My dad had an early 90s Akai amp and to this day I've never heard anything better. I can't recall the model no. but it wasn't a huge monster thing, it wasn't a slim feeble thing either, it was a 80w but my God did it had some serious thrust and detail to boot. I suppose it was on par with Sansui or Musical Fidelity.
I just bought an AM-95 of off EBay for 345 Euros from Germany! It was an little hidden auction and I am so happy. Until it came today to The Netherlands. The amp was badly packed and really damaged on the edges and the selector pcb was cracked all the way over. I am currently repairing and it’s a delicate work. If it wasn’t treated bad it was near mint, so sad. But anyway, can’t wait to hook it to my Maggies!
I bought two of these. AM-95 and AM-93. The second had issue with the DAC power regulator, so I fixed it. What cleaner spray did you use for yours? I used CRC and after a while the switches are problematic again.
Beautiful amp! Even the smaller ones do sound full and powerful. I once bought an AM-49 and it sounds better than the Yamaha AX-570 - it's, in my opinion, less harsh & metallic.
I got a nice AM-32 from a Goodwill here in the USA for $25 and I have to say, it is pretty damn good. Only had it a few days so really haven't put it through much. But yes, like you say, the bass is very good. Can't wait to really sit back and see how it "sounds" compared to my Mac receiver.
It strongly depends on the state and condition of the Mac receiver. If they're in good shape, the Akai will bite the dust miserably, I'm affraid. Those machines play in very different leagues.
Hello! Could you please tell me in akai am-93 you can disconnect the digital board(dac) by disconnecting the two connectors from it?! Is this not going to have any consequences?
I have an Akai AM UO3 stereo amplifier, and only seen one in operation on YT. It has external links to connect directly to the main power stage, and it works very well. Like yours though, the input switches and tone controls need the 'clean up'.. Over many years (mine was a 1980 build), old lubricant, oxidation of contacts, and solder flux affects their operation...
I have agreed to buy it should arrive next week .my present amp is Primare A30 1.i will compare and let you know.I decided to look for the Akai after i saw your video.
wow, nice amp! looking forward to the blind test...maybe i get a reason to switch my sony 333esx. mine seems to get really hot...its this normal or do you think i need to set the bias?
Hello Andrew. Nice video and amplifier. I'm planning on buying Sansui Au-X911DG but this model got me curious. I saw you have video with 911DG. Which one is better sounding amplifier in your opinion - Sansui AU-X911DG or Akai AM-93? Thank
I own AM-939 which doesn't sound that nice, not enough bass and too much treble but this model sounds beautiful. Nice review and this model is very rare, I think you should keep this as it will be hard to replace. Nice find Andrew. Akai is slowly moving up the ladder in the vintage audio world thanks to you. I own a Luxman R-1120 and my Akai sounds better. Cheers from Australia.
I kept the tuner and amp but sold the cd player. The guy was not very disappointed because he bought 8 other rare things from me including the sansui g-901db. It's now almost a week this things play for me in the living room and i enjoy every minute from it when my favorite tuner station is on. I bought the complete set for 150, sold the cd player for 165 so have the tuner and amp for free. I almost sold the set for 600 but after good thinking I knew it would be hard to find again. I also didn't had 1 amp to replace it, tested 6 amps that day hoping one of them would come close so i could sell it for 600...happy that i didn't sold it.
Glad you kept the amp and tuner, you will enjoy it for many years to come. One day I might find the same model to hook up to my IMF-RSPM speakers. Keep posting reviews I enjoy watching them very much just like a lot of other fans around the world. Cheers.
hi....how do I get to the volume controls on a pioneer 1250sx as its noisy (crackly)..is it easier to access and clean from underneath the unit...?...thanks.
i use elecro contact spray from the brand skandia, buy these online from the dutch firm argadi but i believe there are also shops selling this brand. I had several other brands before but this brand give me the best results and the price is good. I saw that you have ore had a sony 808! I think this akai series sound better as the sony es series, do you agree with me ore do you have another opinion?
