GX747

About the GX747

The Akai GX-747 is a high-fidelity reel-to-reel tape machine produced by Akai between 1981 and 1985 in Japan. It features a 4-track, 2-channel stereo system with auto-reverse capability. The machine is equipped with six heads: 2 GX recording heads, 2 GX playback heads, and 2 erase heads, arranged symmetrically for an accurate and stable tape path. It supports tape speeds of 3¾ and 7½ ips with pitch control allowing ±6% speed variation. The GX-747 uses three motors: one AC servo motor for the capstan and two AC eddy current motors for the reels, ensuring stable tape transport and low wow and flutter (0.03% WRMS at 7½ ips). It offers a frequency response of 25 Hz to 33 kHz at 7½ ips and a signal-to-noise ratio better than 65 dB. Inputs include microphone (0.25 mV), line (70 mV), and DIN (2 mV), with outputs for line (0.775 V), DIN (0.3 V), and headphones (6.3 mm jack). The unit measures 440 x 483 x 256 mm, weighs 21 kg, and consumes 80 W of power. It was originally priced around 1300 USD equivalent and came in silver or black finishes. Additional features include a remote control (RC-90 wired), timer start, bias adjust, and auto mute. The GX-747 is noted for warm, crisp sound quality and reliable long-term performance.