SONY XK-700 (1984) | MegaCosmos

 

The XK-700 computer controlled feather touch deck fully incorporates Sony's advanced technologies, including a dual battery mirror system. A battery mirror system that uses a single car battery to create two power sources. This unique Battery Mirror system overcomes the limitations of car batteries—single polarity and low voltage. By creating symmetrical positive and negative dual power supplies from a single battery, it becomes possible to design circuits equivalent to those used in home audio systems, doubling the dynamic range. It also features a dual-adjust head mechanism that makes the playback frequency characteristics identical in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-adjust head mechanism adjusts the head tilt to the optimal state for both normal and reverse playback, maintaining accurate azimuth at all times. Nearly identical frequency characteristics are achieved for tape playback in both directions. A microcontroller controls multiple functions. Operation is as light as a feather touch with your fingertips. Power Loading System: Simply insert the cassette into the slot and press the play button, and it will automatically slide in and set in the correct position. To remove it, simply reverse the process for a soft and smooth ejection. Repeat function allows you to listen to the same song over and over again with a single touch. AMS allows you to quickly jump to the beginning of the current song or the next song. Muting (-20dB) is convenient for temporarily lowering the volume. Switching the tape direction is also done softly with a single touch. Key-off eject mechanism automatically ejects the cassette when the engine key is turned off. Built-in Dolby NR Type B to reduce tape hiss noise ● 2-position tape selector for Metal tape playback compatibility ● Large peak program meter for visually checking tape levels ● Unique bass/treble tone controls. Basically the XK-700 was part of Sony's modular reference system "MegaCosmos" designed for those seeking the best possible sound in car audio. It boasts exceptional sound quality and ease of use, and is also compatible with CDs. As part of this "700 system" the XM-700 power amplifier employs large-capacity flat-type electrolytic capacitors, achieving high power of 80W + 80W, a wide dynamic range, and a low distortion rate of 0.005%. The speakers are a 3-way system using square flat-panel APM speakers born from Sony's audio technology. The CDX-R7 was the "FM/AM Compact Disc Player" that completed this Hi-Fi car audio system. Frequency response: 30-20.000 Hz | Size 178x50x150 mm | Original sale price in japan 59.800 Yen

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SONY SL-HF1000D (1986) | Super Hi-Band - Beta Hi-Fi

 

The HF1000D combines Super Hi-Band 6.0Mhz beta-Is with Beta Hi-Fi technology in order to achieve achieve a dynamic range of 90dB. This high-band Beta Hi-Fi system aims for pure visual and pure audio. When people encounter excellent visuals and excellent sound, their eyes, ears, and hearts are filled with excitement. The HF1000D is a model that returns to the fundamentals of video production — the creation of authentic AV—and thoroughly pursues the highest quality. It features "SHB 6.0 mega-highband beta-Is", which has brought a dramatic improvement in video image quality, and Beta Hi-Fi sound. Based on this high image and sound quality, it is equipped with a variety of functions, including digital picture. In addition, a unique linear skating loading mechanism has been adopted. The amount of information that can be recorded increases, image quality inevitably improves. Building on the success achieved with the 5.6 MHz Highband, the HF1000D further upgrades the highband concept. It features SHB6.0 MHz Highband Is, which shifts the video signal carrier up by 400 kHz in Is mode. This significantly improves image quality in Is mode, which already had ample recording bandwidth. It can now faithfully reproduce the fine details of the original image, such as the subtle shading of face tones (skin tones) and the movement of wind patterns etched in the sand. Furthermore, the adoption of a newly developed dynamic color circuit improves color reproduction, reducing color noise that is often noticeable in dark areas. Achieving a dynamic range of 90dB and a flat frequency response, Beta Hi-Fi brought the reference quality to video sound. Therefore, with the HF1000D, Sony thoroughly refined every detail, building upon the excellent fundamental technologies of Beta Hi-Fi, such as the 4-carrier system and zero-sampling method. The circuit section employs a symmetrically configured, highly integrated IC for Hi-Fi audio, significantly improving characteristic changes caused by subtle circuit differences. Furthermore, Sony incorporated carefully selected parts, including high-performance HAL filters and Ceramic capacitors with excellent vibration resistance and responsiveness. In addition, it was adopted a gold-plated input/output terminal and LC-OFC circuit wiring, resulting in an overall audio-spec design that achieves a dynamic range of 90dB. Moreover, it boasts an extremely flat frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz, achieving acoustic characteristics that can be considered a reference for video sound.