Hello Andrew, so I follow your advice and I just scored a Akai am73. It should be here in Jamaica a few weeks, I’ll let you know. My Marantz sr8002 (preamp bypassed with modified BK Reference 30 or 50) just died a few moths ago. We will see if this Akai can match the Marantz ok.
Hi... i have the same Model Akai AM93 bought it last week... Is it any good? some issues with the right channel output.. i hope it sounds goog... which speakers you recommend for this?
they are the best, just clean the switches, i had the same problem. not sure wich speakers, bought canton karat 709 dc yesterday but didn't test it yet. How much you paid?
i am in Duabi.. i got it for $100.. The guy who sold he told akai were not that great so he didn't even try it..he told me akai didnt mae good amps..after seeing you video and considering your experience i think i did great...wht spray did u use to clean the pots?
it doesn't matter, just buy contact spray. try the spray on your hand first. if it let a sticky substance its not good. good contact spray you can buy every where, don't know the brands you have there. 100$ is a big joke People who say akai didn't made good amps don't know nothing, The sound of this amps is so good that it can compete with high end. Not sure which cd is good, try to find a cd player from the same akai series. The sony you mentioned is good
Heb een am 69 op de kop kunnen tikken voor €65 ...direct source en select knop waren smerig (geluid viel af en toe weg op een kanaal) knoppen gereinigd en klinkt als een Zwitsers klokje.... volgende jacht wordt deze!! Hou je gezond en mazzel!!
Andrew thank you for your good thinking and honest review! I am twisting my mind about getting a AM-95. Will I make a mistake or should I go for it? I wanna hear your opinion since many people say it sounds hard not soft, but I do not believe them...I feel this is a good one. Please tell me what do you think. Dank je wel
Hallo Andrew, de knoppen lijken erg op die van de Denon PMA 700V,die ik ook heb. Klinkt inderdaad erg mooi en warm (de Denon en Sansui AU-719 ook trouwens)
for the looks the m504 wins yes , for the sound sansui g-901db and accuphase e-202 on first place, second akai am-93 but the akai is second hand much cheaper, third onkyo m504. When you have a budget from 500 the akai wins, the onkyo is togheter with the pre amp a bit more expensive, the e-202 is about 1000euro and the sansui is between 1200 and 1500 euro...but i didn't test all amps so I am sure that in the future there will be some more amps in that top 3
@@vintagestereo got mine for 175.00 US in almost perfect condtion i went ahead and replaced caps and transitors it was a tuff job on amp i have preamp torn down from cleaning and going to replace caps only in pre amp Nichicons i have about 12 hours of hard work in the m504 but it sounds amazing now i hooked up my new 800.00 Pioneer elite SXn30 Hi-Res network reciever to m504 The pioneer elite has 2 full range preouts and 2 subwoofer preouts and an awesome built in Dac best class AB reciever i have owned in 31 years so clean and lots of bass even in direct mode and they sale for under 350.00 US now refurbished its a true gem at 100watts low distrotion wifi/Bt streamer all gold inner connects all Nichicon caps and Toshiba's output transitors its a great time to be into hifi
vintage stereo Yes, here in Finland Akai was *mostly known* for their cheaper stereo systems, kitchen radios, boom boxes etc, and excellent vhs recorders. It was very well known brand among musicians for their pro equipment.
please use contact spray only as your last choice , dust will only stick more and more after use. First try compressed air , it will do the trick a lot better.,, I sure don't want to buy this dreadfull sprayed up akai, ;(
compressed air never do the job, i tried it often. i only use compressed air after i used the contact spray to get rid of the residue what stayed behind.
use a real compressor wiith 8bar at least , for me it does this job perfectly for years and years @ lots of different amps and recievers + also volume / balance / bass / treble pots. You don't get rid of dust with this spray , the dust moves easely because it is lubricant . After it is dried up the dust problem is there again with even more dust problems becauae it is sticky. Spray is a No Go , easy but very bad solution
Just did the same for mine. The sound and memories of my dad (who handed it down to me) are bringing tears to my eyes.
