VINTAGE / USED AKAI TAPE DECKS / RECORDERS
REFERENCE PHOTOS / ARCHIVE 

   

              NEW LISTING 9/19/07
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warranty
AKAI
             MODEL 1730-SS 1730SS
#...0139
4-TRACK STEREO / 4-CHANNEL 
QUAD / SURROUND SOUND /
2-CHANNEL STEREO
3-HEAD / 2-SPEED
       REEL TO REEL R2R
1/4" TAPE DECK
SOLD 2/22/08

NEW LISTING 4/19/13
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warranty
VINTAGE AKAI REEL TO REEL
AKAI 4000DB REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK
STEREO 2-CHANNEL OR MONO 4-CHANNEL
2-SPEED, 3-HEADS W/ DOLBY NR
¼” X 5” OR 7” TAPE
#...0294
Circa 1977
MIJ
SOLD 5/6/13
SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA

ü  Our technician has completely gone through and 'Certified' this unit.

ü  Everything was cleaned inside and out including all switches, controls and contacts.  

ü  Tape Monitor switch repaired for proper operation.

ü  Entire internal transport mechanism disassembled, cleaned of old grease, re-lubed, reassembled and adjusted to spec.

ü  Rubber pinch roller has been reconditioned.

ü  New main drive belt and counter belt installed.

ü  Capstan cleaned and burnished.

ü  Flywheel thrust bracket removed, bearing surface cleaned and re-lubed, then reinstalled and adjusted.

ü  All internal pots and controls cleaned and tested for noise-free function. Both playback level and meter level internal pots adjusted using factory service manual and test tones. 

ü  Dolby 400Hz reference tone calibrated.

ü  Both spindles in perfect alignment and reel locks work perfectly with no missing fins.

ü  Brake pads reconditioned on both sides and are in good shape.

ü  Head alignment / azimuth has been checked with factory 'STL' test tapes and an O-Scope for peak performance. Head alignment done w/ factory test tones @ 10k & 15kHz. Heads are in great shape as well, with many years of performance left in them.

ü  Heads and entire transport cleaned and electronically de-mag'd.

ü  Play 'cam dogs' have ZERO deterioration and are LIKE NEW. This is a ‘MUST INSPECT’ item on Akai reel to reel, '2-lever transport' decks!!!

ü  Plays and records very well. We tested with a myriad of tapes once restoration was complete. This is a great sounding tape deck.

ü  Speed checked to 98% accuracy!

Cosmetically the deck looks great. Just over 7 hours invested in this deck’s refurb. It’s READY TO GO!

Great cosmetic condition Akai 4000DB. Wood grain, vinyl wrapped wood cabinet and cover. This is one of the few reel to reel decks we get in that make it to our finished page. Great performer for playing back your old reel to reel tapes. If you're looking for a reel to reel deck to "actually use" here you go. Only about 25% of the used Reel decks out there can be "practically" restored to working order. Looks and sounds great! This is a Solid State, not tube unit. Will play 5"and 7" reels.

 

AKAI 4000DB  Features Include:

- Two spe...

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... tape ends

Original AKAI 4000DB Specs:

Motor: 4-pole induction 1-speed motor @ 1800 RPM (utilizes speed / capstan sleeve to change speeds)
Reel capacity: Up to 7" reel
Heads (3): One Erase Head, One Micron-

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

Record Head
Track system: 4-track 2-channel stereo / monaural system
Tape Speed: 3 ¾, and 7 ½ Inches Per Second +/- x% (again, we tested this deck after our refurbishment at 1k=980, which is 98%!)
Wow & Flutter:  <xxx% RMS (7.5 ips)
<xx% RMS @ 3-3/4 ips
Frequency Response:
3x,000 Hz ± 3db at 7 ½ IPS (w/ extended range tape)
3xxx6,000 Hz ± 3db at 3 ¾ IPS (w/ extended range tape)
Distortion :  < xx% at 1kHz & 0 VU
S/N: >x0 db @ 7.5 ips
Input Levels:
Mic - >0.x5 mv @ 5k Ohms
HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

Line - >x0 mv @ 150k Ohms
DIN - > 7mv (LOW)
Output Levels: 0.xxV (0 dB)) utilizing a recorded level of '0' dB @ 250Hz, DIN at 0.5 V
Erase Ratio: >xx dB.
Cross talk: >xxdB stereo / >65 dB mono
Record Bias Freq: xx khz +/- 5%
Bias Leakage: <-xx UV, Dolby off
Fast Wind Times: 280 seconds using 1800 feet tape
Recording / Playback Times: 4 hrs stereo recording @ 7.5 IPS w/ 1200 ft. Tape
Input jacks: (2) Microphone: 0.25 mV, (2) Line 50 mV, DIN >2.5 mV
Required microphone impedance: 600 ohms

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?
 

