Akai GXC-710D cassette deck

The GXC 710D is another front-load model , and very sophisticated it is, too.

The Double Action" eject and tape loading safety feature is completely foolproof. When you press the Eject button, the cassette envelope moves out from the front panel just like a drawer. The upper part is carefully positioned for easy tape loading and levers at either side of the cassette holder make sure the cassette can't be inserted upside down. It's easy it's simple. And it's safe.

The combination once again of Akai's GX head plus Dolby Noise reduction plus Akai's ADR system plus a new drive system gives the highest of hi-fi performance. Tape speed is perfectly stabilised. Wow/flutter is as low as 0,08% rms. What's more, with the switchable Multiplex Filter circuit to cut out the 19 kHz pilot signal during stereo broadcast recording through an FM receiver, you get a clear and undistorted frequency response range to 17,000 Hz.

The rest of the features you can almost tale for granted. But let's just remind you of them to make sure you know exactly how much the GXC 710D has to offer you.. Memory Rewind Peak Level Indicator. Tape Selector Switches (low noise, CrO₂, ferrichrome) Direct Function Change Controls . Mic/Line Input Selector for improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio . Automatic Stop with tape release. Pause Control Line Output Level Control.

The GXC 710D is, as we said a very sophisticated machine- in its styling , in its features and in its outstanding performance.

 

Specifications

Track System:  4-trak, 2-channel stereo

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/s (1-7/8 ips

Wow and Flutter:  less than 0,08% WRMS

Frequency Response: 

Low Noise Tape :  30 to 14,000 Hz (±3 dB)

CrO₂ Tape :  30 to 16,000 Hz (±3 dB)

Fe-Cr  Tape :  30 - 17,000 Hz (±3 dB)

Distortion:  less than 1,5 % (1,000 Hz 0 VU)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 50 dB (with Dolby; up to 60 dB , above 5 kHz)

Bias Frequency:  100 kHz

Erase Ratio:  better than 70 dB

Heads:  GX recording/playback head and erase head

Motor:  4-pole hysteresis synchronous outer-rotor motor

Fast Forward and Rewind Time:  80 sec C-60 cassette tape

Output Jack: 

Line :  0,775 V (0 VU) required load impedance; more than 10 k Ω

Phone :  30 mV/8 Ω

Input Jack:

Microphone :  0,3 mV/5 k Ω

Line :  70 mV/100 k Ω

DIN Jack : 

Output :  0,55 V

Input :  3 mV

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 142 x 304 mm (17,3" x 5,6" x 12")

Weight:  8,8 kg (19,4 lbs)

 

Akai GXC-310D cassette deck

The GXC-310D takes great pride in its performance. For example, it has a closed loop double capstan drive system - a feature usually found only in very expensive cassette models. With this system, the recording/playback heads is positioned in the centre between two capstans and pinch rollers. This not only gives better head-to-tape contact but also maintains constant tape tension.

An integral part of this system is an anti-vibration hysteresis synchronous motor. The net result of this combination is outstanding tape travel stability, constant tape tension and speed, and an excellent wow/flutter specification of 0,07% RMS.

Like all Akai cassette machines, the GXC-310D features the Dolby NR system to reduce tape hiss to a virtually inaudible level, give a bigger frequency response and a better Signal-to-Noise Ratio. But it also features Akai's ADR (Automatic Distortion Reduction) system which varies the equalisation at high input levels to cut distortion and extend the dynamic range at high frequencies.

Its amny other features include a Peak Level indicator, Automatic Stop, Limiter switch, Mic/Line Input Selector for a wider dynamic margin and less noise, Pause Control, Output Level Control for perfect matching with any amplifier input, Tape Run indicator, Memory Rewind and Index Counter, direct function change controls and a bias and equalisation switch for low noise, CrO₂ or ferrichrome tape. Again, there's a specially designed perspex dust cover as an optional extra.

