AKAI AA-5210 #2: Introduction

This is one of my two identical amplifiers that I use in my study.

The electrical characteristics of this small amplifier might look conservative at first. But I assure you, it is a true performer. This amplifier came to me with the front face clogged with cigarette smoke. It had a dark golden hue. I tried to wash it as much as I could. Unfortunately some of the letters in the POWER inscription got wiped. Inside it was like new. But the cigarette smoke is omnipresent. This amplifier requires a thorough cleaning of the circuit boards. This could only mean complete strip down of every electronic part. The volume button interrupts a little at about a third of its course. A faint electrolyte smell mixes with the cigarette smoke. Otherwise, it still sings music. And does it well enough for its age.

If you want to see its brother passing through the same restoration process, then check out its page: AKAI AA-5210 #1.

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AKAI AA-5210 #2: Technical Data

This amplifier has the following technical characteristics.

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AKAI AA-5210 #2: Parts List

I have assembled a parts list for this amplifier. My restoration does not touch original transistors as I consider them irreplaceable for an authentic AKAI sound. Thus I am only interested in exchanging the electrolytic capacitors. So this is what you will find listed below.

The schematic value corresponds to what normally can be found in the electrical schematics. The recommended value is what I replaced the former part with. The BP inscription signifies a bipolar capacitor. Where I found appropriate, I have chosen a film capacitor replacement instead of an electrolytic. My reasons are reliability in time. Less electrolytic capacitors, less time-ticking bombs.

Descriptions and Parts Listings

Please note that on this board, every capacitor from the table below needs to be double ordered. In the table only left channel electrolytic capacitors are listed and we need to replace both channels.

The Power Amplifier Block is coded 96-5008 and is located in the bottom-right part of the steel chassis. You will recognize it by the power transistors which are mounted on an aluminum radiator.

The Tone Control Block is coded A5-5029 and is located in the front-center region of the steel chassis, next to the tone shaping potentiometers. For an easy maintenance access, you need to extract this board. Or you could work your way through the bottom of the amplifier chassis.

The Equalizer Block is coded A5-5028 and implements the Phono preamplifier and the RIAA correction curve. You can find it in the front-right part of the steel chassis, next to the Tone Control Block board. In order to operate changes, you need to extract this board too. Or you could work your way through the bottom of the amplifier chassis.

The Power Supply Block is coded A5-5026 and occupies the bottom-center of the steel chassis next to the power transformer. You recognize it by the four rectifier diodes. For the electrolytic capacitors on this board, you need to order only once.

The construction of this amplifier is straightforward and poses no problems for the restoration. You just need to remember to order twice each capacitor on every other board besides the Power Supply Block where you need to order only once.

As always, let me throw a piece of advice. Do not hurry, take your time and do the job once. And do it well.

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AKAI AA-5210 #2: Restoration

Pending restoration. Please check back anytime soon.

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