Akai AP-004D

The Akai AP-004D is a fully automatic 2-speed belt-drive turntable produced in Japan between 1973 and 1975. It is an enhanced variant of the AP-004, notable for its factory-fitted Shure M91ED moving magnet cartridge and refined automatic features.

Technical Overview

Turntable and Drive:

• Platter: 300 mm (11.8") aluminum alloy die-cast, designed for low resonance and stable rotation.

• Drive system: Belt drive powered by a 4-pole synchronous motor for the platter and a geared motor for tonearm drive.

• Speeds: 33⅓ and 45 rpm.

• Wow and flutter: 0.07% WRMS or less.

• Signal-to-noise ratio: 50 dB or better.

• Weight of platter: approximately 1.1 kg.

Tonearm:

• Type: Static balance tonearm with inside force canceller and lateral balance weight.

• Effective length: 220 mm.

• Overhang: 15 mm.

• Needle pressure adjustment range: 0 to 3 grams.

• Cartridge dead weight supported: 4 to 9.5 g (extendable to 16 g with sub-weight).

• Arm lifter: Oil-damped for smooth cueing.

• Headshell weight: 8.7 g.

Cartridge:

• Factory fitted Shure M91ED moving magnet cartridge.

• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

• Channel separation: 25 dB or more at 1 kHz.

• Output voltage: 5 mV (1 kHz, 50 mm/s).

• Recommended tracking force: 1.5 g.

• Compliance: 30 x 10^-6 cm/dyne.

• Load resistance: 47 kΩ to 100 kΩ.

• Channel balance: 2 dB.

Automatic Features:

• Full automatic operation including auto lead-in, auto lead-out, auto cut, and Oatley peat mechanisms.

• Automatic start, stop, and return of the tonearm at the end of the record.

• Automatic speed change between 33⅓ and 45 rpm.

Construction and Dimensions:

• Cabinet finished in walnut oil.

• Free-stop dust cover included.

• Dimensions: 503 mm (W) x 185 mm (H) x 410 mm (D).

• Weight: approximately 9 kg.

Power:

• Power supply: 100 VAC, 50/60 Hz.

• Power consumption: 11 watts.