Description
Akai GX 620 reel-to-reel tape recorder. Classic Vintage. Fully revitalized.
Akai was founded by Masukichi Akai and his son, Saburo Akai in 1929 in Tokyo. The word “Akai” in Japanese means “red”, which of course found a reference in the color of the brand’s logo. In the 1940s, the company produced music and audio equipment. The expanding range of the company included originally reel-to-reel tape recorders, cassette recorder, audio amplifiers, video cassette recorder and speakers, followed by CD, DVD and mp3 players. Some of the products were sold in the United States under the brand of Roberts, A & D in Japan and Tensai and Transonic Strato in Western Europe. At the end of the 1960s, Akai and Tandberg introduced an innovative way of recording sound that allowed recording a wider range of high frequencies. In 1984, a new branch of the company called Akai Professional was created, producing electronic musical instruments. However, in the 90s, the company reduced its range of Hi-Fi equipment. At the end of 2004, Akai Corporation was taken over by Grande Group and Akai Professional by Numark Industries due to bankruptcy.
The GX-620 is a 3-engine and 4-track stereo tape recorder launched at the turn of the 70s and 80s. This model is equipped with a reliable GX head made of crystalline ferrite. The GX-620 is also distinguished by an elegant, classic design. Brushed aluminum perfectly matches the large display and simple, backlit buttons. A unique feature of this model (and its successor) is the tape counter.
The enclosure has been fully revitalized, brand new, thicker side boards made of american cherry were oiled with Chinese oil produced from natural oils, and natural turpentine-based beeswax. All elements were cleaned and painted using the automotive wet painting technique. White varnish was used and secured with colourless satin varnish.
The device has been fully reviewed and serviced.
– cleaning and adjustment of the heads
– lubrication of mechanics, setting the capstan engine
– replacement of amplifiers with low-noise ones (PCB amp)
– demagnetization and calibration of the heads (with Akai demagnetiser)
– cleaning and adjustment of breaks
– cleaning of potentiometers
– replacement of counter belt
– alignment of heads
– audio track calibrated for the new BASF LPR 35 tape
– measuring and replacement of capacitors
– corrected engine clearances
– factory speed setting
– new power cord included
– new aluminum legs
– two signal cables included
– two TDK aluminum spools with tape included
Collector’s model. The device is in perfect condition!
Technical data:
– 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/ mono
– heads: recording, playback, erasing
– engine – 2 x drive and 1 x capstan
– spool size – 10.5 inches
– belt speed – 3 3/4 – 7 1/2 ips
– noise and flutter – 0.03% (7 1/2 ips)
– frequency response – 30 Hz to 26 kHz (7 1/2 ips)
– signal-to-noise ratio – 62 dB
– total harmonic distortion – 0.5%
– crosstalk – 40dB
– input – 0.25mV (line), 2.0mV (DIN), 70mV (microphone)
– output – 0.775 V (line), 0.3 V (DIN)
– dimensions – 45 cm (height), 44 cm (width), 22 cm (depth with nab )
– weight 19 kg
– Japanese production from 1979/81