1980 AKAI Vs 1997 Marantz, Battle of the Tape Decks

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[@turbomustang84]

Akai tape decks were legendary I've had everything from Reel to Reels to a Quadraphonic Receiver and always top quality

[@sergei-6316]

Akai made some legendary stuff. I had a GXC-39D Tape Deck from the late 1970's and it was absolutely top-notch and never needed a service in the 25 years that I had it and continually used it on a daily basis. I also had an amplifier and turntable with matching speakers. The tape deck, amplifier, turntables and speakers comprised a hifi system and was a fabulous sounding set-up. I wish that I had still retained it. My Grandfather had an Akai Reel to Reel but I don't really remember it very well.

[@Hanszl2001]

I had one too for many satisfiyng years .The sound matched perfectly with my Pioneer SA7500 amp. When it passed away I bought an Akai GX F 35. Unfortunate twice the price and half the sound quality of its predecessor.

[@chrisdeboden1977]

This one was Akai's entry-level model in the early 80s and was often sold as part of a set. This also includes the AM-U01 amplifier, an AT-K02 tuner and an AP-B21 turntable. This was Akai's entry-level set of separate components. If you were on an even tighter budget, Akai also supplied all-in-one sets with the same solid build quality. This set was very cheap, but that was certainly not noticeable in the quality, which was very high for an entry-level set. Akai was one of the first Japanese brands to use plastic fronts in the 80s. That is cheaper, but remains intact with normal use. By not economizing under the hood, you as a manufacturer still deliver a quality product for a good affordable price. This made Akai immensely popular here in the Netherlands in the 80s. The Dutch do not like to spend too much money, they want to sit in the first row for a 'dubbeltje' (10 eurocent coin). Because Akai offered so much quality for a friendly price, the brand sold very well.

[@Norman-bone13]

I bought an Akai reel-to-reel tape deck in 1972 while stationed in Berlin. Great piece of equipment. They were Known for quality products in the early ‘70’s. I wish I never got rid of it.

[@LRiper]

This a very entry level AKAI…

[@gavinralph2910]

Akai always made good sounding tape decks, its what they are remembered for.

[@chrisnunya7171]

Totally agree with your assessment. 👍🏻

[@MrSlipstreem]

That was a lovely cassette deck for its day. Good catch! PS Don't forget to put the Dolby NR switch in the uppermost position unless you're recording from a stereo FM radio.

[@Rivenworld]

Just bought a reconditioned one of these, very clean, looks well, love the VU meters, gives good performance, clunky? Yes but it is of its time so that is to be expected, love it to pieces.

[@ianyates7742]

I have two akai real t reals of different models they are bough really well built and sound really good I don’t use them a lot, but when I do, I’m very satisfied with the sound❤

[@desbarry8414]

Akai made great tape decks. I had a HRD44 auto reverse in 1986. I had a Marantz SD35 also. Sadly Marantz is a shadow of the company it once was. This Akai deck looks great in the retro style.

[@kevinsheppard6085]

I had an Akai tape 3 head deck i got from Ritcher sounds early 90's, it was nothing to look at, and it was very very plasticy. Very light weight felt like a small tin of sweets when you picked it up. Performance wise it was absolutely brilliant, made fab recordings, it got good reviews in the hi fi mags of the day, it was one of those things that was miles better than the sum of it parts if you know what I mean, mine was metal on the back though. I think I paid about £90.00 quid for it.

[@user-thegoods71]

I was a bit like yourself. For whatever reason. The AKAI stuff looked ok . But was never committed to buying anything. Pioneer I liked too. To be honest hifi looked alot better then. I was so technical looking. Loved that style. Big and chunky. The Marantz certainly looks better quality build

[@Hanzel72]

the akai glass head tape decks were great sounding, i had one , early 80ties..ahh the Memories ;) The marantz here does sound better, but then , this akai is an entry level (cheap) type. The marantz has a better stereo image , listening to this on presonus nearfield monitors.

[@aj8ky]

As Scotsman I find this thumbnail very insulting, and we don’t all talk and look like Willy from the Simpsons, even though I do 😂. Just kidding bud, great video. Good looking bit of kit.

[@UTILITARIANTVUK]

😂

[@pwissink1]

I have an Akai GX-32 and a GX-95. Both build at the end of the 80’s. They sound good especially the GX-95. Build quality of the GX-95 is very good. Compared to my Sony TCK 808es they sound a bit harsh. Build quality of the Sony is much better in my opinion. But Akai was famous for their super go heads. They used it in their tape-decks as well their cassette decks. The GX-32 was and still used as a recorder in factories where they pre record audio tapes.

[@montynorth3009]

That deck is in beautiful condition, easily fetch several hundred quid.

[@Zimmy_1981]

🦑

[@albiepalbie5040]

You’re a wit !

[@donk1822]

Let's see. First cassette deck was a Marantz SD220?, then an Akai HX3, Sony TC-K81, Denon DR24HX, Akai GX95/2. I still have the Sony and the Akai.

[@Niels133]

A sounds better. I had a Akai cassette recorder in the 80's that looked almost the same, but with led's.

[@AlexanderG-mi7ip]

It is a pity that the front is plasticky, because otherwise the tape deck looks sleek and elegant. I generally like the look of Japanese mass market products from the past. On the other hand, lots of ultra high end gear nowadays looks atrocious...

[@thunderstorm-theone]

Akai decks with GX heads are Better