Technics EXE V10X (1985)

This is a high-quality component system featuring 150W + 150W output and a new Class A amplifier with a distortion rate of 0.002%. The amplifier is a high-output 150W + 150W computer-driven new Class A. It employs a newly developed constant-gain pre-driver to achieve a low distortion rate of 0.002%. It also features a multi-input design with 8 audio inputs and 4 video inputs. Various AV & CD-era components such as Hi-Fi video players, VHD players, and CD players can be connected simultaneously. The turntable: In addition to its unique integrated D.D. system, the player incorporates quartz technology for superior rotational stability, achieving near-ultimate rotational precision. Furthermore, it features a large, heavy-duty turntable for even more stable rotational performance. (Cartridge is pre-installed.) The tuner comes standard with a programable timer.

List of components - EXE V10X

Quartz D.D. Player SL-M2 - Price: ¥74,800

MM Stereo Cartridge EPC-P215CM - Price: ¥32,000

Quartz Synthesizer FM/AM Tuner ST-G6T - Price: ¥49,800

Integrated Amplifier SU-V10X - Price: ¥128,000

Stereo cassette deck RS-B85 - Price: ¥89,800

Honeycomb disc speaker system SB-M3 - Price ¥108,000 x 2

Compact Disc Player SL-P3 - Price ¥129,800

Total price including compact disc player - ¥720,200

The deck features a new phase correction circuit and linear feedback circuit, prioritizing sound quality. Furthermore, it is equipped with dbx NR and Dolby B-C NR for Hi-Fi recording and playback, making it compatible with a wide range of sources. The speaker features a large-diameter 33cm honeycomb planar 3-way design that delivers powerful bass and a wide dynamic range. It boasts a high power handling capacity of 200W and a sound pressure level of 90dB/W, resulting in a highly efficient design. The CD player comes standard with a remote control with a 10-key keypad. It also features an auto-cue function for instant track selection and a 15-track random program selection.

Looking for more? Head to 1001hifi.com for more.

Like Our Work? Support 1001 Hi-Fi

YAMAHA M-80 (1984) | AUTO CLASS A

The M-80 power amplifier was designed by Yamaha as a flagship high-end amplifier for listeners demanding both purity and serious power. With 250 watts per channel and technologies such as Auto Class A and Zero Distortion Rule (ZDR), the M-80 combines refined amplification with enormous dynamic reserves.

M-80 Main Specifications

Continuous sine-wave power, per channel:

250 W at 8 ohms, 20–20,000 Hz, 0.003% THD

290 W at 6 ohms, 20–20,000 Hz, 0.007% THD

340 W at 4 ohms, 20–20,000 Hz, 0.02% THD

Peak power: 380 / 480 / 640 / 850 W per channel at 8 / 6 / 4 / 2 ohms

Power bandwidth: 10–100,000 Hz at half rated power, 8 ohms

Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz, +0 / −0.1 dB

Signal-to-noise ratio: 127 dB / 119 dB, IHF A

Total harmonic distortion: 0.002% at half rated power, 8 ohms

Dimensions: 435 × 165 × 425 mm

Weight: 23 kg

The technology: Auto Class A and ZDR Technology. Auto Class A circuitry is at the heart of the M-80's approach to amplification. At normal music levels, the amplifier operates in Class A, where low-level signals benefit from exceptionally low distortion and clean amplification. The design is based on the observation that around 95% of typical music power requirements fall within this operating range. When a musical peak suddenly demands substantially more power, the M-80 automatically switches to Class AB operation. This provides the additional output capability needed for demanding passages without requiring the amplifier to remain in high-power Class AB operation continuously. Zero Distortion Rule. The ZDR circuit addresses one of the traditional weaknesses associated with Class AB amplification: switching and crossover distortion. Integrated into the M-80's power-amplifier circuitry, ZDR is designed to suppress distortion introduced during the transition between output devices. It also counteracts distortion associated with the non-linear operation of the power transistors. The result is an amplification system intended to preserve the original music signal with the purity associated with Class A operation, while retaining the high-power capability of Class AB amplification. Massive Power Reserves for Difficult Loads. High-capacity capacitors and high-performance circuitry give the M-80 substantial reserves for sudden musical peaks. The amplifier is designed to remain reliable even when driving low-impedance loudspeakers. The specified peak output reaches an impressive 850 watts per channel into 2 ohms. For demanding speaker systems, that reserve can be particularly important when music contains rapid and substantial changes in level. 20-LED Peak Power Display. Twenty precision LEDs provide a visual indication of speaker load and amplifier output activity. An impedance control allows the display to be adjusted for 2-, 4-, and 8-ohm speakers. Peak memory is also provided, while the display sensitivity can be switched to a 10× range. Beyond its practical function, the large LED display gives the M-80 the unmistakable visual character expected from a serious vintage power amplifier. Three Speaker Pairs and Flexible Switching. Three speaker groups—A, B and C—can be selected using the amplifier's connection and switching system. The speakers can be operated independently, simultaneously, or in combined configurations. This gives the M-80 considerable flexibility for systems using multiple pairs of loudspeakers. The amplifier is also designed to handle low-impedance loads without distortion or unnecessarily triggering its protection circuitry. The specification for operation down to 2 ohms underlines just how seriously the M-80 was engineered for demanding loads. Heavy-Duty Speaker Connections. The speaker terminals accommodate different cable diameters, allowing both large-gauge speaker cables and conventional cables to be connected without soldering, crimping, or other special preparation. It is a small but significant detail that reflects the M-80's practical, high-power design philosophy. Protection and Additional Circuitry. An overload protection circuit monitors potentially dangerous operating conditions. If excessive power levels or a short circuit occurs, the protection system automatically shuts down the amplifier to help prevent damage to the M-80 and connected loudspeakers. Additional circuitry includes: DC gain configuration, DC protection circuit, Independent left/right level controls, A/B/C speaker-group selector. Original sale price in Germany: 2300 DM.

