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Akai GX-650D Reel to Reel For sale: Beautifully functioning Akai GX-650D reel-to-reel tape deck. This unit includes six 10.5-inch reels and one empty 10.5-inch reel. The glass tape head is in excellent condition, and it boasts a rare top speed of 15ips. It comes with the original plastic cover. Please note that it is very heavy, so it’s available for pickup only. pickup available in Mulgrave Vic (weekdays), Traralgon Vic (weekends) Specifications: Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural Heads: 1 x GX record, 1 x GX playback, 1 x erase Motor: 2 x reel drive, 1 x capstan Reel size:
A$1,500 is ambitious for a GX-650D unless it is truly exceptional, because the model’s commonly cited used market value is around A$820 after converting the listed market figure and the deck’s vintage status does not usually push it near A$1,500 unless it is fully serviced and unusually complete.
That said, it is a well-regarded reel-to-reel: a 3-head, 3-motor Akai with the closed-loop double-capstan transport, which is exactly the sort of machine buyers want for stable tape handling and serious playback/editing use. If this example is cosmetically excellent, recently serviced, and includes the original reels, hub adapters, or paperwork, it becomes much more defensible; otherwise, at this price, I’d want proof of health and a strong accessory package before leaning in.
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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