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Akai 1800SD

Akai

Japan

Akai 1800SD

Tape Deck Details

Number of Motors

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Number of Heads

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Head Configuration

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Wow & Flutter

​

Signal-to-Noise [dB]

​

Dimensions [mm]

​

Weight [kg]

​

Year built

​

Head Composition

​

Equalization

​

Frequency Response

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Speed

1⅞, 3¾, 7½, 15

Max Reel [inch]

​

Tracks

​

1/4 Rec/PB

Price

User

Consumer

Additional Information

The Akai X-1800 SD is a combined stereo reel-to-reel tape recorder with an integral 8-track cartridge recorder produced from about 1968 to 1971. It is designed to offer versatility for both reel-to-reel and cartridge recording and playback in a portable format.


Technical Overview


  • Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo/monaural reel-to-reel system with 8-track stereo cartridge capability

  • Tape Speeds: Four speeds available — 1 7/8, 3 3/4, 7 1/2 ips for reel, and 38 cm/s (15 ips) with a special adapter

  • Motor: Single two-speed induction motor for tape transport

  • Heads: 3 permalloy heads for reel-to-reel (record, playback, erase)

  • Frequency Response:
    7 1/2 ips: 30 Hz to 23 kHz (±3 dB)
    3 3/4 ips: 30 Hz to 18 kHz (±3 dB)
    1 7/8 ips: 30 Hz to 9 kHz (±3 dB)

  • Wow and Flutter:
    Reel: < 0.12% at 7 1/2 ips, < 0.15% at 3 3/4 ips, < 0.2% at 1 7/8 ips
    Cartridge: < 0.25%

  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Better than 50 dB (reel), better than 45 dB (cartridge)

  • Total Harmonic Distortion: Less than 1.5% (at 1 kHz)

  • Amplified Output: 4 watts RMS per channel into two built-in 4" speakers

  • Inputs: Microphone (0.5 mV / 50 kohm), Line (60 mV / 150 kohm)

  • Outputs: RCA line out (1.23 V at 0 VU), headphone output (150 mV at 8 ohms), extension speaker terminals (6 W at 8 ohms)

  • Dimensions: 381 mm (W) x 343 mm (H) x 241 mm (D)

  • Weight: 17 kg (37.4 lbs)

  • Power Consumption: 60W

  • Power Supply: Multi-voltage AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz

  • Special Features:
    Akai patented crossfield recording system with a separate bias head for improved audio fidelity
    Pause control, straight-through amplifier mode, monitoring and input mixing
    Supports vertical and horizontal operation
    Auto shut-off feature to protect tape and machine
    Remote speaker compatibility

The Akai X-1800 SD represents a sophisticated and versatile deck from the late 1960s and early 1970s, popular among home audio enthusiasts for its combination of reel-to-reel and 8-track cartridge recording/playback with strong technical performance and durable design.

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