Akai GX-747
Akai GX-747dbx
(1981 - 1985)

Probably the most remembered and sought-after reel-to-reel recorder although, arguably, not the "best" nor the most reliable... We could name the Technics RS-1500 series or the Sony TC-880-2 to name but two masterpieces. And it couldn't spin at 38cm/s...
But what lavish looks the 747 was graced with !

The GX-747 wasn't an all-new design : in late 1981, it was much too late to develop for an already weakening market. The 747 is thus mainly an updated GX-646 which itself was an updated GX-635...
An anything dbx-equipped, the sonic results are amazing (a m a z i n g) but whether to give credit to the recorder or the dbx system is an open debate. Oh, well - it mainly is the dbx.

There were six versions in total :
GX-747 with LED meters (silver or black)
GX-747 with VU meters (silver or black)
GX-747dbx (silver or black)
The dbx version was only available with VU meters...

Until the entire japanese catalog I have is translated from japanese to english, you can read more about the GX-747 at Frank Oomen's website.