Akai - AM-U22 Solid state integrated amplifier

Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
Damping factor: 27
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 72dB (MM), 100dB (line)
Channel separation: 50dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 440 x 100 x 247mm
Weight: 4.9kg

This is a vintage Akai AM-U22 stereo integrated amplifier, a clean slice of late-1970s / early-1980s Japanese hi-fi thinking—when understatement, solid engineering, and musical honesty ruled the room.
At a glance, the design is classic Akai: a low-profile brushed-aluminum faceplate, restrained typography, and a logical, almost architectural control layout. No excess, no gimmicks—just purpose.
Functionally, it’s a fully analog integrated amplifier, meaning the preamp and power amp live in the same chassis. The large machined aluminum volume knob dominates the right side, paired with balance control for precise stereo imaging. To the left sit dedicated bass and treble tone controls, offering gentle tonal shaping rather than heavy-handed EQ—very much of its era.
The front panel reveals a thoughtful feature set:
Multiple line-level inputs (including AUX and Tuner)
Phono input for turntables, indicating a built-in phono preamp—an essential credential in vintage hi-fi
Tape monitor loop, allowing real-time monitoring during recording (a badge of seriousness back when cassette decks mattered)
Headphone output, driven directly from the amplifier stage rather than a cheap afterthought
Push-button source selectors, tactile and mechanically satisfying, as Akai liked them
The perforated metal top cover isn’t decorative—it’s there for passive cooling, hinting at a traditional linear power supply and discrete output stage inside. This kind of amplifier favors current stability and low noise over headline-grabbing power figures. Translation: it’s designed to sound composed, not flashy.
Sonically, amps in this class are typically described as neutral to slightly warm, with good midrange presence—excellent for vinyl, jazz, rock, and acoustic recordings. It’s not about brute force; it’s about control and coherence.
In short, the Akai AM-U22 is a well-built, no-nonsense integrated amplifier from a time when hi-fi gear was meant to last decades, be repaired, and be listened to—not replaced every two years. A quiet workhorse with real audio credentials and timeless industrial design.