Akai M8

The Akai M8 reel-to-reel tape deck is a mid-high fidelity, quarter-track stereo recorder produced in Japan between 1965 and 1968. It continued the “M” series lineage with tube electronics and the exclusive Akai "cross-field" biasing system that enhances sound quality. It offers tape speeds of 1 7/8, 3 3/4, and 7 1/2 inches per second and supports maximum reel sizes up to 7 inches.

The M8 uses three heads: erase, record/playback, and a cross-field bias head made from permalloy. It features a hysteresis synchronous two-speed motor (3,000 and 1,500 RPM) with capacitor start. The frequency response reaches up to 21 kHz at 7 1/2 ips, with wow and flutter under 0.15% at the highest speed. Signal-to-noise ratio is about 40 dB, total harmonic distortion around 2%, and crosstalk better than 53 dB.

The amplifier section delivers 6 watts per channel through two top-mounted monitor speakers, with options for external coaxial extension speakers. Inputs include low-level high-impedance microphone and high-level line inputs, with outputs for head and amplifier connections. The machine has large VU meters and features a "sound-on-sound" button enabling simultaneous playback and recording for track-to-track transfers.

Physically, it measures approximately 13 x 20 x 9 inches and weighs about 45 lbs (20.5 kg). The design is a continuation of the earlier Akai M6 and M7 styling, with a wooden cabinet and rugged construction for consumer use.