Turntable Details
Drive
Direct
Motor
DC
Wow & Flutter %
0.04
Rumble [dB]
-74
Speed
Dimensions [mm]
Platter Material
Platter Diameter [mm]
Total Weight [kg]
Tonearm
Year Built
10.00
S-shaped
Platter Weight [kg]
Plinth Material
Price
Additional information
The Akai AP-Q80 is a high-quality, fully automatic quartz synthesizer direct-drive turntable produced in Japan between 1980 and 1982. It is positioned near the top of Akai’s turntable lineup of that era, offering advanced features and precise speed control.
Technical Overview
Drive and Motor:
Quartz synthesizer direct drive with DC servo motor.
Fully automatic operation.
Speeds supported: 33⅓ and 45 rpm.
Wow and flutter: approximately 0.025%.
Rumble: 74 dB.
Pitch control with ±3% adjustment in 0.2% increments, displayed on an LED panel.
Quartz lock can be finely calibrated for precise speed control.
Platter:
310–314 mm aluminum alloy die-cast platter designed for low resonance and smooth rotation.
Platter and tonearm are suspended independently from the base for excellent vibration isolation.
Tonearm:
Dynamic balanced tonearm made of magnesium alloy with a magnesium headshell.
Effective length: 220 mm.
Cartridge weight range: 6 to 14 grams including headshell.
Overhang: 15 mm.
Offset angle: 22° 30'.
Damped cueing mechanism.
Adjustable anti-skating up to 2.5.
Tonearm suspension contributes to resonance control at about 10 Hz, optimal for cartridge compatibility.
Operation and Features:
Fully automatic operation with soft-touch sensor buttons.
Digital LED display for pitch adjustment.
Clear button to reset pitch to zero.
Independent suspension of platter and tonearm for vibration isolation.
Adjustable feet for leveling.
Removable dust cover.
Weight: approximately 9.8 kg.
Dimensions: 440 mm (W) x 140 mm (H) x 400 mm (D).
Cartridge:
Typically sold without cartridge; compatible with Ortofon LMB 12 or similar cartridges.
Cartridge and headshell are removable and user-replaceable.
Additional Notes:
The AP-Q80 is praised for its precise speed stability, excellent vibration isolation, and well-controlled tonearm resonance.
Service manuals and repair information are available for maintenance.
Considered a step above the AP-Q70 model in terms of features and build quality.