Aurex XR-81 (1981) | CD player prototype

 

Aurex's Digital Audio Disc (DAD) player was based on the compact disc (CD) format. Behind the development of DAD, such as dedicated LSI, semiconductor laser diode, and laser pickup, was Toshiba's 100-year history and comprehensive technical capabilities such as communication technology, material technology, and production technology that have been cultivated in various fields during that time. It was developed based on the accumulated digital audio technology of Aurex/Toshiba, which began with the development of PCM processors. It is an optical DAD player using the CD method, and is a high-performance, compact, and easy to operate audio component for the future. The XR-81 incorpoartaed the TOPH 15 optical pickup head fitted with the TOLD 30/40 laser diodes. The partial type autoloading method makes it quick and easy to load the disc. It feels the same as loading a cassette deck. The front loading and front operation allow for easy stacking with other component devices. The auto search system provides accurate and fast track cues (average access time 3 seconds)...All this effort and a dedicated Japanese brochure for a model that was nothing but a prototype. However, this was actually the basis of the commercially available XR-Z90, one of the first CD players to reach the market. More about the XR-Z90 soon, so don't forget to follow 1001 Hi-Fi.

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Technics SL-7 (1981) | Quartz Direct Drive

 

The Technics SL-7 Quartz D.D. turntable introduced in 1981 has only the size of an LP jacket. A new lifestyle for you. When combining excellent performance and functionality even the appearance is naturally beautiful. There is a beauty that is different from things born from intuition or chance. Highly sophisticated technology is beautifully condensed into an extremely small size, and the rough operation of previous players is reduced to just four keys. The easy operation is well suited to those who cherish music. From now on, the way you interact with records will change. If you want to listen to a record, just push the start key. This is a fully automatic player where everything is controlled by a microcomputer. Not only the record size, but even the rotation speed is automatically set according to the size of the LP (vinyl). If you want to stop the record in the middle of playing, just press the stop key. The arm returns to the rest position and the turntable stops rotating. The stop key also has a function to control the arm's retreat, and two speeds can be selected depending on how hard you press it. Also, no matter what state it is in, if you open the upper cabinet, the arm automatically returns to the rest. A 45 rpm7 adapter is also built into the spindle. While queuing the sound is muted. Don't let be fooled by the fact that it was frequently presented as a matching turntable to compact mini/portable Hi-Fi systems (like this one here) the SL-7 is a serious turntable. 

Technical Data:

Drive System: Quartz Direct Drive

Wow and Flutter: 0.025% WRMS

Cartridge: T4P type EPC-P202C

Frequency characteristic: 10Hz-30kHz

Size: 315x88x315mm (WxHxD)

Weight: 6,6kg

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ReVox T77 - Alice Cooper Limited Edition (2025)

 

This is a special collaboration between Alice Cooper and ReVox. There will be 50 (fifty) T77 turntables made with this unique Alice Cooper look. Each unit will be hand signed and numbered by Alice Cooper. The T77 features integrated MC phono preamplifier and a highly precise electronic PLL speed control via a non-contact optical sensor. The tonearm is made of high-quality metals, with a carbon fiber tonearm tube. The ReVox T77 comes with the high-quality MC cartridge Ortofon Quintet Black S eqipped with a Nude Shibata diamond stylus on a sapphire cantilever. The platter of the T77 is made of black POM (polyoxymethylene), so no extra platter mat is necessary. It also includes a specially designed NAB adapter-shaped record weight and a Neutrik XLR/RCA adapter. There will also be available a 25 (twenty-five) limited edition ReVox B77 Mk III Alice Cooper reel to reel recorder. The T77 turntable will have a price tag of 8,950€ while the reel to reel recorder will be available at 27,950€.

Photo: ReVox

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