Any tips on how to do this with the bottom row of switches? My "rec selector" is giving me issues.
My dad had an early 90s Akai amp and to this day I've never heard anything better. I can't recall the model no. but it wasn't a huge monster thing, it wasn't a slim feeble thing either, it was a 80w but my God did it had some serious thrust and detail to boot. I suppose it was on par with Sansui or Musical Fidelity.
I just bought an AM-95 of off EBay for 345 Euros from Germany! It was an little hidden auction and I am so happy. Until it came today to The Netherlands. The amp was badly packed and really damaged on the edges and the selector pcb was cracked all the way over. I am currently repairing and it’s a delicate work. If it wasn’t treated bad it was near mint, so sad.
But anyway, can’t wait to hook it to my Maggies!
Similar thing happend to a Pioneer A-676 that I bought on the cheap - people are such asshats.
I bought two of these. AM-95 and AM-93. The second had issue with the DAC power regulator, so I fixed it. What cleaner spray did you use for yours? I used CRC and after a while the switches are problematic again.
Beautiful amp!
Even the smaller ones do sound full and powerful.
I once bought an AM-49 and it sounds better than the Yamaha AX-570 - it's, in my opinion, less harsh & metallic.
I got a nice AM-32 from a Goodwill here in the USA for $25 and I have to say, it is pretty damn good. Only had it a few days so really haven't put it through much. But yes, like you say, the bass is very good. Can't wait to really sit back and see how it "sounds" compared to my Mac receiver.
It strongly depends on the state and condition of the Mac receiver.
If they're in good shape, the Akai will bite the dust miserably, I'm affraid.
Those machines play in very different leagues.
Electronics circuit is a true high end... for sure the sound is awesome
the sound is crazy
Hello! Could you please tell me in akai am-93 you can disconnect the digital board(dac) by disconnecting the two connectors from it?! Is this not going to have any consequences?
not sure
I have an Akai AM UO3 stereo amplifier, and only seen one in operation on YT. It has external links to connect directly to the main power stage, and it works very well. Like yours though, the input switches and tone controls need the 'clean up'.. Over many years (mine was a 1980 build), old lubricant, oxidation of contacts, and solder flux affects their operation...
Sounds great ,think i might have an AM95 on the way.Is it safe to clean the switches with silicone spray ?.
wow, please let me know what your conclusion is
Hello........what is your opinion about Pioneer A717 Mark 2 ??
Thank you very much.
I have agreed to buy it should arrive next week .my present amp is Primare A30 1.i will compare and let you know.I decided to look for the Akai after i saw your video.
wow, nice amp! looking forward to the blind test...maybe i get a reason to switch my sony 333esx. mine seems to get really hot...its this normal or do you think i need to set the bias?
probably the bias
This is the only way to clean the pots?
Hello Andrew. Nice video and amplifier. I'm planning on buying Sansui Au-X911DG but this model got me curious. I saw you have video with 911DG. Which one is better sounding amplifier in your opinion - Sansui AU-X911DG or Akai AM-93? Thank
Very hard choice. Both very nice sounding.
@@vintagestereo Thanks. I'm a Sansui guy. I also have CD-X711 and TU-X711 so probably Au-X911DG will be my choice
@@vintagestereo I bought AU-X911DG in like new factory condition with remote control, users manual and even box
I own AM-939 which doesn't sound that nice, not enough bass and too much treble but this model sounds beautiful. Nice review and this model is very rare, I think you should keep this as it will be hard to replace. Nice find Andrew. Akai is slowly moving up the ladder in the vintage audio world thanks to you. I own a Luxman R-1120 and my Akai sounds better. Cheers from Australia.
