Akai GX-747 Reel to Reel in Rare Dark Gray Finish

Description

Akai GX-747 Reel to Reel in Rare Dark Gray Finish
SkyFi Audio - Curators of Vintage Audio GearSkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk. Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Project, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.----------Fantastic Akai GX-747 in rare dark gray finish. We've seen plenty of silver units come through the shop but this gray one is the first! The use of glass heads that are virtually indestructible make this one of the most desirable reel to reel decks. While they require maintenance every 20 years or so, they are very well built and a pleasure to work on. This machine was well cared for and maintained which required little work from us. We just did a light calibration and checked alignment. There were six total versions of the GX-747 originally available for purchase from 1981-1985: - GX-747 with Analog VU meters (silver or dark gray/black) - GX-747 with LED VU meters (silver or dark gray/black) = This Listing- GX-747dbx (silver or dark gray/black) only available with VU meters and very rare This particular machine is the later edition with the LED VU meters.  Condition is very very good, overall very clean and with no noticeable scratches.  The dark finish with wood side panels is simply striking, making it one of the best looking machines on the market. Your purchase also includes two metal take up reels and two hub adapters (Brand of both may vary from photos). Also included is a rare Akai acrylic dust cover in great condition with no cracks or deep scratches. Specifications:Track system: Auto Reverse, 4-Track, 2-Channel, Stereo SystemHeads: 2 x GX Record2 x GX Playback2 x EraseMotor: 2 x Reel Drive1 x CapstanReel Size: Up to 10.5 inch ReelTape Speeds: 3-3/4 ips7-1/2 ipsWow and Flutter:0.03% (7-1/2 ips)Frequency Response:25 Hz to 33 kHz (7-1/2 ips)Signal to Noise Ratio:65 dBTotal Harmonic Distortion:0.4%Input:70mV (line)2mV (DIN)0.25mV (mic)Output:0.775V (line)0.3V (DIN)Dimensions:17.32" x 19.01" x 10.07"Weight:46 lbs The SkyFi Testing Process for Tape Decks and Reel to Reel Machines: First steps are performed to determine if the unit is a candidate for our full restoration process or if its just in need of a light service. We first do a  basic functionality test to ensure proper playback fast forward and rewind.  We look for smooth operation of the motors, transport engagement and associated rolling parts.   We then do an internal physical inspection to ensure the belts and rubber consumable parts are up to spec.   Internal components are checked to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage particularly in the power supply section.  Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.  A light service will involve replacement of belts and rollers, external cleaning of heads, mechanism and boards and basic record and playback tests.   A full restoration will often include disassembly of the drive system and replacement of all consumable and wearable parts including pinch rollers, belts, brakes, bearings.  We then clean lubricate and re-assembly the drive and perform basic mechanical alignment to ensure proper tape path and head alignment.  Final calibration will involved adjustment of playback erase and record heads and optimization of the bias for a specific tape type.  We do this with the aid of a  Soundtech 1510A tape deck analyzer and a Nakamichi T100 unit and reference calibration tapes.   Final listening tests are done while monitoring with our reference Grado HP1 headphones and a variety of factory and custom reference recordings.  We find that there is no better system for critical listening on tapes than the headphones specially when comparing a live feed to a recorded feed.   Item Included Original Box Not Included Manual Yes Included Remote Not Included Cables Yes - Power Only Physical Condition 7 / 10 Working Condition 10 / 10 ----------PURCHASING GUIDELINES:1) We do not review or accept any offers that do not go through the official eBay system. We have too many items for sale and it is nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please do not message, email, or text any offers. 2) All listings are eligible for the eBay Global Shipping Program, unless the item exceeds the maximum weight/price requirements to your country. If this is the case simply message us via eBay as we accept bank wire transfers for international payments and frequently ship worldwide via UPS.3) Please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we will ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address. No exceptions.4) eBay may charge and collect sales tax to your state/jurisdiction. Please understand the have no control over this.eBay v1.4
SkyFi Audio - Curators of Vintage Audio Gear
SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of high end audio equipment. We only buy equipment that we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.
Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold. We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.
Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Project, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support.
----------
Fantastic Akai GX-747 in rare dark gray finish. We've seen plenty of silver units come through the shop but this gray one is the first!
The use of glass heads that are virtually indestructible make this one of the most desirable reel to reel decks.
While they require maintenance every 20 years or so, they are very well built and a pleasure to work on.
This machine was well cared for and maintained which required little work from us. We just did a light calibration and checked alignment.
There were six total versions of the GX-747 originally available for purchase from 1981-1985:
- GX-747 with Analog VU meters (silver or dark gray/black)
- GX-747 with LED VU meters (silver or dark gray/black)
= This Listing
- GX-747dbx (silver or dark gray/black) only available with VU meters and very rare
This particular machine is the later edition with the LED VU meters.
Condition is very very good, overall very clean and with no noticeable scratches.
The dark finish with wood side panels is simply striking, making it one of the best looking machines on the market.
Your purchase also includes two metal take up reels and two hub adapters (Brand of both may vary from photos).
Also included is a rare Akai acrylic dust cover in great condition with no cracks or deep scratches.
Specifications:
Track system:
Auto Reverse, 4-Track, 2-Channel, Stereo System
Heads:
2 x GX Record
2 x GX Playback
2 x Erase
Motor:
2 x Reel Drive
1 x Capstan
Reel Size:
Up to 10.5 inch Reel
Tape Speeds:
3-3/4 ips
7-1/2 ips
Wow and Flutter:
0.03% (7-1/2 ips)
Frequency Response:
25 Hz to 33 kHz (7-1/2 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio:
65 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.4%
Input:
70mV (line)
2mV (DIN)
0.25mV (mic)
Output:
0.775V (line)
0.3V (DIN)
Dimensions:
17.32" x 19.01" x 10.07"
Weight:
46 lbs
The SkyFi Testing Process for Tape Decks and Reel to Reel Machines:
First steps are performed to determine if the unit is a candidate for our full restoration process or if its just in need of a light service.
We first do a
basic functionality test to ensure proper playback fast forward and rewind.
We look for smooth operation of the motors, transport engagement and associated rolling parts.
We then do an internal physical inspection to ensure the belts and rubber consumable parts are up to spec.
Internal components are checked to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage particularly in the power supply section.
Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.
A light service will involve replacement of belts and rollers, external cleaning of heads, mechanism and boards and basic record and playback tests.
A full restoration will often include disassembly of the drive system and replacement of all consumable and wearable parts including pinch rollers, belts, brakes, bearings.
We then clean lubricate and re-assembly the drive and perform basic mechanical alignment to ensure proper tape path and head alignment.
Final calibration will involved adjustment of playback erase and record heads and optimization of the bias for a specific tape type.
We do this with the aid of a
Soundtech 1510A tape deck analyzer and a Nakamichi T100 unit and reference calibration tapes.
Final listening tests are done while monitoring with our reference Grado HP1 headphones and a variety of factory and custom reference recordings.  We find that there is no better system for critical listening on tapes than the headphones specially when comparing a live feed to a recorded feed.
Item
Included
Original Box
Not Included
Manual
Yes Included
Remote
Not Included
Cables
Yes - Power Only
Physical Condition
7 / 10
Working Condition
10 / 10
----------
PURCHASING GUIDELINES:
1) We do not review or accept any offers that do not go through the official eBay system. We have too many items for sale and it is nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please do not message, email, or text any offers.
2) All listings are eligible for the eBay Global Shipping Program, unless the item exceeds the maximum weight/price requirements to your country. If this is the case simply message us via eBay as we accept bank wire transfers for international payments and frequently ship worldwide via UPS.
3) Please ensure your shipping address is correct within eBay as we will ONLY ship to the eBay/PayPal Confirmed Shipping Address.
No exceptions.
4) eBay may charge and collect sales tax to your state/jurisdiction. Please understand the have no control over this.
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