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-L95C is a top-of-the-line, fully automatic direct-drive linear tracking turntable produced by Akai between 1981 and 1983. It is a refined version of the AP-L95, distinguished by its factory-fitted cartridge and advanced features.
Technical Overview
Drive and Motor:
Direct drive system with quartz lock for highly stable and precise platter rotation.
DC brushless motor.
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 (MM type) cartridge.
Cartridge leads pre-wired for easy connection.
Operation and Features:
Fully automatic operation including play, repeat, and auto-return.
Secondary arm with built-in photo sensor and microprocessor control allows track selection and programming in random order.
Automatic speed and disc size selection.
Play-repeat-stop modes.
All controls accessible with the top lid closed.
Unique flat silver top cover with a transparent window over the arm section, giving a distinctive "spaceship-like" appearance.
Built-in stroboscope lamp for speed verification.
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.
Replacement parts and service manuals are available.
Praised for smooth, accurate playback and ease of use.