing the tapes is a PITA but endless tape is such an interesting concept... 8trackheaven is a great site...

When these turn up on £pay they go for £100+ these days, it would seem :)

Seen my new to me Akai? Here's the Link (http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=19683) , I'll include a nice pic first though so you can have a look see.

Greg

Hi all,

I have just bought this beautiful reel-to-reel tape recorder Akai 630. It's in my livingroom and I just love the looks of it, and the sound is amazing!
I have something strange though; maybe one of you knows a solution.
I hooked the recorder to my stereo and did some tests: recorded from a CD, and played it back. Sound was great, signals perfectly in balance.
However, after one hour of recording I played back and I noticed that the left channel was guite a bit lower in volume than the right.
I noticed that when looking at the volume on the VU-meters while recording with switch on "source" both channels have the same volume, and switch on "tape" shows right volume normal and left volume low.
So the signal that enters the recorder is ok, but the signal on the tape is not.

Has anyone of you come across this before and do you have a solution?

Regards, Frank

I have another Akai in my sights, seller wants $50CDN. I'm just waiting for her return call! :D

Great Bolly, that's a GX-270 D, all direct-drive.
Have the same model sitting here in my office. :yes:

Good Luck :thmbsp:

Thanks V TX! :yes:

hi -i have an AKAI GX X266D RTR
its beautiful
glad to find some AKAI JUNKIES
charmaine

Hi Charmaine, welcome to AK, we have many "reel-nuts" here. :yes:
Akai GX-266 is a nice model.

Bolly, are you a happy Akai owner now ? :)

No V TX, she hasn't called yet. Hate it when they don't call back.

Just picked it up Its got that akai Aroma

:beerchug:
I like it

The Akai 4000DS mark 2. I have a machine that looks a lot like this one, if in fact it may be this one. Mine has on board audio amps, and a switch that selects "pure deck" or something like "complete system". Got it used for something like $75 around 1984 or so.

:wave:

Your wish has been granted..... :banana: :D :lmao: :thmbsp: :yes:

Hi Everyone, Help !!!
How do you buy just 50 ??? :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Good one Wa2ise :thmbsp: :lmao: :lmao:

Joe, do you have 50 decks already ? :yikes:
You need help with your addiction. :scratch2:

Akai The way to go !!!!!!!!!!!

No V TX, she hasn't called yet. Hate it when they don't call back.

Don't be bashful, call her again...and again....and again :banana:

Just finished cleaning/servicing my Akai 1730D-SS :banana:

(cropped for file size)

H2s4 That is a Beauty!!!! Hey I am from eastern mass too.

hi i have an AKAI GX 266D and i am collecting service manuals for all my gear0i have been to alot of the usual places -AG =service man.com and i cant remember the others right now but no body seems to have on
or a copy
who has ideas h ere
yeah-my akai is gorgeous
charmaine

Charmaine, I have a very poor copy of the service manual, if you need some spec's or repair advice maybe I can help. :)

i have some AKAI Reel to Reel´s:
GX-400D
GX-650
GX-635
GX-265
A-2950 AMP........

The GX-400D is the best R´T´R I ever owned, better than any other AKAI which was build later. ( also I love my Pioneer RT-2022 and RT-909 as a Pioneer-Collector)

http://de.msnusers.com/rdj65uhdl3oaegjcjsi3479mi3/pioneer.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=81

http://de.msnusers.com/rdj65uhdl3oaegjcjsi3479mi3/pioneer.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=17

http://de.msnusers.com/rdj65uhdl3oaegjcjsi3479mi3/pioneer.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=13

http://de.msnusers.com/rdj65uhdl3oaegjcjsi3479mi3/pioneer.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=15

http://de.msnusers.com/rdj65uhdl3oaegjcjsi3479mi3/pioneer.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=9

Just finished cleaning/servicing my Akai 1730D-SS :banana:

(cropped for file size)

I saw something similar today at the local (ahem) "antique barn". $75.00 (canadian).
I remember the 4 meters and surround. I don't remember the model. I do remember that it was in sad looking shape.
If anyone restores these things, let me know if you want me to get more info.

my new AKAI :banana:

Those early Akai's look like my Roberts, same color also.

Hey Bolly....

That's a sweeeeeeet deck :yes:

Looks good as well

thanks valveman... yep, she waxed-up very nicely. :thmbsp:

bump. :)

Hi,

I have had, for some years, an Akai GX 4000 D, and it needs to now go to a good home. If anyone is interested please reply and we can discuss. It is in working order!!

Many Thanks

Peter

Welcome to AK, you have a PM :)

That is a perfect starter deck.....- Joe

Akai Gx-270D SS
I havent seen this around much, is it rare or what? i even got the rc-18 remote control for it. :D

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q26/IsakAlexander/Akaidiv014.jpg :thmbsp:

Gorgeous model, I had 3 in the past, but not easy to find in that condition Isak, very nice :thmbsp:

When recording, the signal were a bit low on one channel. What should I do to clean the heads? Previous owner did smoke quite a bit. I`m thinking of recording the not so common Alan Parson dvd-audio mix of Dark side of the moon.

Try clean the heads first, but also the 5 grey buttons can have bad contact in rec-mode, a good spray with contact-cleaner can help.

Ok. When I got it, the front were covered in nicotine. Brown/yellow color. If anybody have an Akai metal reel, feel free to contact me.

Which channel is lower ?:scratch2:

Channel 3, I`ll have to check it again later today.

Do a test with engage channel 3 several times before recording and see if there is any changes after another test-run.

The remote:
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q26/IsakAlexander/Weekend034.jpg
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q26/IsakAlexander/Weekend028.jpg

Very nice pictures, I love that remote too:D