Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Now this receiver is unique and an oddball, perhaps rare. Part of a very exciting line of Akai components during this model year where the VFD was a huge focal point with lots of information about what it’s doing.
I love this sort of thing, and it’s definitely a relic of the past. Some people would prefer something more simplistic, but to me the more buttons, bells, lights and whistles — the better!!
This might be one of my favorite displays on a receiver. It just is so interesting to watch. Can you tell I like the display since that’s all I’m talking about??
Anyways, let’s move on, this is an STK dual chip amp meaning there’s one pack per channel and they are mounted on a pretty big heat sink which runs the width of the unit. The preamp also has an STK pack, which had gone bad and I replaced on this unit. I added supplemental heat sinks to the preamp chip as it was originally designed to run in the open with no heat dissipation. whatsoever.
I think I paid like 50 bucks on eBay for this because it wasn’t working and the Chinesium STK preamp chip was $20 shipped. In the end I benefited and it works great.
It’s getting a four hour workout and I’m pushing it respectfully. And that little computer muffin fan is running to keep it cool as I do with all of my components, regardless of age. Heat is the number one enemy for electronics so it’s my safety net and the formula seems to work.
Have a great rest of your weekend everyone!
Now this receiver is unique and an oddball, perhaps rare. Part of a very exciting line of Akai components during this model year where the VFD was a huge focal point with lots of information about what it’s doing.
I love this sort of thing, and it’s definitely a relic of the past. Some people would prefer something more simplistic, but to me the more buttons, bells, lights and whistles — the better!!
This might be one of my favorite displays on a receiver. It just is so interesting to watch. Can you tell I like the display since that’s all I’m talking about??
Anyways, let’s move on, this is an STK dual chip amp meaning there’s one pack per channel and they are mounted on a pretty big heat sink which runs the width of the unit. The preamp also has an STK pack, which had gone bad and I replaced on this unit. I added supplemental heat sinks to the preamp chip as it was originally designed to run in the open with no heat dissipation. whatsoever.
I think I paid like 50 bucks on eBay for this because it wasn’t working and the Chinesium STK preamp chip was $20 shipped. In the end I benefited and it works great.
It’s getting a four hour workout and I’m pushing it respectfully. And that little computer muffin fan is running to keep it cool as I do with all of my components, regardless of age. Heat is the number one enemy for electronics so it’s my safety net and the formula seems to work.
Have a great rest of your weekend everyone!
