Akai AP-Q70

The Akai AP-Q70 is a high-quality, semi-automatic direct-drive turntable produced in Japan around 1980–1982, positioned near the top of Akai’s lineup at the time.

Technical Overview

Drive and Motor:

• Quartz synthesizer direct drive system with DC servo motor.

• Speeds supported: 33⅓ and 45 rpm.

• Wow and flutter: 0.025%, indicating very stable speed control.

• Rumble: 74 dB, reflecting low background noise.

Platter:

• Aluminum alloy die-cast platter designed for low resonance and smooth rotation.

• Diameter: approximately 310–314 mm.

Tonearm:

• Dynamic balanced tonearm.

• Effective length: 220 mm.

• Cartridge weight range: 6 to 14 grams (including headshell).

• Overhang: 15 mm.

• Offset angle: 22° 30'.

Operation and Features:

• Semi-automatic operation with soft-touch controls (except power button).

• Quartz lock with adjustable pitch control ±3% in 0.2% increments, displayed on an LED panel.

• Clear button to reset pitch.

• Platter and tonearm are suspended independently from the base for vibration isolation.

• Adjustable feet for leveling.

• Damped cueing mechanism.

• Anti-skate adjustable up to 2.5.

• Weight: approximately 9.8 kg.

• Dimensions: 440 mm (W) x 140 mm (H) x 400 mm (D).

Cartridge:

• Some models fitted with Ortofon LMB 12 MM cartridge (recommended tracking force 1.5 g).

• Cartridge is removable and headshell compatible.

Additional Notes:

• Original price was around 698 DM (Deutsche Mark).

• Known for precise speed control and solid build quality.

• Replacement parts such as belts and stylus are available.

• The “C” suffix in model numbers usually indicates factory-fitted cartridge versions.