I kept the tuner and amp but sold the cd player. The guy was not very disappointed because he bought 8 other rare things from me including the sansui g-901db. It's now almost a week this things play for me in the living room and i enjoy every minute from it when my favorite tuner station is on. I bought the complete set for 150, sold the cd player for 165 so have the tuner and amp for free. I almost sold the set for 600 but after good thinking I knew it would be hard to find again. I also didn't had 1 amp to replace it, tested 6 amps that day hoping one of them would come close so i could sell it for 600...happy that i didn't sold it.
Glad you kept the amp and tuner, you will enjoy it for many years to come. One day I might find the same model to hook up to my IMF-RSPM speakers. Keep posting reviews I enjoy watching them very much just like a lot of other fans around the world. Cheers.
hi....how do I get to the volume controls on a pioneer 1250sx as its noisy (crackly)..is it easier to access and clean from underneath the unit...?...thanks.
Just purchased AM73, to replace my Onkyo A8190…..what are your thought on either amplifier?
I really don't know, if it was the am93(i know) it would be a step forward. Not sure how the 73 sound
Nice find Andrew! There's a little brother to this amp- am-52 I might give a try. Looks good!
I have here the am-27, the 52 and the 57, have to review them soon.
You're a lucky man.
+vintage stereo please do A27 review first
iris you have that amp?
I have other movies already filmed, only have to edit them and upload but for you I will do the am-27, next week Friday online...
I have an akai stereo but not used for more than 12 years can u help me out to restore it
mine AM-73 have also dropouts switch, witch cleaning spray do you use ? and for how long will it stay good ? great review Andrew thank U
i use elecro contact spray from the brand skandia, buy these online from the dutch firm argadi but i believe there are also shops selling this brand. I had several other brands before but this brand give me the best results and the price is good. I saw that you have ore had a sony 808! I think this akai series sound better as the sony es series, do you agree with me ore do you have another opinion?
I use recently KONTAKT-61, its better now, but when its come back i go to the professional
What about the Akai AM3000?
Hello Andrew, so I follow your advice and I just scored a Akai am73. It should be here in Jamaica a few weeks, I’ll let you know. My Marantz sr8002 (preamp bypassed with modified BK Reference 30 or 50) just died a few moths ago. We will see if this Akai can match the Marantz ok.
How does it sound? I just purchased one in concourse condition…..,to replace my Onkyo A8190. Hope it is good.
I very seldom see Akai stereo receivers or any other sound equipment in the U.S.for that matter. Are they made in Japan?
Yup
Just bought the AM-73 for 14£... Hoping i can make it work smoothly!
.sound is awesome beautiful amp.
Hi... i have the same Model Akai AM93 bought it last week... Is it any good? some issues with the right channel output.. i hope it sounds goog... which speakers you recommend for this?
they are the best, just clean the switches, i had the same problem. not sure wich speakers, bought canton karat 709 dc yesterday but didn't test it yet. How much you paid?
i am in Duabi.. i got it for $100.. The guy who sold he told akai were not that great so he didn't even try it..he told me akai didnt mae good amps..after seeing you video and considering your experience i think i did great...wht spray did u use to clean the pots?
i am also lloking for a vintage high end CD player.. was thinking about SONY XA7ES.. what u suggest
it doesn't matter, just buy contact spray. try the spray on your hand first. if it let a sticky substance its not good. good contact spray you can buy every where, don't know the brands you have there. 100$ is a big joke People who say akai didn't made good amps don't know nothing, The sound of this amps is so good that it can compete with high end. Not sure which cd is good, try to find a cd player from the same akai series. The sony you mentioned is good
don't use wd 40 to clean the switches and potmeters, only use dedicated contact electro spray.
Nice review Andrew. Does am-93 beat am-2850 in sound quality?
i am not 100% sure, it's 2 years back but it is less warmer but more detailed.
