Akai HX-1 (1983–1985)
A stereo cassette deck made in Japan with Dolby B noise reduction and support for normal, chrome, and metal tapes.
Overview
The Akai HX-1 is a stereo cassette deck made in Japan. It has a 2-head design and an analog 3-digit tape counter. You pick the tape type by hand: normal, chrome, or metal. It plays and records, and the headphone output has an adjustable volume control. It belonged to a series that also included the Akai HX-2.
Specifications
| Type | 2-head, single compact cassette deck |
| Track System | 4-track, 2-channel stereo |
| Tape Speed | 4.76 cm/s |
| Frequency Response (Type I) | 20 - 15000 Hz (±3dB) |
| Frequency Response (Type II) | 20 - 16000 Hz (±3dB) |
| Heads | 1 x |
| Motor | Motor |
| Noise Reduction | Dolby B noise reduction |
| Headphones output | 1.3mV (8Ω), volume adjustable |
| Weight | 4kg |
| Color | Black |
| Country of manufacture | Japan |
Design
The HX-1 uses a 2-head configuration and an analog 3-digit tape counter. Tape type selection - normal, chrome, or metal - is manual.
Context
Akai produced the HX-1 from 1983 to 1985. It was part of a series with the Akai HX-2.
Market
The Akai HX-1 turns up on resale markets including eBay and Reverb, listed as vintage working equipment. Some units are described as cleaned, tested, and in near-mint condition with minor age-related wear.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.