Akai CS-F36R (1982)
The Akai CS-F36R is a compact cassette deck from Akai's early 1980s lineup, built around reliable auto-reverse operation.
Overview
The Akai CS-F36R is a cassette deck introduced around 1982, priced at ¥59,800. It was aimed at audiophiles who wanted consistent performance and a well-designed tape transport. It measures 440 mm wide, 118 mm high, and 309 mm deep, and weighs approximately 7.6 kg. The unit runs on 100 VAC at 50Hz or 60Hz and uses 20W. Akai calls the reverse a "click reverse" mechanism, with the emphasis on basic performance. An infrared tape sensor makes the auto-reverse quick and accurate, with less mechanical wear and a faster response when the direction changes.
Design
The CS-F36R has a bi-counter capstan drive system. That means separate capstan shafts and pinch rollers for forward and reverse playback, so the drive characteristics are uniform in both directions. The head layout is symmetrical too, with the recording and playback heads positioned to give consistent performance whichever way the tape runs. The head section uses a linear motion mechanism to keep the heads aligned during reversal, which contributes to excellent uniformity in recording and playback. It has an HD head for recording and playback, plus two erase heads, which have been moved outside the capstan area to improve stability. A proprietary high-precision tape guide prevents tape deflection and uneven contact at the head, which further improves tracking accuracy. The transport is a 2-motor system. An electronically controlled DC motor drives the capstan and delivers low wow and flutter. A high-torque DC motor drives the reels and gives strong initial tape tension. Dolby B noise reduction is built in, offering up to 10 dB of noise reduction at 5 kHz or higher. The auto-mute mechanism inserts a 4-second silent gap when activated, getting the unit ready for recording. A 3-position reverse selector allows one-way recording, round-trip recording, or continuous playback in either direction. The deck also supports autoplay functions that combine play with fast-forward or rewind, usable in both directions. Remote control is optional, through the separately sold wired RC-21 (¥6,000) or wireless RC-90 (¥18,000).
Market
The CS-F36R has a signal-to-noise ratio of 60 dB (56 dB EIAJ), a frequency response of 25 Hz to 18 kHz using metal tape, and a distortion factor of 0.7% (metal tape). That made it a technically competent deck for its era. The metal tape optimization and precision mechanics suggest it was aimed at serious tapers and system builders who prioritized long-term reliability and consistent playback quality.
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