I have an Akai reel to reel 4 channel system that has the two front reel holders broken off.

When experiencing sound quality issues with any reel to reel deck, the very first thing to check is just how clean the tape transport system and tape heads are. Thoroughly clean all heads, including the erase head, and all tape transport parts, i.e., the capstan and pinch roller, and the reel drive wheels or belts.
The other possibility is that the tape-to-head tension is too loose. This is a fine-value adjustment--too little tension results in your problem; too high tape tension results in drastically-shortened tape life or tape breakage. If you adjust it yourself, do so in tiny increments until the problem just goes away...then add just a hair more tension. It's like oil filter change instructions, "tighten filter to 1/4 turn beyond hand tight only". It only takes the tension being a tiny bit too tight to wear out or break your tapes.

The TEAC 3300 made in 1972 is an extremely versatile tape deck, designed for the beginner through simplicity of design, yet built to the high technical requirements demanded by the semi-professionals and experienced audio enthusiasts.
The unit will operate at 7.5 or 15 per second and is available in 2 or 4 track configuration.
Specifications

• 3300-10
• 3300-11
• 3300-12

• Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural system Motor: 2 x reel, 1 x capstan
  Reel size: up to 10.5 inch reel
  Tape speeds: 3 3?4 7 1?2 ips
  Wow and flutter: 0.06% (7 1?2 ips)
  Frequency response: 25Hz to 24kHz (7 1?2 ips)
  Signal to Noise Ratio: 58dB
  Total harmonic distortion: 1%
  Crosstalk: 60dB
  Input: 100mV (line), 0.25mV (mic)
  Output: 0.3V (line)
  Dimensions: 440 x 440 x 235mm
  Weight: 20kg
  Accessories: empty reel, reel holder, connection cord
  

Download your manual here: Login HiFi Engine TEAC 3300 Stereo Reel to Reel Tape Recorder HiFi Engine

First clean the heads real well and then after that it will need to go to a Technician . Akai used some cheap transistors in their units and these could be the problem but it is also old enough to need new Electrolytic capacitors.

Akai 1710 Manual - Stereo Tape Recorder - HiFi Engine

www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/1710.shtml

Jun 10, 2014 - Reel size: up to 7 inch reel ... instruction/owners manual English ...Akai Open Reel Tape Decks. Akai 1700 1700 · Akai 1710L · 1710L.

Akai Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder ' eBay

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eBayShop from the world's largest selection and best deals for Akai Reel-to-Reel ... AKAI Reel-to-Reel Tape Recorder Model # GX255 + 2 Microphones + 30 Tapes.

AKAI Reel to Reel Tape Decks Guide ' eBay

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They are famous for their high quality reel to reel decks throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and the ... top of or inside the AKAI Head Cover: X-100D, X-150D, X-165D, 1700, 1710, 1720W, 1800L, ... These models are: 1800L, X-1800SD, X-1810/D, GX-1820/D, and 1800D-SS. ..... User Agreement, Privacy, Cookies and AdChoice.

http://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/akai/gx-215d.shtml Akai GX 215D Manual Stereo Reel to Reel Tape Recorder HiFi Engine

If you look around you will likely find many many Akai 4000 series reel decks for sale..some for parts.. Akai 4000 series decks used basically the same mechanism and same parts... 4000d, DS, DS II, DB, Incidentally, the Akai 1700, 1710, 1722, 1731 used the same basic mechanisms as the 4000. .

This could be a head fault? Another possibilty is the preamp stage. You will need to look for something that would take out both channels. Such as an IC.

Product Description
Akai is a company with a long history of innovation and leadership in the fields of audio and video consumer electronics. For the past decades, Akai has been a major factor in the electronics industry. From its early days of dominant marketshare in the reel-to-reel recording industry, to modern day state of the art home entertainment systems, Akai continues to be a leader in the consumer electronics industry.PRODUCT FEATURES:Console Model;Progressive Scan Converter;1080i HDTV monitor performance with add-on HDTV tuner;3D Y/C Digital Comb Filter;30-watt BBE stereo audio system;Dual HDTV component video inputs;Translucent on-screen display (OSD) system. its a add on for hdtv tuner on this model

so what was the answer? can the akai 1772 take 10 inch reels as well as 7 inch? please