Akai CD-37 (1991–1993)
A mid-tier CD player from Akai’s Classic Series, with a dual-converter DAC design and a SONY laser mechanism.
Overview
The Akai CD-37 is a full-size CD player. Akai introduced it in 1991 and sold it until 1993. It belongs to the "Classic Series" and sits in the middle of the lineup, not at the top. Over the smaller CD-27, the series' most compact model, it adds full-function remote control. Some functions, like programming and fast winding, only work from the remote. A large display sits above the central CD tray and shows 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 aluminum front panel and a metal housing. The internal laser mechanism is plastic, and it's 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 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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