Akai try their best to maximize the potential of every component.
1. No OP amp in signal path! Akai were using matched pair transistors in buffer stage.
2.Instead of using normal diodes, LEDs (light emitted diode) were used. It is because the noise from LED is much lower than normal diode!
3. Using noble copper capacitors which are very rare nowadays.
4. Using Opti-couplers between DA board and receiver board to reduce the noise (as electronic isolator which are mostly used in computer)