 Again, this deck was restored for both Recording and Playback. As stated earlier we have completely gone through it cleaning, lubing, adjusting, demagnetizing and testing everything. Pinch roller and heads all in fine condition!!! Face is made of beautiful brushed Aluminum. Case is also in great shape with only a small veneer chip to the left edge panel. If you need a deck for transferring your reel to reel tapes to another media, making new tapes / recordings or just listening to your tapes, then you won't be disappointed in this one. Measures 17.25" wide x 12.5" tall x 9" deep and weighs 29 lbs unpacked. E-copies in pdf of the owners manual can be emailed to the purchaser. Does come with a standard plastic, take-up reel. Includes our standard 90 day limited warranty. (Reels & tape shown in photos not included, but are sometimes available)
   Cond. 8.5
 AKAI 4000DB REEL-TO-REEL TAPE RECORDER
SOLD 5/6/13
SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA
 

(Above text, in it's entirety, property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)

            

warranty

ü  Our technician has completely gone through and 'Certified' this unit.

ü  Everything was cleaned inside and out including all switches, controls and contacts. 

ü  Tape Monitor switch repaired for proper operation.

ü  Entire internal transport mechanism disassembled, cleaned of old grease, re-lubed, reassembled and adjusted to spec.

ü  Rubber pinch roller has been reconditioned.

ü  New main drive belt and counter belt installed.

ü  Capstan cleaned and burnished.

ü  Flywheel thrust bracket removed, bearing surface cleaned and re-lubed, then reinstalled and adjusted.

ü  All internal pots and controls cleaned and tested for noise-free function. Both playback level and meter level internal pots adjusted using factory service manual and test tones. 

ü  Dolby 400Hz reference tone calibrated.

ü  Both spindles in perfect alignment and reel locks work perfectly with no missing fins.

ü  Brake pads reconditioned on both sides and are in good shape.

ü  Head alignment / azimuth has been checked with factory 'STL' test tapes and an O-Scope for peak performance. Head alignment done w/ factory test tones @ 10k & 15kHz. Heads are in great shape as well, with many years of performance left in them.

ü  Heads and entire transport cleaned and electronically de-mag'd.

ü  Play 'cam dogs' have ZERO deterioration and are LIKE NEW. This is a ‘MUST INSPECT’ item on Akai reel to reel, '2-lever transport' decks!!!

ü  Plays and records very well. We tested with a myriad of tapes once restoration was complete. This is a great sounding tape deck.

ü  Speed checked to 99% accuracy!

Cosmetically the deck looks great. Just over 8 hours invested in this deck’s refurb. It’s READY TO GO!

Wood cabinet and cover. This is one of the few reel to reel decks we get in that make it to our finished page. Great performer for playing back your old reel to reel tapes. If you're looking for a reel to reel deck to "actually use" here you go. Only about 25 % of the used Reel decks out there can be "practically" restored to working order. Looks and sounds great! This is a Solid State, not tube unit. Will play 5"and 7" reels.

AKAI 4000DS  Features Include:

- Two

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?


- Front mounted ¼” Stereo Headphone Jack
- Standard RCA I/O’s
- Selectable Hi-...

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

 ...play and fast wind functions
- Auto Shut-Off of power selector when tape ends

Original AKAI 4000DS Specs:

Motor: 4-pole induction 1-speed motor @ 1800 RPM (utilizes speed / capstan sleeve to change speeds)
Reel capacity: Up to 7" reel
Heads (3): One Erase Head, One Micron-Gap Playback / One Micron-Gap Record Head
Track system: 4-track 2-channel stereo / monaural system
Tape Speed: 3 ¾, and 7 ½ Inches Per Second +/- xx% (again, we tested this deck after our refurbishment at 1k=1001, which is x%!)
Wow & Flutter:  <0.xx% RMS (7.5 ips)
<0.xx% RMS @ 3-3/4 ips
Frequency Response:
3x000 Hz ± 3db at 7 ½ IPS (w/ extended range tape)
3xx6,000 Hz ± 3db at 3 ¾ IPS (w/ extended range tape)
Distortion :  < xx% at 1kHz & 0 VU
S/N: >xx db @ 7.5 ips
Input Levels:
Mic - >0x5 mv @ 5k Ohms
Line - >x mv @ 150k Ohms
DIN - > 7mv (LOW)
Output Levels: 1xV / 4dB (+/- 1dB) utilizing a recorded level of '0' dB @ 250Hz
Erase Ratio: >xx dB.
Cross talk: >xxdB stereo
Record Bias Freq: xxx khz +/- 5%
Fast Wind Times: 200 seconds using 1200 feet tape
Recording / Playback Times: 4 hrs stereo recording @ 7.5 IPS w/ 1200 ft. Tape
Input jacks: (2) Microphone: 0x mV, (2) Line x0 mV
Required microphone impedance: 600 ohms

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?
 