Looking for more? Head to 1001hifi.com for more.

Like Our Work? Support 1001 Hi-Fi

PIONEER CT-939 (1988) | The Reference Master Cassette Deck

What if you inserted a conventional compact cassette, pressed Play, and suddenly wondered if you were listening to digital audio? The answer is the Pioneer CT-939, a three-head flagship cassette deck engineered around extremely stable tape transport, short signal paths, low vibration, and precision recording and playback circuitry.

Pioneer CT-939 Main Specifications

Type: 4-Super/2-Channel Recording and Playback Stereo Cassette Deck

Head configuration: Three-head design

“Laser Amorphous” playback head × 1

Hard Permalloy recording head × 1 (combined)

Dual-Gap Ferrite erase head × 1

Motors:

DC servo motor for capstan drive × 1

DC motor for reel drive × 1

DC auxiliary motor × 1

Wow and flutter: 0.024% WRMS; ±0.06% DIN

Rewind time: 80 seconds with C-60 tape

Frequency response:

Normal tape: 20–21,000 Hz (-20 dB)

Chrome tape: 20–21,000 Hz (-20 dB)

Metal tape: 20–22,000 Hz (-20 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio: 60 dB, Dolby off

Distortion: 0.6% at 0 dB

Inputs: MIC, 67 mV / 50 kΩ; LINE

Power supply: 220 V or 240 V, 50–60 Hz

Dimensions: 420 × 133.5 × 372 mm

Weight: 9.6 kg

The Pioneer CT-939 “Reference Master” Technology. The tape transport is at the heart of the CT-939. Pioneer designed the mechanism around a dual-capstan drive intended to optimize tape contact with the playback head. Two differently sized capstans, together with the guide rollers, help reduce resonances generated by moving parts. The enclosed tape path further contributes to the highly stable transport associated with the “Reference Master” drive. Precision playback starts at the head. The CT-939 uses a precision-machined amorphous playback head, while the three-head configuration separates the recording, playback, and erase functions. A cassette stabilizer holds the cassette securely in position while helping damp vibrations that could affect sound purity. Short Signal Paths. Pioneer also concentrated heavily on the signal circuitry. Signal paths between the input and recording head, and between the playback head and output, were kept extremely short. The recording and playback circuits for the two channels are completely separated to minimize interference and distortion. The playback amplifier uses non-inductive circuitry with direct head connection, designed to reduce magnetic distortion while improving linearity. Vibration Control and Chassis Construction. Mechanical stability extends beyond the tape transport. The CT-939 uses a robust copper-plated chassis, honeycomb-reinforced construction, cassette damping, honeycomb-structured dampers, and a cast-encased transformer. The specially damped transformer is made from solid cast iron and incorporates three separate OFC windings intended to prevent interference. The power supply is a low-impedance, servo-controlled, high-speed design, with separate supplies for the amplifier, control, and display stages. Recording and Noise-Reduction Features. The CT-939 combines its transport and circuit design with extensive recording controls. Dolby HX Pro extends dynamic range in the high frequencies, while Dolby B and C noise reduction provide additional noise reduction. The deck also includes fine adjustment of recording bias current, allowing the bias to be adjusted for the tape being used. An automatic tape-type selection system simplifies operation with different cassette formulations. Pioneer CT-939 User Features. Despite its ambitious engineering, the CT-939 was designed for straightforward operation: Automatic monitor switches from Source to Tape when recording begins, Switchable fluorescent level meter with peak hold, Narrower meter range for increased resolution, One-button recording start, Mute recording with automatic blank-space correction, Electronic tape counter with three display modes, Motorized cassette ejection, Headphone output with level control, Timer capability for recording and playback, MPX filter, Skip function for direct access to the beginning of the 15th track in either tape direction. The CT-939 was a AC220V, 240V model while the CT-800 was the AC120V model. Original sale price in Germany: 1200 DM.

Looking for more? Head to 1001hifi.com for more.

Like Our Work? Support 1001 Hi-Fi

Gallery