Akai GX F25 (1981)
A microcomputer-controlled stereo cassette deck with Twin Field Super GX head and metal tape support
Overview
The Akai GX-F25 is a 2-motor stereo cassette deck introduced around 1981. It features a dual-gap Twin Field Super GX head for combined recording and playback, supporting four tape types: LN, LH, CrO2, and Metal. The unit uses a microcomputer to control motor timing and operational functions, with an electromagnetic switch handling record/playback switching in the amplifier section. It includes a direct function mechanism for precise mechanical control of transport operations and an auto-mute feature that inserts a 4-second silent gap before recording begins.
Specifications
| Product type | Stereo cassette deck |
| Wow and flutter | 0.04%WRMS |
| Frequency characteristic | 30 Hz ~ 19 kHz (Metal Tape) |
| Distortion factor | 0.7% (Metal Tape) |
| S / N ratio (metal tape) | 60dB(Dolby NR off) |
| Heads | Recording : Twin Field Super GX Head x1; Erase : 1 double-gap erase head |
| Motor | Capstan Drive : One electronically controlled DC motor; Reel Drive : 1 DC Motor |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 20W |
| External dimensions | Width 440x Height 118x Depth 285 mm |
| Weight | 6.8kg |
Design
The GX-F25 uses a 2-motor drive system and integrates a microcomputer for precise control of motor and plunger timing via a ceramic oscillator. The Twin Field Super GX head combines high and high-μ ferrite materials with separate 4 μm recording and 1 μm reproducing gaps in one housing. An electromagnetic switch manages amplifier section routing between record and playback modes. Tape motion is detected using an LED and phototransistor sensor system, enabling light-based mode display. A direct function mechanism uses dual plungers with silencers and dampers for quiet, stable transport operation. The front panel includes a 2-color 12-segment LED bar meter with +3 dB and +7 dB peak indicators, and the unit supports Dolby NR and MPX filtering. A tape selector allows switching between LN, LH, CrO2, and Metal tapes, and a headphone output includes independent volume control. The auto-mute mechanism enables 4-second silent pre-recording and REC standby activation.
Market
The Akai GX-F25 was sold with the optional Remote Control Unit RC-21, priced at ¥6,000 separately. The deck itself had an original price of ¥59,800 around 1981.
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