24 September 2018

AKAI GX-R99 and R-88 - The Super Machines (1985)

cassette deck

AKAI GX-R99 and GX-R88. Two Super Machines that redifine the state of the recording art. Four features mark these decks as significantly new and different (in 1985): (1) Super GX 3-Head Quick Reverse; (2) Closed Loop Double Capstan by Twin Direct Drive; (3) CRLP (Computer Recording Level Processing - GX-R99 only); and (4) High Tuned DC Amplifier Circuitry. Akai's unique Super GX head (Rotary 3-Head design) is made of crystal ferrite in extra hard, mirror polished glass. The superiority of the Super GX head is overwhelming in the critical high frequencies, the playback output level being as much as 7.8dB better than sendust at 10kHz. The finish is so smooth that practically no friction noise is generated and dust particles cannot easily adhere. Both the GX-R99 and GX-R88 are three-head decks with separate Super GX heads using a 4-micron gap for high levl recording and a 1-micron gap for high frequency playback performance. 

The double capstan system is driven by one DD motor for forward, and another DD motor for reverse tape transport. Each DD motor has a heavy flywheel to smooth irregularities. Brushless, corelss and slotless FG servo motor construction assures excellent speed accuracy. CRLP (Computer Recording Level Processing - GX-R99 only) handles everything that contributes to the sound quality of a recorded tape. First "Quick Auto Tuning" sets the optimum bias and recording equalization for the tape to be used. Second it detects MOL (maximum output level). Third it analyzes the energy spectrum of the input signal, compares it with MOL and sets recording level to bring out the tape's full potential while avoiding overload distortion. Akai's 3-way 2-color 24-segment fluorescent (FL) display indicates recording level in VU and peak modes, it shows the enrgy spectrum of the music signal, and it includes a 3-way 4-digit electronic tape counter (elapsed time, remaining time, and normal tape counter), auto monitor position, IPLS operation, Dolby NR, MPX filter, reverse mode, and more.

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

10 September 2018

AKAI X-500VT - Audio / Video Tape Recorder (1968)

Audio / Video Tape Recorder

The AKAI X-500VT is a unique machine that combines a 4-track Stereo Autoreverse Audio reel to reel recorder and a Black and White Video recorder using a 1/4-inch video tape. Under the large head cover there are two sets of heads. In the upper part there is the Video section using a twin rotary video head and audio head for linear audio while the lower part includes a head set in traditional 4-track stereo recorder format in autoreverse and 3 head configurations. Depending how you thread your tape you will have a video recorder (upper head) or a Hi-Fi stereo audio recorder (lower heads). This unique machine was first introduced in 1968 at the 17th Japan Audio Fair. A rebranded version was advertised in the USA in 1970 as the ROBERTS 1000 while in Europe the AKAI X-500VT system was shown in a 1972 AKAI brochure. The AKAI X-500VT was advertised as the right home entertainment system for preserving a family's golden moments. The whole system consisted of the recorder itself a monitor and a camera. The image and its sound are put on 1/4 - inch tape, with the monitor you are able to see the picture you're taping. The tape can be played right away and you can erase it and re-record it. For Video recording a special video tape was available however recently collectors have discovered that you can achieve far superior video performance using a more recent good quality Audio tape.

Audio / Video Tape Recorder

Audio / Video Tape Recorder

Audio / Video Tape Recorder

Audio / Video Tape Recorder




03 September 2018

YAMAHA Flagship 5000 Series - Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

In pursuit of the intangible musical quality that breathes life into high-fidelity audio, the world's largest sound company presents the C-5000 pre-amplifier. Together with the GT-5000 turntable and M-5000 power amplifier, Yamaha delivers an end-to-end balanced signal chain across its flagship models for premier performance. The knobs and lever switches feature original designs to communicate both innovation and craftsmanship. The volume knob is both rigid and precise - employing ball-bearings and precision-cut aluminium to achieve its touch while the lever switches have also been refined for enhanced operation.

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018


Meticulously designed, the M-5000 adopts a perfectly symmetrical layout to isolate the left and right channels both physically and electrically. The M-5000 features large, high-precision meters on the front panel, enabling audiences to visualise the dynamics of the music. Measuring 7 mm thick and made from Asahi glass, these quality meters only enhance the luxurious and exceptionally elegant aesthetic of the M-5000.

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018


Referencing the ‘Gold Age’ of Hi-Fi, the GT-5000 draws inspiration from Yamaha’s original 'Gigantic and Tremendous' series turntables - characterised by heavy wooden cabinets and platter which served to dampen vibration and deliver improved performance. Including a pure straight and short arm for absolute transparency and openness in sound, balanced signal path delivering absolute purity in signal transmission and design reflective of the GT heritage and absolute quality in craftsmanship and construction, the GT-5000 presents a new era on Hi-Fi from Yamaha.


Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018

To complement the system YAMAHA offers the NS-5000 loudspeaker model intruduced in 2016.



Hi-Fi Stereo for 2018