Even compared to flagship models from JVC, Sony and Pioneer, the AM-95 is an utter monster, a vast crate of an amplifier that will easily swamp any unsuspecting shelf or table.

Flanked by a pair of polished wooden cheeks and adorned with a vast array of knobs, switches and buttons, the AM-95 is not quite as ‘new’ as Akai might have us believe. Spot the difference between this and the older AM-93.

Clearly the AM-95 is based on the same chassis, offering the same range of three tape, three line and MM/MC inputs with independent rec-out, bass/treble tone controls, muting and A/B speaker selection. Once again there’s also an on-board DAC, accessible from any of four coaxial add optical inputs.

For the Nineties, however, Akai has opted for a MASH/PWM bitstream DAC in place of the older multi-bit one used before. And that, quite frankly, marks the principal difference between the AM-93 and AM-95. Once again Akai has attempted to shield this RF-noisy circuitry from the remainder of the amp. So why is it then placed immediately alongside the sensitive MM/MC RIAA stage?

This turned-out to be a rather inconsistent performer with a leaner and meaner sound, one that was lively yet disjointed. Prokofiev’s brass was just too brassy or rasping yet, by way of contrast, the sense of scale, the articulation and weight of Tracy Chapman’s CD was very impressive indeed. Real bass, however, was still rather shy.

Meanwhile the sax solo from our jazz CD was sharp and abrupt rather than ‘melting’ in fluid fashion from the speakers. On the one hand this sharpness tends to encourage a little extra sparkle from the MM input but, equally, it does nothing to improve the resolution of its indistinct bass.

Reaching for the Rachmaninov LP revealed strings that were taut and incisive, building a heightened sense of anticipation along with the woodwind and brass. So it can sound quite immediate, dynamic and lively but can just as easily sound a little too eager, too hard and fast, just ‘too hi-fi’ in the view of our panel.

The offered amplifier is used but in good technical and optical condition.  There have been no repairs and it is in original condition.  I ship worldwide, please inquire about shipping costs to your country.