Description
Akai GX 630D 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-630D is a high-quality reel-to-reel tape recorder produced in the second half of the 70s. The model is equipped with a reliable GX head made of crystalline ferrite and an AC Servo CPG motor. Thanks to these solutions and the elimination of rubber belts and flywheels, Akai engineers achieved a noise-and-flutter ratio of 0.06%. Very good quality of the head ensures resistance to dust and wear, which translates into longer work. The GX-630D is characterized by a clear frequency range of up to 25,000 Hz, stable work and excellent sound quality. In addition, the solutions used in this model minimize the loss of high frequencies and provide a wider dynamic range.
New, enlarged enclosure has been fully revitalized, made from rosewood. The wood finishing is Chinese oil produced from natural oils, and natural turpentine-based beeswax.
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 aluminium legs
– two Nakamichi signal cables included
– two MAXELL aluminum spools included
– Revox Professional tape included
– Acai nab adapters included
– AGFA – REVOX spools included
– Maxell XL I 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: 0.06% (7 1/2 ips)
– frequency response: 30 Hz to 25 kHz (7 1/2 ips)
– signal-to-noise ratio: 57 dB
– total harmonic distortion: 0.5%
– input: 70mV (line), 2.5mV (DIN), 0.25mV (microphone)
– output: 0.775 V (line), 30 V (DIN)
– dimensions: 51 cm (height), 48 cm (width), 22 cm (depth)
– weight 22 kg
– Japanese production from 1976/78