Again, this deck was restored for both Recording and Playback. As stated earlier we have completely gone through it cleaning, lubing, adjusting, demagnetizing and testing everything. Pinch roller and heads all in fine condition!!! Face is made of beautiful brushed Aluminum. Overall cosmetics has VERY LITTLE wear and unit looks GREAT! If you need a deck for transferring your reel to reel tapes to another media, making new tapes / recordings or just listening to your tapes, then you won't be disappointed in this one. Measures 17.25" wide x 12.5" tall x 9" deep and weighs 29 lbs unpacked. Copies of the owners manual and service manual can be emailed to the purchaser. Does come with a standard plastic, take-up reel. Includes our standard 90 day limited warranty. (Reels & tape shown in photos not included, but are sometimes available)
  
AKAI 4000DS REEL-TO-REEL TAPE RECORDER
Cond. 8.5+
SOLD 7/8/13
SHIPPING TO NEW HAMPSHIRE

(Above text, in it's entirety, property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)

   



NEW LISTING
(Click on above thumbnails to enlarge photos)
AKAI
MODEL 4000DS MK II
4-TRACK STEREO / 2-CHANNEL 
3-HEAD 
OPEN
REEL TO REEL 
1/4" TAPE DECK
WITH 
"SOUND-ON-SOUND"
Circa 1976-78
SOLD 3/23/05

 

        NEW LISTING 9/1/11
(Click on above thumbnails to enlarge photos)
warranty
AKAI
OPEN REEL TO REEL TAPE RECORDER
MODEL 4000DS-MKII
 1/4" 4-TRACK / 2-CHANNEL
 STEREO
3-HEAD / 2-SPEEDS
AUTO-REVERSE
OPEN REEL TO REEL
TAPE DECK
#...3792
Circa 1977
SOLD 1/6/12
We have completely gone through this unit restoring it for 'Play Back' only use. Entire internal transport mechanism disassembled, cleaned of old grease, re-lubed and reassembled. Rubber pinch roller has been reconditioned. New main drive belt and counter belt installed. Capstan cleaned and burnished. All heads have been cleaned and de-magnetized as well as the entire transport. Flywheel thrust bracket removed, bearing surface cleaned and re-lubed, then reinstalled and adjusted. All internal pots and controls cleaned and tested for noise-free function. Both playback level and meter level internal pots adjusted using factory service manual and test tones. Both spindles in perfect alignment and reel locks work perfectly with no missing fins. Brake pads reconditioned on both sides and are in good shape. Heads cleaned and are in great shape as well, with many years of performance left in them and head alignment / azimuth has been checked with factory 'STL' test tapes and an O-Scope for peak performance. Head alignment done w/ factory test tones @ 10k & 15kHz. Heads and entire transport electronically de-mag'd.
Play 'cam dogs' have ZERO deterioration and are LIKE NEW. This is a 'must inspect' item on Akai, '2-lever transport' decks!!!
Plays very well. We tested with a myriad of tapes once restoration was complete. This is a great sounding Play Back tape deck. Speed checked to 99% accuracy! Cosmetically the deck looks great. Just over 14 hours invested in this decks refurb. Again, for 'Playback' use, it's READY TO GO!



Great cosmetic condition & Ready-to-go for tape Playback, Akai 4000DS-MKII.
SOLD 1/6/12

  (Above text property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)
    

NEW LISTING 10/6/16
(Click on above thumbnails to enlarge photos)
warranty
AKAI
OPEN REEL TO REEL TAPE RECORDER
MODEL 4000DS-MKII
 1/4" 4-TRACK / 2-CHANNEL
 STEREO
3-HEAD / 2-SPEEDS
AUTO-REVERSE
OPEN REEL TO REEL
TAPE DECK
#...3792
Circa 1977
SOLD 10/9/16
SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA

ü  Our technician has completely gone through and 'Certified' this unit.

ü  We have completely and extensively gone through the mechanicals and electronics of this unit.

ü  Transport 'cam dogs' on this series are the 'later' versions and resistant to deterioration (MUCH unlike most other Akai decks)

ü  Entire transport was disassembled down to the chassis, and every mechanical part was removed / disassembled, cleaned, re-lubed and reassembled.

ü pinch-roller mechanism completely disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed

ü Capstans / flywheels removed, bushings and axels cleaned and re-lubed

ü Capstans burnished

ü Internal drive wheels / tires removed, and resurfaced

ü  Main motor removed, inspected and cleaned

ü  Knurled drive pulley cleaned of old rubber residue

ü  Brand new 'Main' drive belt installed

ü Flywheel thrust bracket removed, bearing surface cleaned and re-lubed, then reinstalled and adjusted.

