Description
Please read further down the description as I may be able to deliver personally. Background to this item, I bought it at an antiques fair around 2 years ago, for significantly more than the auction starting price, have done nothing with it, so thought it would be nice for it to actually be used. Akai 1721 stereo / 4 track open reel deck.Ive done the following testing , and these are my observations Tested on recording (via line in) and playback. Results of testing. Plays back on both 4 track and stereo configurations. Ive made a recording in stereo through the line in, which then played back well, there is a slight bit of playback wow, nothing horrendous, however it is there, suggesting that maybe a belt kit /and/or pinch roller needs attention. Its not horrendous by any stretch, but I couldnt say its pitch perfect. During recording, there is no sound player back through its internal speakers, not sure if this is correct, however it records as it should. Transport controls work very crisply, with no obvious slop. VU meters nice as expected, not sure if they are meant to be backlit, if so, then the backlights arent working There are 2 speeds on the deck, 3 3/4 and 7 1/2 inches per sec. If changing speed while playing, the deck will often stall. If the deck is stopped, then the speed changed, then play restarted, the speed change is fine and it runs at both speed correctly. Ive not tested the microphone inputs, nor the 5 pin DIN socket in the rear. Although not shown in the initial set of photographs, the lid is with the deck and fits well, I will add these photographs shortly. Although it plays and records fine, Im sure the deck would benefit from a sympathetic light service, and a new set of belts. it will come with the tape and takeup spool shown in the photos. Cosmetically, its in pretty decent shape for its age. There is some slight tarnish to the lid hinges, and some scuffs to the leather effect outer case, im not sure if this is synthetic or genuine leather. Speaker grille screws are rusty, but easily replaced. I have deliberately done nothing more than wipe the machine over with a slightly damp cloth. Im sure it would look far better with a spray of silicon spray, however I dont want to do anything to make it look artificially shiny or interfere with any future cleaning processes. It looks quite respectable as it is, with an hours polishing it could look superb. People have their own opinion as to what is the best way to do this, so ive deliberately avoided anything more than a slightly damp cloth. The above is my personal assessment , warts and all, after all, it must be getting on for 50 years old now. if there is anything ive overlooked, feel free to get in touch, and I will see what i can do. Thee instruction and service manuals are available on the ever helpful hifiengine website, I will print copies of these off and include them. Postage/delivery. Its a hefty old hector , 14kg in fact. There is no buy it now price, I wont end the auction early, to be fair to everyone, and it is a strictly UK mainland auction only I have a very strong, suitable box, that my 33Kg icon audio valve amp came in, that will be fine for posting it, very robust and enough space for a few inches of bubble wrap all round. Ive put postage as 12 via UPS or DPD. If it costs me less, I will refund the difference, if its more, i will absorb the cost. Being is the final parcel will be over 15kg, it does affect postage, and im not prepared to skimp on packing materials I would much prefer to hand deliver, given its nature, Im comfortable that I can pack it properly, however its nice to be able to hand something like this over. If you live along the m6/m5 corridor from Staffordshire to Devon, or live in Devon, I could potentially meet up along the route. On 14th September, I will be heading off down to the Torbay area until the mid afternoon of Sunday 17th september, and will be spending quite a bit of time over dartmoor during those few days. If you wish to meet up, Im happy to take it with me while Im away, and Im happy to divert a short distance from the M5 etc, (within reason......), but only realistically on my way down or back up I also get to south wales ever 2nd or 4rd wekeend, mainly along the A470 or A483 corridors (if thew eather is dry..) If any of these appeal, please get in touch and i can reply in more detail, and see what is practicable If you wish to collect, that is welcome at a mutually conv you are very welcome , and i can run through the tests ive done on the deck with you.enient time ( though be prepared, as Im having work done on a downstairs ceiling, things are bit upside down at the moment.......) Please note that I will not ,of course , be able to post between the 14th and the 17th September Happy bidding, and fingers crossed it finds an appreciative
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