Akai GX-635D/DB quality, particular, certainly, machines

andy

Hello Everyone,

I was recently contacted by someone who is willing to sell me one of these for a very modest price ($150), and it includes the reels and original packaging.
I have never used an Akai open-reel deck, and I was wondering what to expect, as for sound quality, etc.
It looks like a very solid unit, and I will hopefully be picking it up this Sunday.

Thanks,
Matt

You could certainly do a whole lot worse than that particular Akai.  That's a good deal for one of those machines.  Whether you will ultimately be satisfied with the sound depends largely upon just how criticle your ear is, and how high the resolution is of the system you run.

the 635 is a good model.  Does he have the clear cover for the reels.  looks like mickey mouse ears.  If he has it grab it.  they go for big bucks.

I thought I got a steal on mine for $325.
I like it quite a bit and it certainly is an improvement over the Pioneer RT-1020L it replaced, but may be in a tight race with a Revox A77 I'm working on.

In fact, I think I'll do some recording with it right now.

There seem to be two mutually exclusive issues going on here. Are you interested in the OVERALL QUALITY of the deck in general?

Or are you more interested to know what kind of bargain you got?

Pretty much anything (working or not) is a quot;good deckquot; if it can be had for under $100. But on the flip side, a mint X-2000R or B77 can hardly be considered a deal if you paid $1500 for one. But they are still among the best out there. If you can find one. And likewise, if you could find a deck like that for $150 or less, then that would definitely be a quot;scorequot;.
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DL-Hometown Buffet is great for filling the stomach on the cheap, but a better quality, smaller dinner costs more

I have a 635D. Very neutral sounding machine. A well recorded tape will sound fantastic. last tape I listened to on my 635D was an RCA of Carlos Montoya from 1960. Mr. Montoya certainly knew how to play the guitar!

I like the Akai machines of this vintage as the design was quite elegant in it's simplicity and the heads are long-lasting. At $150 with th e original packing I would certainly buy it.

Good luck!

Paul

For more info, search for Steven Bender, and Akai. There are some known issues with Akai's transistors in this line. I have a 635D, and at some point, I'll change out the transistors. Another project I might never get to.


Originally Posted by Des_LabThere seem to be two mutually exclusive issues going on here. Are you interested in the OVERALL QUALITY of the deck in general?

Or are you more interested to know what kind of bargain you got?

Pretty much anything (working or not) is a quot;good deckquot; if it can be had for under $100. But on the flip side, a mint X-2000R or B77 can hardly be considered a deal if you paid $1500 for one. But they are still among the best out there. If you can find one. And likewise, if you could find a deck like that for $150 or less, then that would definitely be a quot;scorequot;.
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DL-Hometown Buffet is great for filling the stomach on the cheap, but a better quality, smaller dinner costs more

sorry if I didn't make it clear, I am more concerned with the quality of this deck.

Oh, and for resolution of my system, I am currently using Pioneer xx-9500 components (TX-9500, SA-9500, and the equaliser), a Sony PS-2251 turntable (with Ortonfon cartridge), and JBL L65 Jubal loudspeakers.

If it runs well enough (no transport issues), it's a fine bargain and pretty good match for your system.  Grab it, play it - if you don't like it, you'll be able to get your $$ out it on sale