Turntable Details
Drive
Direct
Motor
DC
Wow & Flutter %
0.04
Rumble [dB]
-75
Speed
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
11.20
Linear
1982
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
$450
Additional information
The Akai AP-L95 is a high-end, fully automatic direct-drive linear tracking turntable produced between 1981 and 1983 in Japan. It is regarded as Akai’s flagship model of the early 1980s, featuring advanced technology and precise engineering.
Technical Overview
Drive and Motor:
Quartz lock direct drive system with a DC brushless motor for highly stable and accurate platter rotation.
Speeds supported: 33⅓ and 45 rpm.
Wow and flutter: 0.04% (DIN), 0.02% (JIS), indicating excellent speed stability.
Rumble: 75 dB (DIN B), reflecting very low background noise.
Platter:
Zinc alloy die-cast platter designed for low resonance and smooth rotation.
Diameter: approximately 314 mm.
Tonearm:
Static balanced linear tracking tonearm with an effective length of 184 mm.
Stylus pressure adjustable from 0 to 3 grams.
Cartridge weight range: 4 to 10.5 grams.
Oil-damped arm lifter for smooth stylus placement.
Anti-skating mechanism included.
Equipped with a secondary motor for two-speed tonearm search.
Cartridge:
Factory-fitted with a dual magnet PC-95 (34M type) moving magnet cartridge.
Output voltage: approximately 5 mV (DIN 45541).
Channel separation: more than 25 dB (DIN 45543).
Operation and Features:
Fully automatic operation including play, repeat, and auto-return.
Track selection and programming in random order enabled by a secondary arm with built-in photo sensor and microprocessor control.
Automatic speed and disc size selection.
Play-repeat-stop modes.
Controls accessible with the top lid closed.
Built-in stroboscope lamp for speed verification.
Unique flat silver top cover with a transparent window over the arm section, giving a futuristic "spaceship-like" look.
Construction and Dimensions:
Dimensions: 440 mm (W) x 124 mm (H) x 410 mm (D).
Weight: approximately 11.2 kg.
Solid chassis with dust cover included.
Finished typically in silver.
Additional Notes:
Original sale price was high-end (approx. 3200 DM in Germany).
Known for reliability, precision, and advanced features rare for the time.
Requires careful setup but offers excellent analog playback fidelity.
Replacement belts and parts are available for maintenance.