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Akai GX-625 problem

FloridaSam

FloridaSam

I like tacos
I picked up an Akai GX-625 at GW this week. It plays tapes perfectly. When I switch to "source" to record, I get lots of white noise through the left channel. The noise changes volume with the output knob. The deck records both channels fine but the noise goes to tape. Any hints on where to start looking to solve this issue? I really want to get this one working 100%
I have Deoxited all pots and switches to no avail.
 
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Mine had this problem also, I had to replace all 12 transistors on the preamp board. Search the forum and you'll probably find my post as well as others. This will also give you the replacement transistor p/n.
Not difficult to replace if you can solder, just take your time.

Good luck
Glenn
 
I hope you get it sorted out. I have a 7" version, the Akai GX-255 which I bought from an ex-serviceman (they weren't directly imported to the US) and it's a great sounding deck.

Replacing the transistors is straightforward. I did it with the board in situ. Get some good solder wick, a small tipped iron and go to it. I have some old "real" solder which made the job even easier. You might want to replace the caps while you're at it. I read about cap replacement after I changed the transistors, so I didn't do it.
 
Update. First a huge thank you to Avionic for suggesting BDnet for buying the transistors i ordered a bunch on wed night and had them in hand Friday morning. That's amazing.

so, per everyone' s advice i went through the preamp board and replaced all those nasty transistors...Voila!! the unit is now dead silent on "source" the terrible hissing is gone. there is still some nnoise on the mic input but line input is perfect. All in all I am very happy to be able to record on this deck in decent sound quality. Thanks again..
 
I did the same with Romak's 635. Pulled 14 2SC458's and replaced with 2SC2240GR's..
 
Congratulations on getting your deck running. I picked up the same deck last fall and also replaced the transistors. Don't use it often but enjoy it when I do. Akai decks don't seem to great reviews but this one is nice. I have a Revox A77 that needs a recap but not very motivated with this deck playing nice.
 
avionic said:
I did the same with Romak's 635. Pulled 14 2SC458's and replaced with 2SC2240GR's..
Click to expand...

I have the same model and I have to do the same thing, when I get a break from fixing everyone else's stuff. I just bought the 2SC2240's, I ran out of them repairing everyone else's, well you get the idea...
I bought them from Mouser. They have plenty in stock now.
 
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The leads on mine were totally corroded. I think the corrosion works it's way into the package over time.

I love a happy ending :D
Glenn

FloridaSam said:
Update. First a huge thank you to Avionic for suggesting BDnet for buying the transistors i ordered a bunch on wed night and had them in hand Friday morning. That's amazing.

so, per everyone' s advice i went through the preamp board and replaced all those nasty transistors...Voila!! the unit is now dead silent on "source" the terrible hissing is gone. there is still some nnoise on the mic input but line input is perfect. All in all I am very happy to be able to record on this deck in decent sound quality. Thanks again..
Click to expand...
 
dr*audio said:
I have the same model and I have to do the same thing, when I get a break from fixing everyone else's stuff. I just bought the 2SC2240's, I ran out of them repairing everyone else's, well you get the idea...
I bought them from Mouser. They have plenty in stock now.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up..
Know what your saying.I need to go through some of my stuff.When I get through with everyone else's.
 
Yeah, those old transistors were pretty corroded.

Here it is back in action recording some Pandora off my phone to test it out, it sounds very nice.

This has been the best $24.00 spent in a long time. ($20.00 for Akai and $4.00 for parts)
2hdmb1d.jpg
 
AAA3330 said:
I had a GX-620 at one time. These are very nice machines. You do realize that this deck is worth way more.:deal: Excellent score.:thmbsp:
Click to expand...

:yes: Very aware. I just stood there in the shop and stared for about 30 seconds asking myself "Am I seeing what I think I'm seeing on the shelf here?" Followed by a combination Snoopy/Banana dance :banana:
 
pich said:
Did you leave out the shipping for the parts? Seriously, great score.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but I bought a lot of stuff so the shipping wasn't bad. Minimum order is $15.00 I got some solder, solder wick, etc. Shipping was only $6.50 via USPS Priority Mail. Excellent service from BDnet, couldn't ask for more.
 
Cool machine! I've seen many pics of Akai's before, but never one like that. What are the buttons on the head cover for? I assume the digital readout is the index counter.
 
Sam - do you have a link for BDnet?

I have the owners manual for this deck and would be happy to email you a scan. PM your email address and I'll get it out to you this week.

Bruce
 
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