Author Topic: Akai M-8 reel to reel  (Read 6405 times)

bmwr75

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Akai M-8 reel to reel
« on: January 15, 2011, 02:55:37 PM »
Picked up this 1960s? vintage RtR today.  Includes two monoblock tube integrated amps in the suitcase.

Offline Falcon

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2011, 06:17:04 PM »
Very nice!!!  do the tube amps work?

bmwr75

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2011, 06:58:59 PM »
The seller said one of the amps is not working.  I need to check the tubes first and some slide switches.

Offline Kingman

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #3 on: January 15, 2011, 08:30:21 PM »
Nice snag!!!! ;D
IN REALITY IT ONLY MATTERS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE TO YOU!!!!!

Offline schwarcw

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #4 on: January 15, 2011, 08:44:00 PM »
WOW!

Back to back weekends with R2R gold.  You are living good!  Nice snag, congrats!  I think Dale knows a thing or two about those amps.  IIRC he is very impressed with the sound. 
Carl

bmwr75

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2011, 06:42:45 PM »
I powered it up slowly with a variac today. Just tried it with a set of headphones. Contrary to what the seller told me, both channels are working fine. 

Need to use some Deoxit and Faderlube on the pots since one tone control is scratchy.

Falcon377.....you up for refurbishing this old gal?  Probably needs new electrolytic caps, cleaning, lubing, etc.   New belt(s)?  I have a SERVICE MANUAL coming.

Offline Falcon

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2011, 08:42:30 PM »
Yes I will, if sheeves does not mind..    ::)

bmwr75

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2011, 09:10:23 PM »
Will bring it to you the next time up.

SunnyDaze

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #8 on: January 17, 2011, 12:39:06 AM »
Yes I will, if sheeves does not mind..    ::)

Now you're livin' dangerously!  ;D ;D ;D

bmwr75

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #9 on: January 23, 2011, 01:02:27 PM »
Dale,

What refurbishing do these old tube amps typically need to be dependable for many years to come?

Scott

Offline confused

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Re: Akai M-8 reel to reel
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2011, 09:52:07 PM »
Hi Scott,

I thought mine sounded fine after bringing them up on a variac.  I did put a slightly larger cap to ground on the outputs to increase bass output a bit.  I  have a lot of tube gear and I generally feel that if it is not broke, don't fix it.  Having said that, I guess if I was giving it to someone, or had the inclination myself, I would replace the electrolytics at a minimum.  This is an extremely easy amp to work on, once it is removed from the deck.  Most of the parts you will want to change, resistors or caps are right on the bottom.  Some people remove the tape bias tube (mine are out) when running as an amp to lessen load on the power supply.

Absolutely 1 of my favorite amps, single ended class a pentode (6bq5, a great sounding tube).

If you get tired of it, let me know, I am thinking of trying to put together a bi or tri amplified system with a bunch of these optimised for the frequency they reproduce.

Good Luck with them!


Dale
PS: I have a Roberts operating manual and some schematics around here somewhere if you need a copy.

Dale

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