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For sale: Akai - 4000DS - MK-II - Stereo Reel to Reel Tape Recorder
Cosmetic condition:
Little user damage
Heads and switches cleaned.
Belt replaced.
New transistors installed
The reels are for illustration purposes only and are therefore not for sale.
''Important note when tested: When we find there's either a small thing wrong, or not 100% working we offer our listings for parts or repair to avoid unwanted issues after purchase''
Specs:
Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural system
Heads: 1 x record, 1 x playback, 1 x erase
Motor: 1 x SSM-1 4-pole induction
Reel size: up to 7 inch reel
Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 ips
Wow and flutter: 0.15% (7 1⁄2 ips)
Frequency response: 30Hz to 23kHz (7 1⁄2 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 50dB
Total harmonic distortion: 1.5%
Crosstalk: 50dB
Input: 70mV (line), 7mV (DIN), 0.8mV (mic)
Output: 1.228V (line), 0.4V (DIN)
Semiconductors: 11 x transistors, 4 x IC, 4 x diodes
Dimensions: 406 x 314 x 194mmWeight: Kg 12Volts: 240v (If it’s 200V or higher, you’ll need an adapter in the USA)
We ship worldwide.Will ship to the USA as well. We ship DDP bases (Delivery Dutie Paid)-Shipping in the EU up to 30 KG (max)-Shipping outside of the EU up to 20 KG (max)
Please note: ‘’Whenever an item exceeds the weight noted above. Please ask for a shipping quote before making a purchase. The shipping costs are estimated in our shop because we do not know the shipping address.
Picking up the item is also possible. It can be picked up in Alkmaar
Delivery by us is also possible in some cases. Please reach out to us for more information about deliveries
State of listing: If a listing is listed ''for parts or not working'' returns are not accepted.
When we offer our products with the notice ''Serviced'' or ''Fully serviced'' that means the device is either lightly ''serviced'' with a new belt, and cleaned the pots, Or ''Fully serviced'' recapped, Quiescent current adjusted etc as expected from a full service
# Akai 4000DS Reel-to-Reel: Buyer Notes
This is a seller's market for vintage reel decks right now—good machines are scarce and prices have climbed. At USD$537, this 4000DS sits right at the 25th percentile of recent comps (median USD$568, 75th percentile USD$674), making it competitive rather than a steal. The 4000DS is a solid semi-pro machine from the 1970s, typically moving in the USD$500–USD$700 range depending on condition and functionality. This asking price is fair if the deck is mechanically sound, though you're not getting a bargain here.
Before committing, verify the capstan and pinch roller aren't glazed or worn—common issues that require professional replacement. Confirm the motor runs smoothly without rumble, test all three speeds, and check that the solenoid operates crisply. Ask whether the original power cord and any reels are included, and get specifics on the last service date. Any deck this age without recent maintenance is a gamble; factor in potential servicing costs if you're not handy.
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.
