Akai in the 1970s was about as good as it gets. Very high signal-to-noise-ratio (powerful amplifier as opposed to tape noise). Very little "wow and flutter" (tape wobble). It "sounds" better than a CD (although it does not cover the full range of frequency) because analog\tape always "tickles the ears", it sounds "warmer" than digital. HOWEVER, the old 8-track and reel-to-reel tape decks REALLY, REALLY sound amazing because of their much faster tape speed (more data per inch of tape)! The original music was always recorded on Reel-to-Reel decks.
Is better. Cheap cassette system are better of expensive CD players. The only and big problem is... You need wait a lot if you want specific song there.
On the back of this unit it says "220 Volt, 50 Hz", which shows it is a Japanese market model. The USA models run at 115 to 120 Volts at 60 Hz (a FASTER frequency), so, yes, the Japanese model being played in USA or other 60 Hz nations WOULD run slow lol ! (50 Hz instead of 60 Hz)
