Akai HX-3 (1983–1985)
A 2-head stereo cassette deck made in Japan, part of Akai's HX series lineup.
Overview
The Akai HX-3 is a 2-head, single compact cassette deck made in Japan from 1983 to 1985. It records and plays back in stereo on Type I and Type II tapes. One contemporary review called it "one of the smartest-looking budget cassette decks available," with a clean, functional look and solid performance for its class. It shares its product line with the Akai HX-1 and HX-2, compact cassette decks aimed at mid-tier audio enthusiasts.
Specifications
| Type | 2-head, single compact cassette deck |
| Track System | 4-track, 2-channel stereo |
| Tape Types | Type I / II |
| Dimensions | 440 x 103 x 280mm (17.3 × 4.05 × 11 in) |
| Weight | 4 kg (approx. 8.8 lbs) |
| Headphones output | 1.3mV (8Ω), volume adjustable |
| Microphone output | 0.41V (line) |
| Color | Black |
| Made in | Japan |
Design
The HX-3 is a single compact cassette deck with 2 heads. One handles record and playback, and a dedicated head does the erasing. The design stresses usability and clean signal paths. It sits in a black chassis, and its layout was noted for its looks among budget-tier decks of the early 1980s.
Context
The HX-3 belongs to a series that includes the Akai HX-1 and HX-2, all released during the early 1980s. These models were aimed at consumers building stereo systems who wanted reliable, mid-range tape functionality.
Market
Listings on eBay, Facebook, and Reverb show the HX-3 trading between $195 USD and A$200. Sellers typically describe them as vintage preowned units with normal cosmetic wear and confirmed working condition. Some collector circles have labeled it "rare," and multiple recent listings point to sustained interest among cassette deck enthusiasts.
eBay Listings
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