Akai AP 307

The Akai AP-307 was the top-of-the-line model in Akai’s AP series—and it shows. Built between 1978 and 1979, this turntable had everything an audiophile could ask for at the time. Quartz-lock, direct drive, fully automatic operation, and even three record size selections make it one of the most complete and refined decks of its generation.

Akai clearly knew what they were doing. The design is sleek yet distinctive, and the engineering underneath it all is solid and smart. The S-shaped tonearm tracks effortlessly, and the optical automation delivers smooth, quiet, and controlled movements.

From a technical standpoint, it impresses:

  • Signal-to-noise ratio: 70 dB

  • Wow and flutter: just 0.025%

  • Built-in strobe light for precise manual calibration

  • Fully automatic controls that never feel clunky or intrusive

In terms of sound, it simply delivers: warm, well-balanced, and clean, with stable speed and excellent imaging. It’s the kind of deck you can listen to for hours without fatigue.

If you’re lucky enough to own one, keep it. The AP-307 is not just a great turntable—it’s a statement of Akai’s peak engineering era.

I've had 4 of these, they are great...
Specifications
Platter: 314mm aluminium alloy die cast
Drive system: quartz locked direct drive, fully automatic
Motor: dc servo motor, geared motor for tone arm drive
Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.025%
Rumble: better than 70dB
Tonearm: static balanced type with anti skating adjuster
Effective length: 220mm
Cartridge weight range: 4 to 12g
Arm lifter: oil damped
Overhang: 15mm
Offset angle: 22.5 degrees
Headshell weight: 7.8g
Dimensions: 440 x 158 x 350mm
Weight: 8.6kg

6 thoughts on “Akai AP 307”

  1. Boa tarde, acabei de ganhar de um amigo, esse toca disco akai ap 307, mas esta faltando a capsula, e tbem o manual onde seria possivel eu conseguir, aguardo resposta

    att

    humbertogomes

    1. Bom dia.
      Existem várias cápsulas de vários fabricantes que pode utilizar com esse ou qualquer outro aparelho, pode adquirir novas ou usadas, é uma questão de pesquisar um pouco sobre isso e escolher, existe muita informação na internet, no youtube, até alguns comparativos no youtube para comparar o som.
      Em relação ao manual, o do 307 não consegui arranjar, mas tenho o do 207 que é muito idêntico com excepção da função quartz-lock, posso enviar-lhe por email se pretender.

  2. Hola, recientemente adquirí un Ap 307, aunque el plato giraba tenia problemas, rpm, tampoco funcionaba la luz estrobo de Neon. Lo destape y realice una revisión comprobando los valores de algunos capacitores como por ejemplo los del circuito del neon y otros resultando fuera de valores, los reemplace y aunque funciono bien tuve que realizar ajuste a los VR (speed), luego de esto esta funcionando perfecto. También realice una buena limpieza al control Pitch y controles 33/45, rpm, QL.
    Voy a configurar una mesa de mezcla con dos de estos, necesito conseguir otro, en eBay se consigue pero hay que esperar la oportunidad. Este tuve la suerte de comprar a un vecino a un precio bajo.
    Saludos desde Venezuela.

    1. Me gusta mucho el AP 307, creo que AKAI ha dado en el clavo, es un tocadiscos muy bonito y de gran calidad.
      No están a la venta todos los días, pero a veces se consigue alguno.
      Yo he tenido tres AP 307, dos grises y uno negro, y a ninguno le tuve que hacer nada, todos funcionaban perfectamente, lo cual es admirable para la edad que tienen.
      Gracias por compartir y saludos desde Portugal.

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