AKAI GX-F90 (1979) | 3-Head Super GX

 

Introduced the the German market in November 1979, the Akai GX-F90 cassette deck stands as a landmark in high-end analog audio engineering, showcasing Akai’s long-standing expertise in tape technology—from open-reel machines to advanced cassette systems. Designed as a flagship 3-head deck, the GX-F90 featured the brand’s proprietary Super GX (Glass & X’tal Ferrite) heads, a breakthrough that used precision-grown single-crystal ferrite encased in ultra-hard glass to deliver exceptional durability, ultra-low noise, and extended high-frequency response. Unlike competing designs moving toward Sendust alloy heads, Akai refined ferrite to achieve superior magnetic performance, with a 4-micron recording head gap and an ultra-precise 1-micron playback head gap for optimal fidelity. The deck’s robust two-motor transport system combined a direct-drive, brushless FG servo capstan motor with Hall-effect control for outstanding speed stability, minimizing wow and flutter while ensuring accurate tape handling. Advanced IC logic enabled feather-touch controls and smooth function switching, complemented by a visually intuitive illuminated interface and a 24-segment digital peak/VU level meter. Additional features such as the IPLS (Instant Program Locating System) for automatic track cueing, repeat and memory playback functions, and a one-touch recording cancel mechanism enhanced usability. The GX-F90 supported all major tape types (LN, LH, CrO₂, and Metal), incorporated Dolby B noise reduction, and offered precise recording calibration via an internal 400 Hz oscillator. Akai’s proprietary ADR (Automatic Distortion Reduction) further optimized recording by dynamically adjusting equalization to reduce high-frequency distortion. With its combination of precision engineering, innovative head technology, and sophisticated control systems, the GX-F90 delivered a characteristically clean, detailed sound while setting the stage for its successor, the GX-F95, cementing its reputation as one of the most advanced cassette decks of its era. Specifications: Wow and Flutter: 0,03% WRMS | Frequency Response 25-21.000Hz Metal | Dimensions (W/H/D) 440x105x370 mm | Weight 9,8kg | Color: silver and black | Original sale price in Germany 1498 DM.

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SONY CFD-900 (1990) | DoDeCa HORN CD

 

The Dodecahorn XL system from Sony achieves advanced sound quality performance comparable to home audio. Furthermore, it incorporates Sony's pioneering digital technology, born from its experience in CD development. A remarkably intelligent sound machine has arrived in 1990. The sheer power of the Dodeca Horn resonator produces a robust, deep bass sound. The new resonator (resonant tube) further refines the deep bass of the Dodeca Horn. Thus frequency peaks that disrupt the sound balance are ... Discover More on BOOMBOXCITY here.

AKAI GX COMPO 930 (1988) | DOISYS Interface

The AKAI GX COMPO 930. A luxurious system meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, designed to create an ideal sonic paradise. The GX COMPO's top-of-the-line MU-930 is a luxurious collection of components, each boasting a high level of perfection. The speakers, in particular, feature an unparalleled design of resonance-free and high rigidity. The side wood used in all components not only adds elegance and sophistication befitting a high-end system, but also serves as part of the highly rigid construction aimed at even more effective vibration dispersion. But perhaps the most luxurious feature is the inclusion of a digital and optical interface system. Beyond the crystal-clear digital sound reproduced by a transmission method that eliminates any sound degradation, one can almost hear the exhilaration of the performers' spirits. The ideal transmission method for preserving the purity of digital signals: Digital & Optical Interface System. Conventional analog transmission methods inevitably suffer from sound quality degradation due to distortion caused by cable materials and connected devices, and deterioration of phase characteristics due to capacitors. Therefore, digital transmission, which converts signals into a simple combination of 1s and 0s, emerged. However, as long as coaxial cables are used, the problems of unwanted radiation and external noise induction remain unresolved. Furthermore, in simultaneous analog/digital connection methods, complete electrical isolation is not achieved due to coexistence with analog circuits, and signal influence via ground lines, etc., remains a problem. The digital & optical interface system (DOISYS) adopted by GX COMPO is an ideal signal transmission method that takes digital transmission a step further. Because it converts digital signals into light and transmits them via fiber optic cables, sufficient electrical isolation between connected devices is achieved, and theoretically, sound quality degradation due to cable materials is impossible, allowing high-purity digital sources to be extracted with their original quality. This connection is used to connect the CD player and DAT recorder to the system amplifier. The shown components of the GX COMPO 930 System are: AT-M730L Quartz Synthesizer FM-Stereo tuner, CD-M930 CD player, AM-M930 Digital Stereo Integrated amplifier, AD-M930 Digital Audio Tape deck and GX-M950W Stereo Double Cassette Deck featuring GX heads and CRLP (Computer Recording Level Processing System).

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