Akai - CS-50 - SW-30 Audio-cassette deck - Multiple models






Holds dual bachelor's degrees in electronics and physics with 20 years in audio engineering.
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Description from the seller
The Akai CS-50, introduced in 1970, was the world's first cassette deck with automatic reverse capability. Rather than moving the playback head or reversing the tape path, Akai engineered a wholly original solution: the Invert-O-Matic mechanism physically ejects the cassette, flips it over, and reinserts it — enabling seamless both-side recording and playback without manual intervention. No other manufacturer had achieved this before.
This example is offered as a complete original system together with its matching Akai SW-30 bookshelf speakers — a rare opportunity to acquire the full setup as it left the factory era.
Akai CS-50 features:
– Invert-O-Matic auto-reverse (cassette flip mechanism)
– Stereo recording and playback
– Dual VU meters (left/right)
– Controls: REC, RWD, STOP, PLAY, F.FWD, PAUSE
– Reverse mode: Auto / Manual / Shut Off
– Wood-grain cabinet
Akai SW-30 speakers (pair):
– Compact bookshelf design
– Walnut veneer cabinet, aluminium front baffle
– Full-range driver with circular aluminium surround
A historically important piece from the early years of the compact cassette format — and a functioning one at that.
Deck size: 375 x 160 x 287 mm, 8,9 kg
Speakers size/each: 140 × 365 × 270 mm, 2,9 kg
The Akai CS-50, introduced in 1970, was the world's first cassette deck with automatic reverse capability. Rather than moving the playback head or reversing the tape path, Akai engineered a wholly original solution: the Invert-O-Matic mechanism physically ejects the cassette, flips it over, and reinserts it — enabling seamless both-side recording and playback without manual intervention. No other manufacturer had achieved this before.
This example is offered as a complete original system together with its matching Akai SW-30 bookshelf speakers — a rare opportunity to acquire the full setup as it left the factory era.
Akai CS-50 features:
– Invert-O-Matic auto-reverse (cassette flip mechanism)
– Stereo recording and playback
– Dual VU meters (left/right)
– Controls: REC, RWD, STOP, PLAY, F.FWD, PAUSE
– Reverse mode: Auto / Manual / Shut Off
– Wood-grain cabinet
Akai SW-30 speakers (pair):
– Compact bookshelf design
– Walnut veneer cabinet, aluminium front baffle
– Full-range driver with circular aluminium surround
A historically important piece from the early years of the compact cassette format — and a functioning one at that.
Deck size: 375 x 160 x 287 mm, 8,9 kg
Speakers size/each: 140 × 365 × 270 mm, 2,9 kg
