Any real performance difference between Akai GX-646 and GX-747?

[Treker]

I picked up an Akai GX-646 not too long ago, and I was just curious if there is much of a real performance difference between it and the slightly later model Akai GX-747? Based on the prices on that auction site alone, I can tell that the GX-747 is the more desirable of the two, but I'm really just interested in how the units compare performance wise.

 

[oldvinyldude]

I do not own the 747, so I have no experience.....but that never stopped me from offering an opinion anyway

I think the signicantly higher prices for the 747 have less to do with superior performance, and more to do with:

It's the last big deck model by that company-I see similar things with the Pioneer 1011L vs. the RT909, and the Teac x-1000R vs the x-2000R. Soncically, they are pretty close, yet there is a big price difference.

Styling-the 747 looks more high tech-see how many were sold with the then new LED meters, vs the other model with analog meters, but DBX NR. The LED models are totally dominant.

I do own a 646, and I am glad to be free of worries of bad belts on the tape tensioners. Perhaps I give up a smidgen on W&F, but I never notice it.

 

[JimmyNeutron]

I own a beautiful 747, but not the 646. I understand they are very similar internally, just that the 646 has VU meters and didn't offer dbx. Sonically, the 747 is pretty good, but no match for my Technics RS-1506 and 1520. Most everyone else also agrees that the 747 is mostly a showpiece. It's fragile, has hardly any part available these days, and is one of the most beautiful open reel decks made. That said, I use mine sparingly because I'm afraid of it breaking, though recordings are rather nice. This is mostly the reason to own one of these decks - they are trophy decks. You don't want to use them, just display them. If you're looking for a deck to use daily I can think of a few more better sounding and better built than the 747 for less....waaaay less. Otari's are high on the chain, as are SONY's, Technics, and some Teac's.

Jimmy

 

[Treker]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I really appreciate it.

I'm not really looking for a GX-747 at this point, although I certainly wouldn't pass one up if it crossed my path at the right price. I agree that the GX-747 is one of the nicest looking reel to reel decks ever made though, especially the black ones. A real showpiece. (Or maybe a "Reel" showpiece?) I guess I was just more curious about what others thought about how these two decks compare performance wise than anything else. At this point, I am perfectly happy with my GX-646, and since I picked it up for a song ($50 at a local thrift) and since it is working great after a clean up and a little DeOxit, what's not to like. But I will certainly be keeping my eyes open for some of these other great decks you mentioned. I think a Technics RS-1500 or similar would fit into my system quite nicely, but until then, my GX-646 isn't going anywhere.

 

[FAB1]

I own a beautiful 747, but not the 646. I understand they are very similar internally, just that the 646 has VU meters and didn't offer dbx. Sonically, the 747 is pretty good, but no match for my Technics RS-1506 and 1520. Most everyone else also agrees that the 747 is mostly a showpiece. It's fragile, has hardly any part available these days, and is one of the most beautiful open reel decks made. That said, I use mine sparingly because I'm afraid of it breaking, though recordings are rather nice. This is mostly the reason to own one of these decks - they are trophy decks. You don't want to use them, just display them. If you're looking for a deck to use daily I can think of a few more better sounding and better built than the 747 for less....waaaay less. Otari's are high on the chain, as are SONY's, Technics, and some Teac's.

Jimmy

Yeah MX-5050 BII, maybe not as pretty but sonically superiour.