ü Pinch roller removed, resurfaced / reconditioned, and lubed prior to re-install

ü Heads have been cleaned and de-magnetized as well as the entire transport.

ü Brake pads cleaned / reconditioned

ü Brakes adjusted on fast wind modes also.

ü Back tension adjusted on both reel tables.

ü All transport functions now test perfectly, following above adjustments, Reel Start and Stop tested at beginning, middle and end of 7" tapes

ü Internal pots, switches and controls cleaned and tested for noise-free function.

ü Deck has been fully calibrated to factory manual specs, tested, and found to perform like new in all categories (see resulting record level listed below)

ü Both spindles in perfect alignment, with no wobble or missing fins

ü We also adjusted the reel table heights.

ü Meter lamp replaced with new

ü Heads cleaned and de-magnetized (as well as entire transport) and are in great shape as well, with many years of performance left in them.

ü Mic / Line control pots cleaned for static free performance

ü BOTH Playback and Record Head alignment / azimuth was adjusted for peak performance with factory test 'STL' tone tape and oscilloscope.

ü We adjusted the VU meters following head alignment and internal circuit board PC pot adjustments

ü Following PB & REC amp circuit board adjustments, deck Records at +/-0dB !!! on Normal Bias tape

ü Speed tested to 99.3% accurate w/ 1kHz factory test tape and frequency counter.

ü Floor noise measured at >-60dB following above procedures

ü This Akai GX-4000D MK-II functions, plays, and records perfectly (and we really put them through the paces, testing both with well mixed, recently recorded CD material and CD recorded / factory test tones looking for correct head Azimuth and speed accuracy).  (Total time investment in refurb / testing ~ 10.5 hours).  
____________________________
Looks GREAT & is "Ready-to-go"! Will play / record stereo 1/4" tapes on reels 3, 5 & 7". This is one of the few reel to reel decks we get in that make it to our finished page. Great performer. If you're looking for a reel to reel deck to "actually use" here you go. Only about 30-50% of the used Reel decks out there can be "practically" restored to working order. This one made it through and all functions test great! Looks and sounds great too! Again, we have completely gone through it.

Akai GX-4000D MK-II Features include:

- 4-Track / 2-Channel
- One-Micron Gap Head
- 3*, 5*", & 7" Reel Capacity (*compatible with standard 4-Track / 2-Channel tape format)
- 3 Heads for instant monitoring of tape levels while recording (enables us to get the 'record head' alignment VERY exact with oscilliscope)
- Dual speeds at 7.5 ips / 19cms and 3 3/4ips / 9.5 cms
- Separate & dual ...

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

- Track Selector for Stereo / 2-Channel, or Mono / 4 Channels
- Independent L & .."
- Tape...
- Auto-..
- Mechanical '..
- Left & ...
- Dual...

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?


- Spring....
- 4-Digit Analog tape counter
- Dual front mounted...
- Front mounted...

Akai GX-4000D MK-II Specifications:

Motor: 4-pole induction 1-speed motor @ 1800 RPM (utilizes speed / capstan sleeve to change speeds)
Reel capacity: Up to 7" reel

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

Heads (3): One Erase Head, One Micron-Gap Playback / One Micron-Gap Record Head
Track system: 4-track 2-channel stereo / monaural system
Tape Speed: 3 ¾, and 7 ½ Inches Per Second +/- 2% (again, we tested this deck after our refurbishment at 1k=993, which is 0.07%!)
Wow & Flutter:  <0.xx% RMS (7.5 ips)
<x% RMS @ 3-3/4 ips
Frequency Response:
xxx Hz ± 3db at 7 ½ ips (w/ extended range tape)
xxx Hz ± 3db at 3 ¾ ips (w/ extended range tape)
Distortion :  < xx% at 1kHz & 0 VU
S/N: >xxdb @ 7.5 ips (6dB better than the MK-I !!!)
Input Levels:
Mic - >xx mV @ 30k Ohms

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?


Line - >xx mV @ 200k Ohms
Output Levels: xxV utilizing a recorded level of '0' dB @ 250Hz
Record Bias Freq: xxxkHz +/- 5x%

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?


