Expired
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AKAI 280D-SS Reel To Reel Surround Stereo 4 Channel For Local Pickup. Easy to inspect/demo at our shop in Milwaukee WI. 1970's. Single owner. Very clean. All working except the quarter inch inputs on the front panel. Rear RCA inputs work correctly.Cosmetically clean (see photos) Akai 7 inch metal take-up reel included.Original Box & packaging included.See our 5-star seller's rating & thanks for considering!14 Day money back policy for easy returns if you're not satisfied.
Verdict on USD 200 asking price: This is a fair-to-good deal for a 1970s quad deck in clean condition. The GX-280D-SS (or 280D-SS variant) typically trades used in the USD 150–300 range depending on cosmetics and function, so USD 200 sits comfortably in the middle. Original retail was USD 650, and these machines hold value reasonably well among quad enthusiasts. If it's genuinely single-owner and very clean as described, you're not overpaying—though local pickup eliminates shipping risk, which justifies the asking price.
Before you buy, verify the transport and heads. These decks are now 50+ years old; check that both reel motors engage smoothly, the capstan spins freely, and the pinch roller isn't hardened or cracked. Listen for wow and flutter at 7½ ips—the spec sheet promises under 0.1%, but age degrades bearings. Confirm the erase, record, and playback heads are clean and not worn flat. Ask whether it comes with the original power cord, DIN and RCA cables, and ideally a takeup reel. Quad tapes are scarce and pricey now, so factor that into your long-term use case.
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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