[emeritus]

The KJ Enterprises catalogue for 1971 has a double-page spread of 8 track machines, but all are players only except for the Akai CR80 recorder (rrp = £152.02, but yours for only £103 50 cash). Blank cartridges (brand unspecified) were available. Quoting from the catalogue:

" Single 35 minutes playing time, Normal Quality £1.00 Professional quality £ 1.15.
Double 70 minutes playing time Normal Quality £1.40 Professional Quality £1.65. "

Something I hadn't noticed before is that the reel-to-reel tape recorder section has the Akai X 1800 SD, a combination 4 track, 3 speed, 7" spool, tape recorder and 8 track recorder, able to record and play back both media, as well as copying from one to the other. List price £199.42, yours for £174.90.

Nor did I notice that it also describes, but does not illustrate, the Akai 2000SD, capable of recording and playback of all three systems ( R to R , compact cassette, 8 track), list price £300.00, KJ price £264.00 cash. I wonder how many were sold? £300 was a lot of money in 1971.