AKAI GXC-570D

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows some signs of wear. Not supplied with original packaging.

Stereo cassette deck introduced in Japan in 1978, designed as a reference model in Akai’s lineup of the period. Its robust construction and use of GX heads characterize a deck developed to provide precision in recording and playback, together with comprehensive control over the main tape parameters.

The recording and playback system uses wear-resistant Akai GX heads, with separate recording and playback heads mounted within a single holder. This configuration maintains precise parallel alignment between the gaps of the two heads, promoting uniform contact with the tape and consistent signal reproduction.

The transport system uses three motors. A center-pole, frequency-generator AC servo motor drives the closed-loop dual-capstan system, while two direct-drive DC motors are independently dedicated to the take-up and supply reels. This configuration reduces the number of mechanical transmission components and allows the capstan and reels to be controlled independently.

The GXC-570D is compatible with Normal, Chrome and FeCr tapes, selectable via a three-position switch that adjusts the bias and equalization parameters to the formulation being used. Fast-forward and rewind speed can be adjusted, while the playback pitch control allows the tape speed to be varied during listening.

For calibration, the deck features a built-in 400 Hz oscillator, activated by a dedicated control, which provides a reference signal for adjusting the recording parameters. The calibration controls are independent for the left and right channels, allowing the recording levels to be set separately.

The noise-reduction section uses a dual-process Dolby system, complemented by Akai’s Automatic Distortion Reduction system. The latter automatically adjusts high-frequency equalization during recording and helps reduce intermodulation distortion. Controls are also provided for Dolby noise reduction, the MPX filter and limiting.

Level monitoring is handled by two illuminated meters, selectable between VU and Peak modes. VU mode displays normal recording and playback levels, while Peak mode uses a faster response to highlight transient peaks and make more effective use of the dynamic range available on the tape, helping to avoid excessive recording levels.

The deck features separate microphone and line inputs, with independent level controls for the left and right channels. This configuration allows signals from the two input types to be adjusted separately and mixed directly through the deck. An independent output-level control is also provided, together with dedicated front-panel microphone and headphone connections.

The upper section of the controls is protected by a smoked acrylic cover, motor-operated via a dedicated control on the front panel. The cover conceals less frequently used controls, such as those for calibration, tape-type selection and processing systems, while leaving the main transport, level and input controls readily accessible.

The Sensi-Touch transport system also incorporates Repeat and Memory functions. The GXC-570D can also be operated with the optional Akai RC-17 or RC-18 wired remote controls, providing remote access to the deck’s main functions.

The combination of a three-motor, dual-capstan transport, GX heads, calibration systems, selectable VU/Peak level monitoring and independent input management makes the GXC-570D a particularly comprehensive cassette deck within Akai’s lineup of the late 1970s.

Technical specifications:

• Type: 3-head, single compact cassette deck
• Track system: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
• Tape speed: 4.76 cm/s
• Heads: 1 × combination record/playback; 1 × erase
• Motors: 2 × reel; 1 × capstan
• Tape types: Type I, CrO₂, FeCr
• Noise reduction: Dolby B
• Frequency response: 30 Hz – 19 kHz (FeCr tape)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 62 dB (Dolby B)
• Wow & Flutter: 0.06%
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): 1%
• Inputs: 70 mV (line); 0.3 mV (microphone)
• Output: 0.775 V (line)
• Semiconductors: 110 transistors; 159 diodes; 12 FETs; 9 integrated circuits
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 440 × 255 × 225 mm
• Weight: 13.5 kg