Akai CS-M3 (1981–1982)

A mechanical stereo cassette deck from Akai's early 1980s lineup, built in Japan with support for Type I, CrO2, and Metal tapes.

Overview

The Akai CS-M3 is a single compact cassette deck produced around 1981-1982. Akai Electric Co., Ltd. of Tokyo built it in Japan. It belongs to a first-generation line of mechanical cassette decks with a silver front panel and VU meters. It records and plays back in stereo, handles all the major tape types - Type I, CrO2, and Metal - and has Dolby B noise reduction. Frequency response is 30Hz to 18kHz with Metal tapes. It uses a 4-track, 2-channel system at the standard tape speed of 4.76 cm/s.

Specifications

Type	single compact cassette deck
Track System	4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed	4.76 cm/s
Frequency Response	Type I: 30 - 15,000 Hz (±3dB); Metal: 30Hz to 18kHz
Tone heads	1x high-density
Output	410mV / 30kΩ+
Noise Reduction	B
Tape types supported	type I, CrO2, Metal
Dimensions	440 x 143 x 250mm (17.1" x 10.5" x 5.5")
Weight	5kg (11.5 lbs)
Color	Silver
Made in	Japan

Design

The CS-M3 is a mechanical cassette deck with a first-generation design. It has a silver faceplate, Dolby circuitry, and analog VU meters for level monitoring.

Market

Listings show the CS-M3 offered at prices up to $1,269.99, though actual market value may vary. A replacement original mechanism door part runs approximately $43.50. Units are described as "all original" and in "full working condition," and users note they deliver classic analog warmth.