Fast Wind Times: xseconds using 1200 feet tape
Recording / Playback Times: 4 hrs stereo recording @ 7.5 IPS w/ 1200 ft. Tape

As stated earlier we have completely gone through it cleaning, lubing, adjusting, demagnetizing and testing everything. Plays and records perfectly following our full service, AGAIN, records at 0dB down, yes, that's a ZERO!
Deck looks near new, works and sounds great!
These are great machines from Akai, and this is one of the 50% that have the 'later / improved' cam dogs that resist disintegration.
Includes a pdf / 'e-copy' download of the Akai GX-4000DS MK-II Owners manual and Brochure, and if desired, a copy of the Akai GX-4000DS MK-II Service manual. Measures 16" wide x 7.75" deep x 13.5" high and weighs 25 lbs unpacked. Includes our standard 90 day limited warranty.
(Reels & tape shown in photos not included. All are sometimes available separately depending on stock levels)
Akai GX-4000DS MKII Reel to Reel Tape Deck
Cond. 8.5++
SOLD 10/9/16
SHIPPED TO CALIFORNIA

  (Above text property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)

 

NEW LISTING 4/1/05
(Click on above thumbnails to enlarge photos)
AKAI
MODEL GX-215D
4-TRACK STEREO / 2-CHANNEL 
3-HEAD / 2-SPEED / 3-MOTOR
REEL TO REEL R2R
AUTO-REVERSE
1/4" TAPE DECK
"WORLD AC POWER" ™
Circa 1971-72
SOLD 5/11/05

         

      

NEW LISTING 10/26/12
 (Click on above thumbnails to enlarge photos)
warranty
AKAI 1/4" REEL-TO-REEL STEREO TAPE DECK GX-260D / GX260D
#...1134 (black VU meters)
 4-TRACK / 2-CHANNEL
   2-SPEED / 6-HEAD
AUTO-REVERSE
  5"* - 7" REEL CAPACITY
   "WORLD AC POWER" ™
   Circa 1973-76
SOLD 11/28/12
SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA
We've been 'sitting' on this deck along with a few other 'difficult / performance critical' decks for a few years now, waiting until we had a technician with sufficient skills to 'do them justice' and realize their top potential performance. Sure we have been able to do more 'bread-n-butter' decks for years, such as Akai 150 / 210 / 1700 / 1800 / 4000 series, Sony TC-100, 300 & 300 series, Teac A-4010 / 6010 series, Pioneer RT-707's and 909's (yes, great looking and darn good performing decks, but I hate to 'burst your bubble', but while they have proven to be a 'durable' design 30 years after they were discontinued, they're no where near the best performing decks as R2R's go, sorry) and others, but chose not to 'tackle' these. Well, now by a stroke of luck, we have 'him'. Our 'new to us' technician is able to really 'do justice' to decks such as this. Yes, he's expensive and it's time consuming, but AS ALWAYS, we are striving for TOP quality and not for 'cheap'. If you want 'cheap' there are plenty of 'as found' decks out there to 'roll the dice' on. Our new technician spent much of the 1970's managing the service department of the famous Pacific Stereo chain, then on to their 'Recycle Audio' division. Heck, the guy even 'co-invented' the optical mouse (you're probably using one right now). He's our guy to restore decks such as this!
Our technician has completely gone through and 'Certified' this unit. We have completely and extensively gone through the mechanicals and electronics of this unit. Entire transport was disassembled down to the chassis, and every mechanical part was cleaned, re-lubed and reassembled. Flywheel was removed, cleaned and reinstalled with silicone lube on flywheel thrust plate bearing. The capstan was burnished, heads have been cleaned and de-magnetized as well as the entire transport. Again, the entire transport assembly was painstakingly disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed as well as the always at issue, 'Pinch Roller swing arm' assembly. 'Auto-Stop' mechanism disassembled and re-lubed with fresh 300,000 silicon damping fluid. Also hub brakes have been cleaned, re-lubed, and adjusted on fast wind modes also. Rewind 'back tension' adjusted. Motor 'start / run' capacitors checked. Voltage selector set for correct North American AC current at 117-120VAC. All internal pots / controls cleaned in both the playback amplifier, record amplifiers and the built-in 'audio' amp and tested for noise-free function. New VU meter and direction indicator illumination lamps / bulbs installed. Both spindles were completely disassembled, cleaned and had their bearings / bushings cleaned and re-lubed and are in perfect alignment. Main Drive and counter belts replaced for trouble-free service. Rubber pinch roller was removed, cleaned & reconditioned. We also adjusted the reel table heights. Tape heads and entire transports demagnetized.
Heads in Like New shape as well, with many hundreds of hours of performance left in them and head alignment / azimuth has been checked for peak performance on both play and record heads with factory STL 30Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 200Hz, 500Hz, 1k, 2.5k, 5k, 7.5k, 10k, 12k & 15k as well as 700Hz 'reference' tones thru an oscilloscope and with a dBm meter and were charted (we have the full L&R, Forward and Reverse, Normal and 'High Bias' results charted and available to the purchaser, but too much typing to display here as it's over 100 documented results). Suffice to say, this unit Plays and Records INCREDIBLY WELL starting with the following results using 'High-Bias' tape, from 200Hz with -1dB & from 0dB to +1dB 1k to 15kHz!!! We further tested it at -1.5dB @ 20kHz and -5dB at 35kHz. YES, you read that right! All the way to 35kHz. AND the above results were referenced at '0' dB on the meters, not the typical and EASY -20dB!
Both PB output levels and VU meters playback internally adjusted for even response. Floor noise measured at 0.4mVAC at idle and 1.7mVAC with blank tape in play mode. (Akai GX-260D's do have a DC surge / thump at turn-on, by design, so keep the volume on your amp / receiver down or off, or speakers 'Off' during power-up sequence.)
We really put them through the paces, testing both with well mixed, recently recorded CD material and CD recorded / factory test tones looking for correct head Azimuth and speed accuracy). Pinch roller and heads all in GREAT condition. Speed tested / checked to 98.4% accuracy utilizing 'Institute of High Fidelity' test tape. Following electro/mechanical restoration, unit received a cosmetic cleaning / detailing. There are a couple of chips to the side panel Formica, but nothing too distracting (see above photos). Overall looks fine.
Entire unit looks, works and sounds GREAT!
  (Total time investment in refurb / testing ~ 16+ hours). Pinch roller and heads all in GREAT condition!!!
  ____________________________
   
