Akai produced some reasonable entry level turntables towards the end of the last century, 1980's - 1990's, although Akai was most well known for their tape machines, particularly reel to reel.
This Akai turntable provides a good experience for the new entrant into the world of analog vinyl music and if the owner desires, there are a number of "upgrades" that can be easily made to further enhance the sound reproduction, different mats, changing the cartridge type, improving turntable isolation etc
Some like to just play vinyl's and others like to "fiddle" with their turntables
The description below gives full details of this particular turntable I am offering...
THIS TURNTABLE IS "READY TO GO" but it is NOT supplied with the dust cover lid (advertised separately because one hinge is missing)
Akai Vinyl Turntable
Class: Consumer
Model: AP-D2
1980's - 1990's
Australian model 240V power lead
Direct Drive under servo control - this means the speeds are electronically controlled and NO BELTS TO CHANGE!
Semi Automatic - This means that Raising and Lowering the tonearm can be done with a front panel control to reduce vinyl damage due to "heavy-handedness" and once the tonearm reaches the end of the record (the run out area) the tonearm lifts, gently glides back to the tonearm rest and turns off.
Straight tone-arm for accurate groove tracking
Plastic plinth has been designed to reduce resonance issues to a minimum
Medium weight diecast aluminium platter
ORIGINAL Akai cartridge - this can be easily exchanged with many other cartridges in the future, if desired. I actually suspect the original cartridge is a rebadged Audio Technica
RS-85 styli is fitted and had very little play (couple of hours only) ALTHOUGH it would have been 10 years prior to today when I used this styli! With any second hand turntable it is desirable to fit a new styli, not just because of styli tip wear but over time the rubber suspension of the styli can "age" and affect the styli operation. The styli fitted seems fine at the moment but keep this in mind - replacement RS-85's (copies, no-one makes originals now) will cost around A$25 and they are easy to fit.
The platter mat that is supplied is a VERY NICE genuine Akai rubber mat
Fixed lead for the audio output (RCA) left, right and earth for connecting to your amplifier PHONO input
You MUST have a Phono input on your amplifier, no USB here.
I have both the User Manual and Service Manual available (if required)
The most important section of these manuals deals with the procedure to set the tracking force correctly (how much pressure the styli is placing on the record groove) and this adjustment MUST be changed if the cartridge is changed.
I AM NOT SUPPLYING THE DUST COVER LID OR THE HINGES FOR THAT LID
I do have the lid (reasonable condition) and just ONE hinge (go figure that one, how on earth did I lose one hinge?) and both of those items are listed in separate advertisements to provide the maximum buying options.
I AM NOT SUPPLYING THE 45 ADAPTOR HUB
These hubs are rarely required these days, but sometimes you might come across a precious 45 with a large centre hole. These "large centre hole" records are most likely from a jukebox.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Overall in very nice condition and clean but there is a couple of light marks to the plinth near the front and the aluminium platter has LIGHT oxidisation marks - further cleaning will most likely remove these completely (if desired).
Front Panel & Controls are all very clean, labelling is undamaged
Dust cover lid hinge "sockets" are in excellent condition, no cracks no damage
Speed lock light is green and easy to view
TESTING:
This turntable has been sitting in our storage for a number of years, took it out today and completely cleaned and refurbished (checked all plastic gears, lubrication etc)
No issues found
Connected it to my test NAD amplifier and powered it up
Runs beautifully!
Checked both 45 and 33, particularly that the servo lock worked correctly - no issues.
Tonearm lift and lower works fine, smooth operation
Auto Return and Cut work fine, smooth operation
Audio output was very good, nice sound across many styles and genre's. I spun a lot of different albums including classical, jazz, deep moody blues, rock and bubble gum pop stuff - it all sounds great! Wound up the levels high, ("neighbour" - "turn that ****ing music down!) much more reluctant to have feedback issues than other turntables I have checked recently (all entry level types)
Since testing, I have placed the turntable within a sealed plastic bag (LARGE!) to ensure no dust/dirt causes future issues while it waits for a new owner.
I am happy to safely ship this turntable, the platter will be removed, counter balance removed from the arm and the tonearm & turntable motor shaft will be suitably restrained to prevent damage in transit.
Once received, it is important to take these steps:
Screw the counter balance back onto the arm
Remove motor shaft restraints
Remove tonearm restraints
Fit the platter
Setup the styli pressure once again (very easy to do, follow the step by step instructions in the user guide)
It sounds involved but actually it is very simple to undertake the above steps and can be done in minutes, even by someone who is inexperienced with turntables.