 

Specifications

Track System:  4-trak, 2-channel stereo

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/s (1-7/8 ips

Wow and Flutter:  less than 0,07% WRMS

Frequency Response: 

Low Noise Tape :  30 to 14,000 Hz (±3 dB)

CrO₂ Tape :  30 to 16,000 Hz (±3 dB)

Fe-Cr Tape :  30 - 17,000 Hz (±3 dB)

Distortion:  less than 1,5 % (1,000 Hz 0 VU)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 50 dB (with Dolby; up to 60 dB , above 5 kHz)

Bias Frequency:  100 kHz

Erase Ratio:  better than 70 dB

Heads:  GX recording/playback head and erase head

Motor:  4-pole hysteresis synchronous outer-rotor motor

Fast Forward and Rewind Time:  75 sec C-60 cassette tape

Output Jack: 

Line :  0,775 V (0 VU) required load impedance; more than 10 k Ω

Phone :  30 mV/8 Ω

Input Jack:

Microphone :  0,3 mV/5 k Ω

Line :  60 mV/100 k Ω

DIN Jack : 

Output :  0,4 V

Input :  2 mV

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 142 x 300 mm (17,3" x 5,6" x 11,8")

Weight:  8,6 kg (18,9 lbs)

 

Nakamichi 580 cassette tape deck

The Crystalloy SuperHead

The 580 uses the record/play SuperHead, originally introduced on the 600 II Cassette Console. The latest version of this head boasts an incredibly narrow 0,9 micron gap. This is narrower than most playback-only heads in three-head designs, and it assures distortion-free playback of the highest frequencies. Yet, during record, the amazing SuperHead magnetizes the tape as if it has a much wider gap, thanks to proprietary manufacturing techniques that virtually eliminate head core saturation. The prof. Is in the 580's remarkable frequency response, there are many three-head cassette decks on the market that cannot come close to matching this performance. The magnetic properties of Crystalloy, furthermore, are far closer to ideal than anything else currently available, including sendust to none, which means distortion is very low. And thanks to special surface "cutouts", the SuperHead lasts a long time. 

 

 

The Direct Flux Erase Head

Mast manufacturers would be very satisfied indeed with a unique device lke the record/play SuperHead. But Nakamichi's in-depth research has shown that even the best of record/play heads can be further improved by providing more complete erasure than normally available. Any noise left on the tape before it reaches the record head can be detrimental to sound quality. The noise is "modulated" by the record head signal, and the recording is thus robbed of clarity. This has been a much neglected area because most designers assume that all an erase head needs do is bring the previously recorded signal down to the level of tape hiss. But in our tests, we found that recordings made on "virgin" or bulk-erased tape sounded better and had less modulation noise than a recording made on normally erased tape. The implication was clear; an erase head should ideally do the same thing as a powerful bulk-eraser.

 

Specifications

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/s (1-7/8 ips) ±1%

Wow and Flutter:  less than 0,1% WTD Peak 0,05% WTD rms

Frequency Response:  20 - 20,000 Hz ±3 dB (SX, EXII Tapes, -20 dB Rec. Level)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  better than 60 dB at 400 Hz, 0 dB, IHF-A WTD rms (Dolby  NR In. SX Tape) better than 63 dB at 400 Hz, 0 dB (SX, EXII Tapes

Total Harmonic Distortion :  less than 1,5% at 400 Hz, 0 dB (SX, EXII Tapes)

Erasure:  better than 60 dB below saturation level at 1 kHz

Separation:  better than 37 dB at 1 kHz, 0 dB

Crosstalk:  better than 60 dB at 1 kHz, 0 dB

Bias Frequency:  105 kHz

Input Sensitivity/Impedance:  50 mV/50 k Ω

Output Level/Impedance:  1 V (400 Hz, 0 dB, (at Max.)/3,3 k Ω

Headphone:  45 mW

Power Requirements:  100, 120, 120/220  - 240 or 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  20 W max.

Dimensions (W x H x D):  500 x 130 x 350 mm (19-11/16" x 5-1/8" x 13-25/32")

Weight:  8,3 kg (18 lb 5 oz)