Technics RS-B900 (1991) | G-Series

 

The Technics RS-B900 is a stereo cassette deck with a closed-loop dual capstan system and three heads. The mechanism employs a closed-loop dual capstan system, with a high-torque Quartz controlled DD motor providing excellent rotational precision and stable running performance. The recording amplifier employs Technics' proprietary discrete linear magnetfield Class AA, consisting of a voltage-controlled amplifier and a current-supply amplifier, significantly improving the magnetic field waveform response. The playback system is equipped with a phase correction circuit to ensure a more faithful waveform response. A CD direct line input terminal is also provided to record CDs without compromising their dynamic range. The mounting frame supporting the transport system effectively combines two different materials, die-cast zinc and die-cast aluminum, for superior vibration resistance. In addition, power-assisted cassette loading securely holds the highly rigid, glass-fiber-reinforced cassette holder in place, while cassette half stabilizers suppress vibration of the half itself caused by tape movement. The internal structure features a T.N.R.C. base with excellent vibration damping properties and an anti-vibration top panel, reducing external and internal vibrations. A separate block structure prevents mutual interference. This structure separates the power supplies for the mechanism control system and the audio system, and further divides the audio system into five blocks: playback equalizer, playback noise reduction, recording noise reduction, recording equalizer, and headphones, preventing signal interference from adversely affecting sound quality. Beat noise is reduced by incorporating a BS bias that drives the bias at a high oscillation frequency of over 200 kHz. The RS-B900 also features APRS (Advanced Precise Rec Level System) functionality. When a signal is input while in record pause mode and the APRS button is turned on, the maximum input signal value is held and displayed on the meter. Adjusting the Rec-Level to match this displayed maximum value will cause the hold indicator on the meter to move accordingly, allowing you to set the appropriate recording level. The level meter features a switchable range, allowing you to change the level display in 1dB steps. A built-in recording calibration oscillator allows you to adjust the recording level and bias for each left and right channel. In addition to Dolby B/C, the noise reduction system also includes dbx, which provides excellent noise reduction. The recording/playback combination head uses an amorphous head with PC-OCC windings. Dolby HX-PRO is included for improved high-frequency recording characteristics. A linear electronic counter is included, allowing memory stop and memory repeat functions. An MPX filter is included. An auto tape/source monitor is included. A wireless remote control is included. While this model is based on the RS-B965 it was actually only made to order for Japanese market customers. Specifications: 3-Head System, Amorphous heads | Quartz Direct Drive Dual Capstan in a 2+1 motor mechanism | Wow & Flutter 0,03% WRMS | Dimensions (W/H/D) 483x141x290 mm | Weight 7,5kg | Original sale price in Japan ¥100,000

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Victor (JVC) Mezzo Prezio micro (1990)

This is an amazing micro Hi-Fi system introduced in 1990. It was known as the Victor Mezzo Prezio in Japan and JVC Super Digifine micro Worldwide. The components of this system are: FX-105 (FX-V1TN) Computer-Controlled Digital Synthesizer tuner with 40 random preset memory, 16-character alphanumeric display for station names and frequencies, remote control card with numeric keypad - TD-105 (TD-V1TN) 3-Head Dual Capstan Computer-Controlled cassette deck with Dolby B-C HX Pro, fluorescent digital peak display and remote control card - EX-105 (EX-V1TN) Digital Processing Control Amplifier with Dolby Pro Logic Surround, Digital Acoustics Processor, Input 6-audio and 5-video, on-screen display, dot-matrix fluorescent display, 2 unified A/V remote control cards - ME-105 (ME-V1TN) Dynamic Super-A Power Amplifier, 2x80W 4ohm + 50W centre channel + 2x30W rear, discrete 5-channel amplifier, automatic 2/5 channel operation - SX-105TN 2-Way 3-Speaker bass reflex loudspeakers with two 12cm "metal cone" woofers and 2,5cm Titanium dome tweeter.

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Sony TA-F80 Integrated Amplifier (1978) | Pulse Power Hi-Fi Classic

 

Released in 1978, the Sony TA-F80 integrated amplifier showcased Sony’s most advanced audio engineering of the era, combining a pulse power supply, radical internal construction, and a distinctly futuristic design. The TA-F80’s defining achievement was its unique signal-flow-optimized construction. Components were positioned strictly according to the signal path, minimizing the distance between input and output terminals while eliminating signal crossover. This resulted in an exceptionally clean and direct signal route. The preamplifier and power amplifier sections were fully separated, with the preamplifier mounted on the front panel and the power amplifier housed in a shielded enclosure behind it. Volume and function switches were mounted directly on the preamplifier board, eliminating unnecessary wiring and reducing signal degradation. Even the input terminals were positioned behind the front panel, directly connected to the preamplifier board—an unconventional but highly effective layout. The power amplifier employed Sony’s in-house developed Hi-fT high-frequency power transistors, designed with fine linear patterns to dramatically reduce transient intermodulation distortion (TIM). These transistors combined the characteristics of multiple small high-speed devices into a single output element, delivering wide bandwidth, stability at high power, and excellent transient response. Unlike conventional designs where power transistors are placed far apart for heat dissipation, the TA-F80 positioned them directly along the signal path on the circuit board. Heat was transferred via high-efficiency heat pipes, offering thermal conductivity hundreds of times greater than solid metal rods. This minimized high-current wiring, reduced magnetic field interference, and further lowered distortion. The TA-F80 featured a high-gain DC power amplifier, eliminating the need for a conventional flat amplifier stage. In DIRECT mode, DC transmission was possible from Tuner, AUX, and Tape inputs all the way to the speaker outputs, significantly improving low-frequency phase accuracy. The RIAA equalizer amplifier used a molded, three-dimensional wiring structure instead of a printed circuit board, minimizing lead length and suppressing mechanical capacitor resonance. Premium components were used throughout, including non-inductive polystyrene capacitors and high-stability tantalum metal-film resistors. Cartridge load impedance was adjustable from 100–400 pF / 100 Ω to 100 kΩ, and a dedicated MC head amplifier was included. Parallel low-noise LEC transistors combined with a high-performance IC achieved an impressive equivalent input noise of –152 dB/V and a signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB, with selectable impedance from 3 Ω to 40 Ω. Power was supplied by Sony’s signature pulse power supply, which rectified AC directly without a conventional power transformer. The resulting current was converted into a 20 kHz square wave, transformed via a compact high-frequency transformer, and rectified again. This design delivered the same capacity as a large conventional transformer while maintaining extremely high efficiency. A pulse-width-controlled voltage regulator ensured outstanding stability, with voltage fluctuation under 1% from 0 to 120 W. The pulse rectification method virtually eliminated ripple, hum, and power-supply noise. The TA-F80 also introduced a newly developed high-precision volume control, offering exceptional tracking accuracy and excellent square-wave response. Additional features included a 20-step LED level display and a peak power meter with direct readings from 0.008 W to 130 W. Specifications: 2x120W 8ohm | Frequency response 5-30.000Hz | Distortion: 0,007% | Dimensions (W/H/D) 43x16x41 cm | Weight 8,6kg | Original sale price in Germany 2.400 DM

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