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At A$160, this is below the A$284 median and also under the A$143 lower quartile only by a small margin, so it reads as a genuinely strong buy rather than a merely fair ask. Compared with the obvious alternative at this money—an anonymous budget CD deck or a tired bargain-bin player—this is the more interesting play.
The draw here is that these Akai mid-to-late-era CD players are usually a solid mix of straightforward transport, decent build, and usable everyday sound, and a working unit with remote adds real value. If it’s clean, reads discs promptly, and the remote is original and fully functional, that’s a nice little package for an enthusiast system or a retro bedroom setup. The only real check is the usual age-related CD-player stuff: smooth tray action, quick track access, and no hesitation on disc reading.
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.
