Akai GX-646 Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck Red Serviced w/ Hubs Reel - 1 Year Warranty

AKAI GX-646 REEL-TO-REEL TAPE DECK – CUSTOM RED FINISH – SERVICED / RECAPPED – 1-YEAR WARRANTY

Professionally Restored by HQaudios – Fully Tested – Backed by Our 1-Year Warranty

IMPORTANT PRE-ORDER / SHIPPING NOTE

This unit is scheduled to ship out on or around July 10, 2026.

Please purchase only if you are comfortable with this estimated shipping schedule. The unit will go through final inspection, QC testing, and secure packing before shipment.

ABOUT THIS AKAI GX-646

The Akai GX-646 is a highly desirable vintage reel-to-reel tape deck known for its smooth auto-reverse operation, strong transport system, and long-lasting GX glass & crystal ferrite heads.

This unit has been professionally serviced, restored, calibrated, and tested by HQaudios. It also features a custom bold red finish, giving it a rare collector-grade appearance that stands out from standard GX-646 units.

This is a great piece for collectors, analog tape lovers, studio display setups, and anyone who wants both vintage performance and a bold visual statement.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Custom Bold Red Finish – rare, eye-catching collector look
• Auto-Reverse Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck
• 4-Track / 2-Channel Stereo System
• 6-Head Design
• GX Glass & Crystal Ferrite Heads
• 3-Motor Direct-Drive Transport
• Dual Capstan Stability
• Auto-Reverse Playback and Recording
• Electronic Logic Control
• Accepts up to 10.5-inch reels
• Dual Speed: 3 3/4 ips and 7 1/2 ips
• Fully serviced, cleaned, lubricated, calibrated, and tested
• Pinch rollers replaced or reconditioned as needed
• Tested over 3-hour continuous run
• Includes side panels, hubs, and empty reel tape
• 1-Year Warranty Included

SOUND CHARACTER

The Akai GX-646 delivers the classic analog tape sound that reel-to-reel collectors love:

• Clean and detailed high frequencies
• Strong stereo imaging
• Smooth midrange
• Stable tape movement
• Balanced left and right channel output
• Low wow & flutter at 7 1/2 ips
• Excellent playback fidelity from the GX head design

The GX heads are designed for durability and excellent tape contact, helping this deck deliver consistent playback performance over time.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Track System: Auto reverse, 4-track, 2-channel stereo system
• Heads: 2 x GX record, 2 x GX playback, 2 x erase
• Motor System: 2 x reel drive motors, 1 x capstan motor
• Reel Size: Up to 10.5-inch reel
• Tape Speeds: 3 3/4 ips and 7 1/2 ips
• Wow & Flutter: 0.03% at 7 1/2 ips
• Frequency Response: 25Hz to 33kHz at 7 1/2 ips
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 65dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.4%
• Input: 70mV line, 2mV DIN, 0.25mV microphone
• Output: 0.775V line, 0.3V DIN
• Dimensions: 440 x 483 x 256 mm
• Weight: 21 kg / approx. 46.3 lbs

SERVICE & RESTORATION DETAILS

This Akai GX-646 has been professionally serviced and tested by HQaudios.

Electronic Service

• Aged capacitors were replaced as needed, especially in the power supply and audio path
• Critical transistors and diodes were checked and replaced if out of specification
• Loose or oxidized solder joints were repaired
• Power supply was inspected and adjusted for stable operation
• Signal path was tested for clean and balanced output

Mechanical Service

• Transport mechanism cleaned and lubricated
• Motors, capstan, pinch rollers, and moving parts inspected
• Belts replaced where needed
• Pinch rollers replaced or reconditioned as needed
• Reel movement and tape handling tested under operating conditions

Heads & Tape Path

• Tape heads cleaned and polished
• Tape path inspected and adjusted
• Head azimuth and height aligned for clear playback
• Tape contact checked for proper performance

Calibration & Testing

• Speed calibrated to factory specification
• Bias and EQ adjusted for balanced playback and recording performance
• Auto-reverse function tested
• Left and right channels tested for clean output
• Tested over a 3-hour continuous run for stability, channel balance, auto-reverse function, and playback fidelity

COSMETIC CONDITION

This unit has a custom bold red finish, giving it a unique and striking look compared with standard Akai GX-646 models.

It presents very well and is ideal for a collector setup, listening room, studio display, or vintage audio collection.

Please review all photos carefully. As with all vintage equipment, minor cosmetic signs of age or handling may be present.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Akai GX-646 Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck
• Custom Red Finish
• Side Panels
• Hubs
• Empty Reel Tape

Only the items shown and listed above are included. Please message us before purchase if you have any questions about included accessories.

TECHNICAL CONDITION

This unit has been serviced, cleaned, lubricated, calibrated, electronically tested, and QC checked by HQaudios.

Tested functions include:

• Playback
• Recording-related functions
• Auto-reverse operation
• Reel movement
• Capstan operation
• Tape handling
• Channel balance
• Audio output
• Extended continuous operation

This unit is ready for serious vintage tape use. For best results, please use good-quality tape and operate the machine properly.

SHIPPING & PACKING

This reel-to-reel deck is heavy and will be packed carefully for safe shipment.

We use protective packing materials and careful handling to help reduce the risk of shipping damage.

Estimated ship-out date: July 10, 2026

WARRANTY & SUPPORT

This Akai GX-646 is backed by our 1-Year Warranty.

Once your item arrives, if you have any questions about setup, operation, tape handling, or proper use, please contact us first. We are happy to help before any return request is opened.

HQaudios focuses on vintage audio restoration, careful packing, and after-sale support.

TRADE-IN PROGRAM

If you have vintage audio equipment such as receivers, amplifiers, speakers, cassette decks, or reel-to-reel machines and want to upgrade to one of our serviced units, please contact us for a trade-in offer.

You only need to pay the difference between your unit and ours after the trade-in value is agreed upon.

SERVICE & RESTORATION AVAILABLE

HQaudios also provides repair, restoration, and custom service for vintage audio equipment.

If you have a receiver, amplifier, speaker, cassette deck, or reel-to-reel machine that needs service, restoration, recapping, calibration, or custom work, feel free to contact us.

FINAL NOTE

This Akai GX-646 Custom Red Reel-to-Reel Tape Deck combines vintage analog performance, professional service, a rare custom look, included accessories, extended testing, and HQaudios warranty support.

A beautiful choice for collectors and serious analog tape enthusiasts.

Professionally Restored by HQaudios – Fully Tested – Carefully Packed – 1-Year Warranty Included