AKAI 1800SD

[Larry N]

Won another Reel to Reel, this one has an 8 track player on the side. Its on the way, should be here next week. Can't wait to try it out. Starting to get waaaaay to many.

[Nakdoc]

This should also have internal amps and speakers.

[Warped Bezel]

There was one in the classifieds and I've had one sitting around for over two years. Mine isn't clutching and the other was complete from a Joyce...

If all heck breaks loose we're here...

[Larry N]

*omg* Another LUCKY BUY from the Goodwill auction site. The Akai arrived Wednesday according to USPS tracking, *fit* I was on the road working in Chicago and wasn't going to be home till Thursday afternoon. Thursday afternoon first stop the post office, to pick it up and take home to see my new to me player. Opened the package and first impression was, it looks like a brand new machine, Its beautiful, clean, no damage other than a small piece of venner on the front cover, which Goodwill disclosed. So far HAPPY rating is 101%. I was like so wanting to plug and play, but I didn't, I took off the head cover checked what the heads looked like and WOW that were just like new, SMOOTH AND SHINEY. Cleaned then with alcohol and put cover back on. Next pulled back cover off to see if I had a bunch of dust bunnies nesting in the inside, again clean as a whistle. Belts look as if they may be new, the ones I could visually see with the cover off. This had to come from a very good home, it even passed the smell test, no smoke odor at all. YES it looks like a winner so far. Now to fire it up. Test tape is a X Field Tape Roberts Tape Recorders Presents TAPE-O-THEQUE Three Hours of Continuous Dance Music. 4 Track Stereo. Since I haven't printed an operation manual so far it took a minute to figure out how to thread the tape and figure out where switches had to be set. Made damm sure it was on the right voltage. Set it for slow speed and internal speakers and let her rip. Adjusted right and left right at same settings and when it fired up both Vue meters were at -10 dead on. Fantastic sound. Will test out the 8 track and recording capibilities later. HAPPY rating is now off the board. I love it, this is going to be a keeper, what the hell am I saying I keep them all.

[retrokeeper]

I too have one of these stowed away in it's original box,need to get it out and find if it works or not...I may as I recall...have two of these decks.Will have to look around some more.Enjoy your find!! Rob

[Larry N]

Retro,

This has the best sounding 8 track player I have ever heard. Nice and clear even when cranked up. No track bleed over at all, all track channel lights work. So far there is nothing not working on this machine. Recording capibilities are to be tried out tonight. Going to try without the manual, appears you can transfer from R / R to 8 track cart. or cart to R / R will find out soon. Has already replaced the Revox on the top shelf so this can be used whenever I'm home.

[stereorob]

these are decent little machines. i too have a 1800sd RTR/8T and its incredibly decent sounding and very loud even by itself. i use mine in my bedroom system. it also works really well as a component integrated in a system as well. great little deck you got there enjoy!! BUT A WORD OF WARNING!!!, THESE OLD AKAI DECKS USE CHEAP POT METAL FOR CONTROL ARMS AND FASTENERS FOR GEARS, THEY BREAK EASILY AND CANNOT BE REPLACED!!!!!!!!!! SO BE VERY GENTILE WITH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, but as long as your careful, it should be fine. enjoy!!

[Analog1]

It is one of my favorite reel players, and I have quite a few (I collect Roberts recorders). Check out the equalization knob, n 1 7/8 it sounds very bright. I just found out that it has a tape cleaner. Enjoy!

[Warped Bezel]

these are decent little machines. i too have a 1800sd RTR/8T and its incredibly decent sounding and very loud even by itself. i use mine in my bedroom system. it also works really well as a component integrated in a system as well. great little deck you got there enjoy!! BUT A WORD OF WARNING!!!, THESE OLD AKAI DECKS USE CHEAP POT METAL FOR CONTROL ARMS AND FASTENERS FOR GEARS, THEY BREAK EASILY AND CANNOT BE REPLACED!!!!!!!!!! SO BE VERY GENTILE WITH IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, but as long as your careful, it should be fine. enjoy!!

Would that be why it speeds up and breakes the tape or is that the supply table?

At any rate the Roberts 1630 I have uses virtually the same mechanism.