Author Topic: Akai GX-220D reel to reel  (Read 3775 times)

Offline steve

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Akai GX-220D reel to reel
« on: August 16, 2016, 09:23:35 PM »
What do I do with it. I do have some 60s tapes, will they still work ok? I have been powering up 60%, but can't tell if the electrolytics are forming. Motor caps seem just fine.

Got the original box, owners manual, schematics, even the warranty card. Sooner or later I should give it a try.

Any thoughts on the subject?

Cheers
Steve
Steve Sammet (Owner, Electron Eng, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS Test Phono Stage
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Offline richidoo

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Re: Akai GX-220D reel to reel
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2016, 09:45:40 PM »
http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/gx-220d.shtml

The old tapes should be OK. The crap Ampex tape was from the 80s and it needs to be baked to reactivate the adhesive before playing it one last time to digital transfer.

You can still buy new tape for dubs:
http://www.fullcompass.com/category/Reel-To-Reel-Tape.html

You could record CDs to it to add some analog love, and you can buy recordings to play on it from Ebay.

Offline steve

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Re: Akai GX-220D reel to reel
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2016, 08:29:53 PM »
http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/gx-220d.shtml

The old tapes should be OK. The crap Ampex tape was from the 80s and it needs to be baked to reactivate the adhesive before playing it one last time to digital transfer.

You can still buy new tape for dubs:
http://www.fullcompass.com/category/Reel-To-Reel-Tape.html

You could record CDs to it to add some analog love, and you can buy recordings to play on it from Ebay.

Thanks Rich. Wow, tape is not exactly inexpensive, but then many decades have passed.

I checked and I have some BASF mylar and Knight KN 15 1.5 mil 1200 foot acetate base tape.  That brings back memories. Many years ago, I played one of the tapes and I could still remember when an AM fade occurred in a particular song.

I have this "deck" and two Sony TC-350 tape decks from the early 60s. Unfortunately they have SS circuitry. Always wanted to switch to Tube circuitry, but never got it done.

Maybe I will continue to "form" the electrolytics and see what happens.

Thanks again for the information Rich.

Steve
Steve Sammet (Owner, Electron Eng, SAS Audio Labs, Ret)
SAS "V" 39pf/m 6N copper ICs,
SAS Test Phono Stage
Acutex 320 STR Mov Iron Cart
SAS 11A Perfect Tube Preamp
SAS 25 W Ref Triode/UL Monoblocks
2 way Floor Standing Test Speakers