Turntable Details
Drive
Belt
Motor
AC
Wow & Flutter %
Rumble [dB]
Speed
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
300
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
Straight
1993
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
£180
Additional information
The Akai AP-A950 is a 2-speed belt-drive turntable system produced in the 1980s, known for its solid build and quality components.
Technical Overview
Drive and Motor:
Belt drive mechanism powered by a low vibration AC motor.
Supports 33⅓ and 45 rpm speeds.
Stable and quiet motor operation designed to minimize noise and vibration.
Platter:
300 mm wooden platter, providing good damping and resonance control compared to typical aluminum platters.
Tonearm:
Static balanced tonearm with integral anti-skating mechanism.
Designed for precise tracking and minimal distortion.
Typically fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-95E moving magnet cartridge.
Recommended tracking force for the cartridge: 1.5 to 2.5 grams.
Performance:
Wow and flutter and rumble specifications are consistent with quality belt-drive turntables of the era, offering stable speed and low noise floor.
Signal-to-noise ratio and other detailed specs are not explicitly listed but are generally in line with mid-1980s Akai turntables.
Construction and Dimensions:
Dimensions approximately 440 mm (W) x 140 mm (H) x 360 mm (D).
Solid plinth construction designed to reduce vibrations.
Includes a dust cover.
Additional Notes:
The turntable comes factory-fitted with a mains plug conforming to BS1363 with a 3 Amp fuse.
Replacement parts such as belts and stylus cartridges are available.
The wooden platter is a distinctive feature that offers a warmer sound character.
The AP-A950 is considered a reliable and good-sounding vintage turntable, suitable for both casual and audiophile listening.