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I have a vintage rare Akai AP-420 High End Fully Automatic Turntable restored to working condition. This model is a clone of the SP-004 model. New belt added as well as a headshell, cartridge and brand new needle. This turntable is big, heavy and well built. It delivers excellent sound from a vintage Audio Technica cartridge. If you have the room for a big beautiful TT, then this one will impress. Around 50 years old so it does have slight corner dings. Still a very pretty unit to spin your records. Ships FrdEx Ground to the lower 48 states only with a hefty shipping fee. I thank you for looking.
This US$275 asking price is a strong deal for an Akai AP-004, sitting well below the typical used market where tested units often list between US$350 and US$450. With one comparable listing at US$435 for a turntable with only power-on testing, this bargain is roughly 35% lower than that cautious benchmark, making it an excellent entry point for vintage Japanese auto-changers.
The AP-004 (1973–1976) is well-regarded for its reliable automatic operation and solid Japanese build quality, offering smooth cueing and consistent playback without the complexity of later high-end models. At this price, the upside is significant: even if it needs a belt or platter mat, the unit’s core mechanics are typically robust, and acquiring a clean, original-owner example at this level presents a genuine buying opportunity for enthusiasts seeking dependable vintage automation.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Akai Electric Company Ltd. traces its origins to Japan, founded by engineer Masukichi Akai in Tokyo around 1929, with his son Saburo Akai playing a key role in its early growth. Initially focused on affordable radio components, the firm formalized as a full electronics manufacturer post-World War II, often cited as 1946. By the mid-20th century, Akai had evolved into a prominent name in consumer audio, peaking in the 1970s before financial troubles led to its exit from the industry in 1991.
The brand built its legacy on high-quality tape-based audio gear, including reel-to-reel tape recorders, cassette decks, tuners, amplifiers, and complete stereo systems that brought professional-grade sound to homes. In the late 1980s, Akai Professional revolutionized music production with the MPC series—starting with the 1988 MPC60, co-designed by Roger Linn—integrating sampling, sequencing, and velocity-sensitive pads into compact workstations that defined hip-hop and electronic genres.
Today, Akai holds a revered vintage-collector status among hi-fi enthusiasts for its robust 1970s components, prized for their warm analog character and build quality. In the pro audio realm, the MPC line endures as an iconic, mid-to-high-end tool for beatmakers, with modern iterations sustaining the brand through licensing. While not a current leader in traditional hi-fi like amplifiers or speakers, its heritage appeals to savvy buyers seeking timeless reliability over fleeting trends.
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