Very Rare Akai Stereo Deluxe 1959 Reel to Reel Tube Preamps

First commercially available stereo (dual mono) prosumer reel to reel in the USA!
In 1958, AKAI made the Standard Terecorder which was a mono machine, in 1959 Akai made the Terecorder AKAISTEREO which was the same machine but with a stereo head and a second amplifier housed in a separate box, in 1960 the AKAI Stereo DeLuxe (half-side) was produced, same basic construction, it was possible this was the European version of the Terecorder which seemed to only be sold in the USA. The two units connect together via one cable, this cable contains the record and replay signals, to record in stereo, you need to set both units into record mode unlike their later machines where one record lever activated both amplifies.

The machine powers on, the preamps pass audio and have been used on recent recordings to GREAT effect. We tested this unit with a tape and it sounds amazing. The fabric on the cords for the microphones is deteriorated pretty bad but the wires themselves are fine.

This unit was brought back over from Japan by a US Serviceman in 1959.

Akai produced over 100 models of reel to reel tape recorders. This is one that is very rare. When stereo came along, it looks like Akai created their first stereo recorder by adding a 2 track head, stereo outputs and a second smaller unit to house the second channel electronics and speaker. This unit has a switchable head to go from Full track to 2 channel Half track. Pretty cool unit. Most unusual styling.

- Please look at pictures for condition
- We do offer Combined Shipping
- Unless otherwise notes all items we offer are Original
- Every item from Piddle Crick Hill Mercantile is guaranteed authentic with a 30-day money back guarantee

- The items pictured are of the actual items you will receive
- We do our absolute best to identify any flaws
- Please refer to the pictures for precise details
- Items will be carefully packaged for shipping
- If you have any specific questions please ask before purchase!