Description

With all the attention direct drive turntables have been getting, it might come as a surprise that large numbers of discriminating, and knowledgeable, audio buffs are still turning to the tried and true belt drive design.

And with good reason, Akai believes. Because the belt system still has a number of advantages over direct drive which, together with its more economical construction makes it real value for the money.

The AP-B21 is a carefully designed model built to give the kind of functional operation that makes them easy to match with any home component system. And when you hear its outstanding sound, you'll agree this is one case where one good turn deserves another.

Unlike belt drive units, a direct drive system places the motor directly under the turntable spindle. Thus for many years consumers could only enjoy the benefits of direct drive's superior wow and flutter at the price of increased noise and vibration.

On the AP-B21/B21C, Akai brings you the advantages of both the smooth, quiet operation of belt drive, plus inaudible wow and flutter.

Naturally this high performance didn't come easy and Akai engineers had to come up with a newly designed 4-pole synchronous motor with improved rotation accuracy over previous models.

Then for extra stable performance they added a heavy diecast aluminium platter, a sensitive J-shaped tone arm, and a solid chassis and large damped insulator feet for solid resistance to acoustical feedback.

Specifications

Platter: aluminium alloy die cast

Drive system: belt drive, auto return

Motor: 4-pole synchronous

Speeds: 33 and 45rpm

Wow and flutter: 0.05%

Rumble: 65dB

Tonearm: J-shaped static balance type

Effective length: 220mm

Cartridge weight range: 4 to 9g

Arm lifter: oil damped

Overhang: 15mm

Shell weight: 7g

Cartridge: VM dual magnet type

Dimensions: 440 x 135 x 355mm

Weight: 5.9kg