RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Hi, up for sale is my vintage Akai stereo system, amplifier with tuner, 15” 5 way floor speakers and turntable. AA-8500 amp, AP-003 turntable and pair of SW-175 speakers all original. I believe the amp and speakers are a factory matching set, made for each other. Sounds fantastic, incredibly loud. Everything works as it should. I dont have a radio antenna but some channels come in without it. The speakers have no rattle or buzz and sound great. There are some cosmetic spots on the speakers, see photos. the turntable lid opens, it was glued, was previously cracked. A vintage piece of history. Sold as is, local pickup only. Be happy to demo if interested.
This is a seller’s market for the AA-8500, but US$1,200 is still ambitious versus typical used pricing. Comparable vintage Akai receiver sales and listings I could find cluster around roughly US$120–US$300 for Akai receivers generally, with an AA-8500 example listed at US$165 plus shipping, so this ask is far above what the model usually brings on the used market.
What makes it worth chasing is the AA-8500’s appeal as a well-built, desirable late-1970s vintage receiver with the kind of warm, substantial presentation Akai fans like, plus the wood-cabinet look and solid phono-friendly feature set. At this price, you’d want exceptional condition, full originality, and proof of a recent professional service; without that, it’s a collector-level ask rather than an enthusiast buy.
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.
See all Akai listings on RADAR.
