Akai CD-37 (1991–1993)
A mid-tier CD player from Akai’s Classic Series, featuring a dual-converter DAC design and SONY laser mechanism.
Overview
The Akai CD-37 is a full-size CD player introduced in 1991 and available until 1993. It belongs to Akai’s "Classic Series" and is positioned as a medium-tier model, not the top of Akai’s lineup. The CD-37 added full-function remote control—some functions like programming and fast winding are only accessible via the remote—over the smaller CD-27, the series’ most compact model. It features a large display above the central CD tray, showing elapsed track time, elapsed disc time, and remaining disc time.
Specifications
| Product Type | CD player |
| DAC | Burr Brown PCM67P with A.I.D.A. (Advanced Interpolative Dual D/A Converter) |
| Laser Mechanism | SONY KSS-210A |
| Outputs | Digital optical output, front panel headphone output with dedicated amplifier and volume control |
| Features | Random program, full-function remote control (required for programming and fast winding) |
Design
The CD-37 has an aluminium front panel and a robust metallic housing construction. The internal laser mechanism is made of plastic and described as basic, simple, and cheap. The original DAC circuit uses the Burr Brown PCM67P in Akai’s A.I.D.A. (Advanced Interpolative Dual D/A Converter) configuration. One unit was modified with a Stelmach DAC board using two Cirrus CS4398 chips in mono mode and
Market
Market listings from 2023 to 2026 show prices ranging from €20 to €160, with one outlier listed at BGN 5,164. Condition notes include "technically needs service," "functional," and "vintage in top condition." A service manual is available as a $9.00 PDF download (as of the page's status).
eBay Listings
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Related Models
- Arcam Alpha 9 (1990s)
- Sony CDP 502 ES