Heb een am 69 op de kop kunnen tikken voor €65 ...direct source en select knop waren smerig (geluid viel af en toe weg op een kanaal) knoppen gereinigd en klinkt als een Zwitsers klokje.... volgende jacht wordt deze!! Hou je gezond en mazzel!!
zeer goede koop
Andrew thank you for your good thinking and honest review! I am twisting my mind about getting a AM-95. Will I make a mistake or should I go for it? I wanna hear your opinion since many people say it sounds hard not soft, but I do not believe them...I feel this is a good one. Please tell me what do you think. Dank je wel
if you can find one for a good price I would go for it, where are you based?
We want more video like this.
Is this amp better sounding than Akai AA 1175 ?
yes, much better
@@vintagestereo thank you
Hallo Andrew, de knoppen lijken erg op die van de Denon PMA 700V,die ik ook heb.
Klinkt inderdaad erg mooi en warm (de Denon en Sansui AU-719 ook trouwens)
maar de sansui klinkt beter
Dat is waar
The Akai am u 61 is also a verrygood amp
love aka I so good for price
akai or sansui or revox ?
Grundig Rosita Ar 6500
wow nice amp
I thought the onkyo integra M504 was your favorite amp ever
for the looks the m504 wins yes , for the sound sansui g-901db and accuphase e-202 on first place, second akai am-93 but the akai is second hand much cheaper, third onkyo m504. When you have a budget from 500 the akai wins, the onkyo is togheter with the pre amp a bit more expensive, the e-202 is about 1000euro and the sansui is between 1200 and 1500 euro...but i didn't test all amps so I am sure that in the future there will be some more amps in that top 3
@@vintagestereo got mine for 175.00 US in almost perfect condtion i went ahead and replaced caps and transitors it was a tuff job on amp i have preamp torn down from cleaning and going to replace caps only in pre amp Nichicons i have about 12 hours of hard work in the m504 but it sounds amazing now i hooked up my new 800.00 Pioneer elite SXn30 Hi-Res network reciever to m504 The pioneer elite has 2 full range preouts and 2 subwoofer preouts and an awesome built in Dac best class AB reciever i have owned in 31 years so clean and lots of bass even in direct mode and they sale for under 350.00 US now refurbished its a true gem at 100watts low distrotion wifi/Bt streamer all gold inner connects all Nichicon caps and Toshiba's output transitors its a great time to be into hifi
I love my SONY TA-636
I almost bought Am-93 back in the day, instead I bought Onkyo integra a807.
probably because onkyo had the better name in higher quality.....like most people thought and would have made the same mistake
vintage stereo Yes, here in Finland Akai was *mostly known* for their cheaper stereo systems, kitchen radios, boom boxes etc, and excellent vhs recorders. It was very well known brand among musicians for their pro equipment.
Ook vaak met Sony receivers/versterkers.
please use contact spray only as your last choice , dust will only stick more and more after use. First try compressed air , it will do the trick a lot better.,, I sure don't want to buy this dreadfull sprayed up akai, ;(
compressed air never do the job, i tried it often. i only use compressed air after i used the contact spray to get rid of the residue what stayed behind.
use a real compressor wiith 8bar at least , for me it does this job perfectly for years and years @ lots of different amps and recievers + also volume / balance / bass / treble pots. You don't get rid of dust with this spray , the dust moves easely because it is lubricant . After it is dried up the dust problem is there again with even more dust problems becauae it is sticky. Spray is a No Go , easy but very bad solution
if you need this , dust has already "'build" up. Just try take it away first.
but i guess you only spray with glassex on dusty windows too.. ;)
Andrew I will post a yellow video to you tonight show you some of my enterprise I built
what is a yellow video?
sorry bad print a hellow video from america
liljibi ok
!!!
you know how much i love analog vintage but this amp is better as the am-2850 an 2950
My am69 plans like his first day.1992 for 800DM.😄😄😄