GREAT performing Akai GX-260D 1/4" Open Reel stereo tape deck! Great for all-around Playback and especially recording of reels up to 7" in diameter. This deck has some very 'sonic specific' features, and while it would make a great deck for burning your tapes to CD or Hard Drive or for a 'media transfer business', we hope it will go to someone who will utilize and appreciate it's incredible recording capabilities. Some of the aspects that make it 'stand above the crowd' for recording, “The core of GX heads is comprised of a single crystallized element “single crystal ferrite” which has proved far superior to ‘poly-ferrite’ in that there are no minute ‘composite particles’ to eventually separate and cause head gap damage (wear). This is why Akai heads are famously said to ‘NOT WEAR OUT’.  

Center Capstan Drive – Most Auto Reverse decks, (and frankly, most ‘single direction decks’) place the PR/Capstan drive assembly asymmetrically. This creates ‘un-even’ drag and friction on the tape as it travels it’s path. One the GX-260D, the PR / Cap is situated symmetrically in the center of identical head clusters, with an even amount of flanking contact points. This greatly reduces tape friction, which not only ensure identical performance in both directions, but contributes greatly to the models incredibly low ‘Wow & Flutter’ (check the specs @ 0.06%!).
Also, as the heads are stationary, normal ‘head misalignment’ issues common with many ‘auto-reverse’ decks are not an issue on the GX-260D.
As a further testament to the quality of Akai’s motors, Akai was originally a manufacturer of motors in Japan before entering the 'tape deck' business. They had the ‘motor thing’ down!"

Akai GX-260D Reel to Reel Tape Recorder Features include:
   
- Glass-Xtal Ferrite Heads (virtually will never wear out)
- Symmetrically designed Pinch Roller / Capstan tape path
- Dual speeds at 7.5 ips / 19cms & 3 3/4ips / 9.5 cms
- 6-Head function (4 heads function as 6) for instant monitoring of tape levels / record quality while recording and allow 'movement free' auto-reverse
- Triple-Mode Auto-Reverse
- Bi-Directional Recording
- Solenoid assist, 'Touch Tape Transport' controls
- 'Echo' effect function (can be used as a 'tape delay' for guitar or vocals)
- 5*" / 7" Reel Capacity (*compatible with standard 4-Track / 2-Channel tape format)
- Separate L & R input level and microphone controls
- 'Mic / Line' mixing capabilities allow microphone / musical instruments to be mixed in with 'Line' signals to record yourself 'performing / playing along with the incoming signals'
- Variable output level control (rear located)
- Auto-Stop
- Dual analog VU meters for monitoring Playback and Record levels
- ENDLESS S.O.S. (Sound-On-Sound) capable w/ independent L & R record engage switches
- S.W.S (Sound-with-Sound) capable w/ independent L & R record engage switches
 - Dual front mounted 1/4" mic input jacks
- 1/4" Stereo Headphone jack with dual output level selector
- Mechanical Tape counter
- Built-in Reel / Hub locks (no need for rubber reel retainers)
- RCA and DIN inputs and outputs
-True WORLD AC POWER ™ allows unit to be operated on 50 or 60 Hz AC and will select voltages from 110v, 120v, 220v and 240 volts AC input.

