Akai GX-255

August
1 9 7 9 august 1979
1 9 8 2 1982

Small-reel sibling to the GX-620 presented two months before the latter, the GX-255 is a revised version of previous recorders such as the GX-635D - time to save pennies for Akai, then very soon to be directly operated by Diatone/Mitsubishi.

The GX-255 is a four-head recorder for auto-reverse operation (in playback mode only) powered by the SCM-200B AC Servo motor found on most late 1970s/early 1980s Akai open-reel decks.

Export versions have a track selector, domestic models have a rec mute switch instead (as shown here) ; all have IC logic controls and solenoid-operated pause mode.

Otherwise it is a GX-620 is lodgeable format, with a pinch roller placed below the capstan.
A very pretty design as well, discrete and very finely chiseled, with a transparent glass head-cover and backlit transport pads.

If less remembered than the GX-77 cutie, the GX-255 is a far better mechanical design and it sounds as such.


All about the GX-55 at Frank Oomen's and at Steven L. Bender's (middle of the page there).

Akai GX-255, image 1 Akai GX-255, image 2 Akai GX-255, image 3
Akai GX-255 specifications
Title Value
Speeds : 9,5cm/s (± 1%)
19cm/s (± 0,8%)
Wow & flutter : < 0,04% WRMS (19cm/s)
< 0,06% WRMS (9,5cm/s)
0,10% (DIN, 19cm/s)
0,12% (DIN, 9,5cm/s)
Frequency response : 30Hz...24Khz (19cm/s, ± 3dB)
30Hz...19Khz (9,5cm/s, ± 3dB)
THD : < 0,5% (1Khz 0VU)
S/N ratio : > 61dB (DIN 45500, 19cm/s)
Erasure ratio : > 70dB (1Khz)
Crosstalk : > 40dB (1Khz)
Stereo separation : > 55dB (1Khz)
Bias : 100Khz
Heads : 1x GX for redord
1x GX for erase
2x GX for playback
Motors : 1x SCM200B AC Servo for capstan
2x eddy current for reels
FF/Rew time : 75s (360m tape)
Inputs : 0,25mV / 600 Ohm (MIC)
0,70mV / 100kOhm (line in)
Outputs : 0,775V (0VU), 20kOhm load (line out)
100mV / 8 Ohm (phones)
Dimensions : 44 x 41,9 x 24,2cm
Weight : 16kg.
List price : 660$ (1980)
135,000¥ (1979)
page online since : november 2010
page updated : november 2010
page type : LGT / KNB
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