Akai 1721W

The Akai 1721W is a vintage reel-to-reel tape recorder from the early to mid-1970s, recognized for being a budget-friendly yet well-equipped model aimed at home users. It features solid-state all-silicon transistor circuitry housed in an attractive walnut wood cabinet.

Technical Overview

• Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo/monaural system

• Heads: 2 heads — 1 combined record/playback, 1 erase head (permalloy composition)

• Tape Speeds: 3 speeds — 1 7/8, 3 3/4, and 7 1/2 inches per second (ips)

• Motor: 2-speed induction motor

• Reel Size: Supports reels up to 7 inches in diameter

• Frequency Response:
  At 7 1/2 ips: 21 Hz to 30 kHz (using Akai SRT tape)
  At 3 3/4 ips: 40 Hz to 15 kHz (using Akai SRT tape)

• Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.14% at 7 1/2 ips, less than 0.18% at 3 3/4 ips

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Approximately 50 dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 2% (at 1 kHz, 0 VU)

• Crosstalk: Approx. 45 dB (stereo), 60 dB (monaural)

• Output Power: 10 watts total music power (5 W per channel), with two built-in 5” x 7” oval speakers

• Inputs/Outputs:
  Inputs: 150 mV line, 15 mV DIN, 0.5 mV microphone
  Outputs: 1.23 V line, 1 V DIN, headphone output (100 mV at 8 Ohms)

• Controls & Features:
  Auto shut-off switch to protect tape
  Separate left and right recording level controls and volume/tone controls
  VU meters and 3-digit tape counter
  Tape lifter for smooth start/stop
  NAB equalization

• Power Supply: Multi-voltage 100–220 V AC, 50/60 Hz with 45W power consumption

• Physical Dimensions: 358 mm wide x 360 mm high x 248 mm deep (approx. 14.3" x 14.2" x 9.7")

• Weight: Approximately 13.2 kg (29 lbs)

• Finish: Walnut wood cabinet (W version)

Summary

The Akai 1721W stands out as an excellent budget reel-to-reel tape recorder in the early '70s offering solid sound fidelity, across a broad frequency range with relatively low wow and flutter. It is built with durable transistor circuitry and housed in a stylish walnut cabinet with integrated speakers and versatile tape speed and track options. It hits a sweet spot between affordability and performance for home recording enthusiasts and vintage audio collectors.