Digital picture function allows you to enjoy special playback with clear images. Five different digital still image patterns have been implemented. These functions can be freely enjoyed using the HF1000D unit and the wireless remote control. The HF1000D employs a linear skating mechanism that enhances the audio experience. The HF1000D uses the same linear skating mechanism found in CD and video disc players. Pressing the eject button causes the cassette tray to automatically pop up, making tape loading and removal smoother. Other features include: Wireless remote control with digital picture function. ● 3-week 6-program timer. ● Quick timer for easy recording. ● Index search for quick access to desired programs and index scan for convenient tape content confirmation. ● Synchro edit function for easy operation and high-quality video editing. High-speed access/picture search. ● Linear time counter with clear display of hours, minutes, and seconds. ● Independent manual recording volume for L and R channels. ● S input/output terminals for editing control. Convenient auto functions such as tape return and autoplay. Wireless remote control RMT-153 included. Insulator FW-1000 sold separately for ¥7,000 (set of 5). Side wood TAC-1000 (sold separately) ¥3,000 (set of 2) Dimensions: Width 430 x Height 95 x Depth 420 mm Weight: 12.7 kg (excluding side wood and insulators) Original sale price in Japan: ¥188,000

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Sansui E-Combo 900i (1988)

 

The Sansui E-Combo 900i is a premium Hi-Fi system from 1988 that combines advanced digital audio technology, powerful amplification, and elegant industrial design. Featuring Sansui's distinctive "Round Slant styling", the E-Combo 900i was created to bring sophisticated sound reproduction and modern aesthetics together in a complete home audio solution. Its unique rounded front panels and ergonomic high-touch remote control give the system a refined appearance while providing intuitive operation. Designed to complement contemporary living spaces, the E-Combo 900i combines visual elegance with audiophile-grade performance. At the heart of the system is a high-performance X-Balanced integrated amplifier delivering an impressive 340 watts of total power output (170 watts per channel, EIAJ). Derived from Sansui's respected standalone component amplifiers, the X-Balanced circuit topology minimizes distortion while providing exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and powerful bass response. Additional features include a CD Direct circuit with gold-plated inputs, DAT compatibility, REC selector for background recording, motorized volume control, remote operation, and a large muting indicator. The matching three-way bass reflex speaker system is engineered for powerful and accurate sound reproduction. A large 22 cm multi-layer carbon cone woofer delivers deep, controlled bass while an aluminum die-cast frame reduces unwanted resonance. The dedicated 4.4 cm hard dome midrange driver ensures natural vocal reproduction, and the 2 cm hard dome tweeter extends high-frequency performance for exceptional detail and transparency. The rounded baffle design minimizes diffraction effects and improves stereo imaging, while magnetic shielding enhances audio-visual system integration. The integrated compact disc player incorporates advanced digital technology including 4x oversampling digital filtering and independent left/right DACs for improved phase accuracy and lower digital noise. A newly developed floating mechanism reduces vibration and resonance during playback, contributing to stable operation and improved sound quality. Features include random playback, programmed playback, intro scan, auto spacing, repeat modes, CARS computer-assisted recording synchronization, and a large LCD display with a 24-track music calendar. The dual cassette deck section is designed for high-quality recording and playback. Both Deck A and Deck B support recording, playback, and auto-reverse operation. The deck is equipped with dbx and Dolby B/C noise reduction systems, making it particularly well suited for recording from compact discs. Additional features include direct track selection, high-speed dubbing, endless recording capability, relay playback, computer-controlled CD dubbing, amorphous recording heads with OFC coils, and dual 12-segment LCD peak level meters for precise recording level adjustment. System control is handled by a sophisticated 57-key high-touch remote controller designed according to ergonomic principles. The multi-function layout allows convenient access to nearly all system functions, making operation simple and intuitive. The tuner section utilizes a quartz synthesizer design for stable, high-sensitivity reception across FM, AM, and TV bands. Up to 30 station presets can be stored, while the advanced All The Timer system allows integrated scheduling of tuner, CD player, cassette deck, and turntable functions. Seven programmable weekly timer settings and a sleep timer provide flexible automated operation. The E-Combo 900i system could also be expanded with optional components including the Sansui P-E910 fully automatic direct-drive turntable and the G-E910 graphic equalizer, creating a complete high-performance entertainment system. Technical Specifications - Amplifier Power Output: 170W + 170W (EIAJ) | Amplifier Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.008% | Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 72dB (Phono MM), 96dB (CD/Line) | CD Player Pickup: 3-beam semiconductor laser | Frequency Response: 5Hz–20kHz | Dynamic Range: 95dB | Channel Separation: 95dB | Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 105dB | Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.003% | Cassette Deck Wow & Flutter: 0.08% WRMS | Frequency Response: 30Hz–18kHz ±3dB (Metal Tape) | Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 54dB (Metal Tape, NR Off) | Speaker System: 3-Way Bass Reflex, Magnetically Shielded - Woofer: 22 cm Multi-Layer Carbon Cone - Midrange: 4.4 cm Hard Dome - Tweeter: 2 cm Hard Dome - Maximum Input Power: 220W - Sensitivity: 90dB/W/m - Frequency Response: 30Hz–30kHz | Tuner System: Quartz Synthesizer FM/AM/TV | FM Sensitivity: 14.2dBf | FM Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 72dB Mono, 70dB Stereo AM Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50dB | System Dimensions: 980 x 545 x 355 mm (W x H x D) | The Sansui E-Combo 900i remains one of the most impressive integrated hi-fi systems of its era, combining powerful amplification, advanced digital audio technology, versatile recording capabilities, and distinctive Japanese industrial design into a complete high-fidelity music system.

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