Description
AKAI X 201 D reel-to-reel tape recorder. Auto Reverse. 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 X-201 D stereo four-track reel-to-reel tape recorder is the iconic AKAI model from the seventies. What makes it stand out is the characteristic wooden cover protecting the front panel, as well as the technical solutions which were extraordinary in their time.
Thanks to the exclusive Akai Cross-Field Head, the recording quality is almost identical to the input signal. The tape can be recorded across the entire frequency spectrum with maximum fidelity even at low tape speed.
AKAI X 201 D comes in a beautiful simple shape. It has been designed so that it can work in both vertical and horizontal position.
The enclosure has been completely revitalized, made of Amazaque wood, new, thicker side boards made of the same wood create an exceptionally refined and elegant look.
The device has been fully reviewed and serviced.
– head cleaning and adjustment
– mechanic lubrication and capstan engine setting
– replacement of transistors on a playback disc
– degaussing and calibration of the heads (Akai demagnetizer)
– potentiometers cleaning
– corrected engine clearances
– factory speed setting
– new braided power cord
– new plastic legs
– two braided signal cables included
– two aluminum Scotch spools included
– MAXELL UD 35-90 550 m tape included
Collector’s item. Perfect condition!
Technical data:
– 4-track, 2-channel, stereo / monaural
– heads: recording, playback, erasing
– 3-engine – 2 x drive and 1 x capstan
– roll size: for a 7-inch drum
– belt speed: 1-7 / 8, 3-3 / 4, 7-1 / 2 ips
– noise and flutter: 0.08% (7 1/2 ips)
– frequency response: from 30 Hz to 26 kHz (7 1/2 ips)
– signal to noise ratio: 50 dB
– total harmonic distortion: 3%
– crosstalk: 45dB
– auto reverse
– input: 50 mV (line), 5 mV (DIN), 0.5 mV (microphone)
– output: 1.23 V (line), 0.4 V (DIN)
– semiconductors: 16 x transistors, 17 x diodes
– dimensions: 35 cm (height), 35 cm (width), 23 cm (depth)
– weight 17kg
– Japanese production from 1973/77.