Akai CS-705D 2-Head Stereo Cassette Deck CS 705 D Japan 1976

A beautifully built Akai tape deck from the 70s. The CS-705D cassette recorder was introduced in 1976. Externally the CS-705D has an elegant look with brushed aluminum front panel, smooth turning metallic record level knobs and wood case. Under the case we will find a mechanically operated one motor transport with multi belt and idler transmission, a characteristic of these early mechanisms. The heads are permalloy heads that can handle Low-Noise (Normal), Chrome and Ferro-Chrome tapes. Frequency response is 35-14000 Hz (LH), 35-15000Hz (Chrome) and 30-17000 (FeCr). From a distance the VU meters might appear slightly small but that's only because of the very large front panel (440*165 mm). In practice these are very nice, easy to read VU meters with a "classic" warm lighting. On the front panel we can find two microphone inputs while at the back we can find both RCA and 5-pin DIN standard sockets with a selector switch for the one to be used.

Recordings can be made with (or without) the use of the Dolby noise reduction circuit while the recording level can be adjusted independently for left and right channel. The CS-705D was also available in black finish and it was usually presented as a matching unit for Akai receivers. One interesting is the way the cassette door is constructed.

Even though it's only a basic model it has a very solid construction. This is a completely cleaned and restored cassette deck with new belts and idler tires. Recording and playback tested, all functions work properly. I only discovered after restoration that the model number is different on the cassette door (AC-3500L) and on the back panel (CS-705D). It’s probably because the cassette door was replaced from a AC-3500 (L) model that is an integrated tape deck / receiver Akai construction from the late 70s. Actually developed from the CS-705 model so I kept the CS-705D model name.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Akai Electric Co., Ltd.; Tokyo

Model: CS-705 D

Years of Manufacture: 1976-1978

Type: 2-head, stereo cassette deck

Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Made in: Japan

Color: Silver, housing wood

Dimensions (WHD): 440 x 165 x 300 mm

Weight: 6,8 kg

Technical data:

Type: 2-head, single compact cassette deck

Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Tape Speed: 4.75 cm/s

Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase

Motor: electronically speed controlled DC

Tape Type: type I, CrO2, FeCr

Noise Reduction: B

Frequency Response: 35Hz to 16kHz  (FeCr tape)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 61dB  (dolby B)

Wow and Flutter: 0.08%

Total Harmonic Distortion: 1.5%

Input: 70mV (line), 0.3mV (mic)

Output: 0.41V (line)

Semiconductors: 24 x transistors, 25 x diodes, 2 x IC

Tape selector: Fe, FeCr, CrO2

Shape: Book-shelf unit

Noise reduction: Dolby-B

Special features:

Recording level limiter

Peak level indicator

Automatic end stop

Electronically controlled DC motor 

International shipping in a hard cardboard box, carefully and safely lined.