Original Akai GX-260D Specifications:

Track system: 4-track 2-channel stereo/monaural system
Reel Capacity: Up to 7”
Heads (4 (6)): Two GX

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

(Akai P4-202)

Tape Speed: 3 ¾, and 7 ½ Inches Per Second (+/- 1% @ 3.75ips (again, we tested this deck after our refurbishment at 1k=.998, which is 0.2% - 5 times more accurate than original spec!)

Motor (3): On

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 reel motors
Wow & Flutter: <0.xx% RMS @ 7.5 ips (2.5 times better than the GX-4000D!)
<0.xx% RMS @ 3-3/4 ips (2 times better than the GX-4000D!)
Frequency Response:
30x00 Hz ± 3db at 7 ½ IPS (w/ extended range tape)
xx000 Hz ± 3db at 3 ¾ IPS (w/ extended range tape)

x3,000 Hz ± 3db at 7 ½ IPS (w/ normal tape)
x-18x,000 Hz ± 3db at 3 ¾ IPS (w/ normal tape)
Distortion : < xx% at 1kHz & 0 VU
S/N: >xx db @ 7.5 ips (7 dB better than the GX-4000D)
Input Levels:
Mic - >xx mv @ 4.7k Ohms
Line - >xx mv @ 150k Ohms
DIN – 0.xV(high) / 2x30mV (low)
Output Levels: xxV / (+4dB) @/ 100 Ohms utilizing a recorded level of '0' dB on th e VU meters
Erase Ratio: >xx dB.
Cross talk: >xxdB mono & >xxdB stereo
Record Bias Freq: 1x0khz +/- 5%
Fast Wind Times: 66-75 seconds using 1200 feet tape (2.7+ times faster than the GX-4000 series)

Following the above stated bench work / testing, our technician has 'Certified' this deck and it is an great performer sonically and mechanically.Again this deck has had EXTENSIVE restoration by our 'magician' technician and is now a great performer sonically and mechanically. It's pretty much had the clock rolled back 40 years on it. Looks great & Ready to go! Best for playback but we hope will see plenty of 'Recording' action due to the superior level of quality it 'finalized at' following restoration. Again, while GREAT for

HEY, WHY ALL THE 'X'd' OUT / OMITTED SPECS AND TEXT?

ordings. We had a blast revisiting some of our old tapes during final testing with this unit. Can include a pdf 'e' copy of the Akai GX-260D brochure, and owners manual. Includes our standard 90 day limited warranty. Measures 18.6" wide x 9" deep x 17.5" tall and weighs 46 lbs unpacked.
(Reels & tape shown in photos not included. All are sometimes available separately depending on stock levels.) 
AKAI GX-260D REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK
Cond. 8.2
SOLD 11/28/12
SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA

  (Above text property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)

 

      

