My First RTR

[KrazyGrape]

Hi,

I am looking at buying an Akai GX-630D, and I was wondering if there is anything I should look out for. Also how much would you pay for one of these?

I am also look at a TEAC A3440 as another option, so how does these two stack up against each other?

This will be my first reel to reel, and I plan to use for recording myself and maybe a couple of friends.

 

[jpmorris]

Do you mean the Akai GX-630D, which is a stereo deck?
If so, it's bit "Kawasaki Ninja vs Porsche - which is best?", they're different types of machine and do rather different jobs.

However, I've noticed there is such a thing as the Akai GX-630D-SS, which is a 4-channel quadrophonic deck. Comparing that with the TEAC is interesting... it all depends on whether the Akai has some kind of simul-sync facility. If it doesn't, it's not going to be usable for overdubbing, just recording and playing back 4 things simultaneously.

It also runs at low speed (3.75/7.5) and unless I'm very wrong the TEAC runs at 7.5/15, i.e. high speed. 15ips was usually considered studio grade, though it depends what you're recording.

Frankly? The Akai looks like an interesting machine, though it runs at a slower speed than the TEAC, but the TEAC is more of a known quantity and less of a risk.

 

[KrazyGrape]

Do you mean the Akai GX-630D, which is a stereo deck?
If so, it's bit "Kawasaki Ninja vs Porsche - which is best?", they're different types of machine and do rather different jobs.

However, I've noticed there is such a thing as the Akai GX-630D-SS, which is a 4-channel quadrophonic deck. Comparing that with the TEAC is interesting... it all depends on whether the Akai has some kind of simul-sync facility. If it doesn't, it's not going to be usable for overdubbing, just recording and playing back 4 things simultaneously.

It also runs at low speed (3.75/7.5) and unless I'm very wrong the TEAC runs at 7.5/15, i.e. high speed. 15ips was usually considered studio grade, though it depends what you're recording.

Frankly? The Akai looks like an interesting machine, though it runs at a slower speed than the TEAC, but the TEAC is more of a known quantity and less of a risk.

Thanks for the info, it really helped.

The one I am looking at is a Akai GX-630D-SS.

 

[jjones1700]

This is just my opinion, but I'd go with the Teac over the Akai. Akai made decent consumer level decks, and I had a GX-230D (4 track, 2 channel) up until a few months ago.

The Teac/Tascam machines are proven workhorses and are easier to find parts for.

 

[westgate]

Thanks for the info, it really helped.

The one I am looking at is a Akai GX-630D-SS.

i have 3 fully functional gx-630d-ss 4 track/4 channel/quad decks. i think they're great! they have akais version of simul-synch which works pretty well. i used them for making a few records back in the mid '80s.

the teac 3340/3440 might be a little better for something like that with its higher speed and it's built a little better. and as noted above, teac parts may be easier to come by than akai parts.

either deck in good condition would be a good choice.
but keep in mind, neither is a professional deck. they are not built for 12-24 hr/day operation.

also have a gx-230d which is a great little deck for just listening to tapes.

and i also have a teac a-6300 for just listening to 10" reels of tape.
both the teac and the gx-230d have auto-reverse.

gx-630d-ss ebay prices have ranged from ~$180 up to $700+. plus shipping

see them all in my slideshow below.

 

[dodgeaspen]

I've heard of problems finding parts for Akai (not sure, I never owned one.) I would go with the Teac for better pats availability.

 

[Audiophallic]

The Akai GX models had glass ferrite heads, and weren't those supposed to be nigh-indestructible? That might be something to consider. But who am I kidding? Of course, the obvious choice is to get both of them!

 

[VESSEL2020]

Got an Akai GX4000D and it sounds excellent.
Sound on sound, glass ferrite heads
never had a problem
love it