Akai AA-1030 Instruction Manual

The AA-1030 was a stereo receiver manufactured by the Akai Corporation of Japan. It was 30-watts per channel with 8 Ω loads (at 20 Hz to 20 kHz and 0.3 % THD). Its dimensions are 440 mm × 140 mm × 350 mm, and mass 13 kg. This owner's instruction manual has some useful information regarding its features, connections, and specs.

Review

This is a wonderful all-analogue design that sounds extremely good. If you have been listening to modern surround sound systems with digital signal processors (DSPs), then this older Japanese design will be a real treat. Each channel has a symmetrical push-pull power output stage consisting of 2SD428 and 2SB558 complementary audio power output transistors. In addition, it has a wonderful discrete component bass and treble circuit design based on the 2SC1222 NPN transistors. With a good pair of loudspeakers, this receiver can sound amazing.

The tuner reception is good as well, and in this design they use a large open plate capacitor with dial needle connected by a tuning string mechanism. The tuner circuitry consists of µPC30C, LA1230, and LA3350A integrated circuits.

Cost/eBay

These early Japanese amplifiers are extremely popular with audiophiles due to the high quality sound. They do not appear often for sale, but a unit in good working order in mint condition is worth in excess of a hundred pounds. A unit in good condition, but burnt audio output transistors is still very desirable with engineers who wish to repair it and sample the sound quality.

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