         NEW LISTING 10/26/12
 (Click on above thumbnails to enlarge photos)
warranty
AKAI 1/4" REEL-TO-REEL STEREO TAPE DECK GX-260D / GX260D
#...2689 (blue VU meters)
 4-TRACK / 2-CHANNEL
   2-SPEED / 6-HEAD
AUTO-REVERSE
  5"* - 7" REEL CAPACITY
   "WORLD AC POWER" ™
   Circa 1973-76
SOLD 1/7/13
SHIPPED TO TENNESSEE
We've been 'sitting' on this deck along with a few other 'difficult / performance critical' decks for a few years now, waiting until we had a technician with sufficient skills to 'do them justice' and realize their top potential performance. Sure we have been able to do more 'bread-n-butter' decks for years, such as Akai 150 / 210 / 1700 / 1800 / 4000 series, Sony TC-100, 300 & 300 series, Teac A-4010 / 6010 series, Pioneer RT-707's and 909's and others, but chose not to 'tackle' these. Well, now by a stroke of luck, we have 'him'. Our 'new to us' technician is able to really 'do justice' to decks such as this. Yes, he's expensive and it's time consuming, but AS ALWAYS, we are striving for TOP quality and not for 'cheap'. If you want 'cheap' there are plenty of 'as found' decks (read, 'boat anchors') out there to 'roll the dice' on. Our new technician spent much of the 1970's managing the service department of the famous Pacific Stereo chain, then on to their 'Recycle Audio' division. Heck, the guy even 'co-invented' the optical mouse (you're probably using one right now). He's our guy to restore decks such as this!
Our technician has completely gone through and 'Certified' this unit. We have completely and extensively gone through the mechanicals and electronics of this unit. Entire transport was disassembled down to the chassis, and every mechanical part was cleaned, re-lubed and reassembled. Flywheel was removed, cleaned and reinstalled with silicone lube on flywheel thrust plate bearing. The capstan was burnished, heads have been cleaned and de-magnetized as well as the entire transport. Again, the entire transport assembly was painstakingly disassembled, cleaned and re-lubed as well as the always at issue, 'Pinch Roller swing arm' assembly. 'Auto-Stop' mechanism disassembled and re-lubed with fresh 300,000 silicon damping fluid. Also hub brakes have been cleaned, re-lubed, and adjusted on fast wind modes also. Rewind 'back tension' adjusted. Motor 'start / run' capacitors checked. Voltage selector set for correct North American AC current at 117-120VAC. All internal pots / controls cleaned in both the playback amplifier, record amplifiers and the built-in 'audio' amp and tested for noise-free function. New VU meter and direction indicator illumination lamps / bulbs installed. Both spindles were completely disassembled, cleaned and had their bearings / bushings cleaned and re-lubed and are in perfect alignment. Main Drive and counter belts replaced for trouble-free service. Rubber pinch roller was removed, cleaned & reconditioned. We also adjusted the reel table heights.  Tape heads and entire transports demagnetized.
Heads in Like New shape as well, with many hundreds of hours of performance left in them and head alignment / azimuth has been checked for peak performance on both play and record heads with factory STL 30Hz, 50Hz, 100Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1k, 2.5k, 5k, 7.5k, 10k, 12k & 15k as well as 700Hz 'reference' tones thru an oscilloscope and with a dBm meter and were charted (we have the full L&R, Forward and Reverse, Normal and 'High Bias' results charted and available to the purchaser, but too much typing to display here as it's over 100 documented results). Suffice to say, this unit Plays and Records INCREDIBLY WELL starting at 30Hz with 0dB & -1dB from 1k to 15kHz!!! Both PB output levels and VU meters playback internally adjusted for even response. Floor noise measured at 0.1mVAC at idle and 1.5mVAC with blank tape in play mode. (Akai GX-260D's do have a DC surge / thump at turn-on, by design, so keep the volume on your amp / receiver down or off, or speakers 'Off' during power-up sequence.)
We really put them through the paces, testing both with well mixed, recently recorded CD material and CD recorded / factory test tones looking for correct head Azimuth and speed accuracy). Pinch roller and heads all in GREAT condition. Speed tested / checked to 98.5% accuracy utilizing 'Institute of High Fidelity' test tape. Following electro/mechanical restoration, unit received a cosmetic cleaning / detailing. No cosmetic issue to speak of. Looks near new. Side panels have 'crisp' corners and edges. No scuffs, scratches or anything work mentioning.....
  (Total time investment in refurb / testing ~ 14+ hours). Pinch roller and heads all in GREAT condition!!!
  ____________________________
   
.  

Original Akai GX-260D Specifications:

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Track system: .....
Reel Capacity: Up to .....
Heads (4 (6)): .....

Tape Speed: .....

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Motor (3): .....
Wow & Flutter: <0XXX% RMS @ 7.5 ips (2.5 times better than the GX-4000D!)
<XX% RMS @ 3-3/4 ips (2 times better than the GX-4000D!)
Frequency Response:
XXXHz ± 3db at 7 ½ IPS (w/ extended range tape)
XXXHz ± 3db at 3 ¾ IPS (w/ extended range tape)

XXX Hz ± 3db at 7 ½ IPS (w/ normal tape)
XXX Hz ± 3db at 3 ¾ IPS (w/ normal tape)
Distortion : < XX% at 1kHz & 0 VU
S/N: >XX db @ 7.5 ips (X dB better than the GX-4000D)
Input Levels:
Mic - >XXX mv @ XXk Ohms
Line - >XXX mv @ XXk Ohms

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DIN – XXXX(high) / XXmV (low)
Output Levels: XXV / (+XdB) @/ 100 Ohms utilizing a recorded level of '0' dB on th e VU meters
Erase Ratio: >XX dB.
Cross talk: >XXdB mono & >XXdB stereo
Record Bias Freq: XXkhz +/- X%
Fast Wind Times: 6XXX seconds using XX feet tape (XX+ times faster than the GX-4000 series)

Following the above stated bench work / testing, our technician has 'Certified' this deck and it is an great performer sonically and mechanically. Again this deck has had EXTENSIVE restoration by our 'magician' technician and is now a great performer sonically and mechanically. It's pretty much had the clock rolled back 40 years on it.....
.... Can include a pdf 'e' copy of the Akai GX-260D brochure, and owners manual. Includes our standard 90 day limited warranty. 
(Reels & tape shown in photos not included. All are sometimes available separately depending on stock levels.) 
AKAI GX-260D REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK
Cond. 8.5
SOLD 1/7/13
SHIPPED TO TENNESSEE
 

(Above text, in it's entirety, property of www.oaktreevintage.com / Oak Tree Enterprises, LLC. See 'Copyright Information' page for details)