The Akai GX-4000D is one of those classic reel-to-reel decks that just keeps going—a late-’70s crowd favorite built around Akai’s legendary GX glass-and-crystal ferrite heads. Those heads are basically immortal, resisting wear far better than metal designs, which means most GX-4000Ds still sound shockingly fresh decades later. With its simple, reliable two-head, single-motor transport, the 4000D is smooth to operate and easy to maintain, making it a perfect entry point into open-reel without feeling “entry level” in performance.
Sonically, it’s warm, punchy, and pleasantly full—very much that classic Akai house sound—with enough clarity and dynamic swing to make tape feel alive. Add in the handsome silver faceplate, solid knobs, and that retro charm, and the GX-4000D stands as one of the most lovable, reliable, and downright fun machines in vintage tape.
*Metal reels not included
- Production
- 1978-84
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 90320-14792
- Orig. MSRP
- $420
- Restoration
- Replaced belts
- Cleaned heads
- Cleaned and treated pinch roller
- Adjusted record level
- Cleaned and inspected idlers
- Cleaned all control contacts
- Factory Specs
Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural system
Heads: 1 x GX playback, 1 x GX record, 1 x erase
Motor: 1 x 4-pole induction motor
Reel size: up to 7 inch reel
Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 ips
Wow and flutter: 0.08% (7 1⁄2 ips)
Frequency response: 30Hz to 24kHz (7 1⁄2 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 60dB
Total harmonic distortion: 1%
Input: 70mV (line), 2mV (DIN), 0.25mV (mic)
Output: 0.775V (line), 0.3V (DIN)
Dimensions: 17.3 × 12.4 × 9 inches
Weight: 29.10 lbs
- The History of Akai
- Akai was founded by Masukichi Akai and his son, Saburo Akai (who died in 1973) as Akai Electric Company Ltd. (赤井電機株式会社, Akai Denki Kabushiki Kaisha), a Japanese manufacturer in 1929 or 1946. The company's business eventually became troubled and it left the audio industry in 1991. At its peak in the late 1990s, Akai Ho...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
The Akai GX-4000D features include a 4-track stereo and monaural recording/playback system, Twin VU meters for indicating recording and playback levels, Recording indicator lamp, Recording safety button, Monitor selector switch, Sound on sound recording procedure, Microphone jacks and Microphone recording level controls.
- Stock No.
- 9221097324765
The Akai GX-4000D is one of those classic reel-to-reel decks that just keeps going—a late-’70s crowd favorite built around Akai’s legendary GX glass-and-crystal ferrite heads. Those heads are basically immortal, resisting wear far better than metal designs, which means most GX-4000Ds still sound shockingly fresh decades later. With its simple, reliable two-head, single-motor transport, the 4000D is smooth to operate and easy to maintain, making it a perfect entry point into open-reel without feeling “entry level” in performance.
Sonically, it’s warm, punchy, and pleasantly full—very much that classic Akai house sound—with enough clarity and dynamic swing to make tape feel alive. Add in the handsome silver faceplate, solid knobs, and that retro charm, and the GX-4000D stands as one of the most lovable, reliable, and downright fun machines in vintage tape.
*Metal reels not included
Production
1978-84
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
90320-14792
Orig. MSRP
$420
Restoration
- Replaced belts
- Cleaned heads
- Cleaned and treated pinch roller
- Adjusted record level
- Cleaned and inspected idlers
- Cleaned all control contacts
Factory Specs
Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural system
Heads: 1 x GX playback, 1 x GX record, 1 x erase
Motor: 1 x 4-pole induction motor
Reel size: up to 7 inch reel
Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 ips
Wow and flutter: 0.08% (7 1⁄2 ips)
Frequency response: 30Hz to 24kHz (7 1⁄2 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 60dB
Total harmonic distortion: 1%
Input: 70mV (line), 2mV (DIN), 0.25mV (mic)
Output: 0.775V (line), 0.3V (DIN)
Dimensions: 17.3 × 12.4 × 9 inches
Weight: 29.10 lbs
The History of Akai
Akai was founded by Masukichi Akai and his son, Saburo Akai (who died in 1973) as Akai Electric Company Ltd. (赤井電機株式会社, Akai Denki Kabushiki Kaisha), a Japanese manufacturer in 1929 or 1946. The company's business eventually became troubled and it left the audio industry in 1991. At its peak in the late 1990s, Akai Ho...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
The Akai GX-4000D features include a 4-track stereo and monaural recording/playback system, Twin VU meters for indicating recording and playback levels, Recording indicator lamp, Recording safety button, Monitor selector switch, Sound on sound recording procedure, Microphone jacks and Microphone recording level controls.
Stock No.
9221097324765
