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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DUAL CV 1500 RC (1980) | Computer Controlled

 

High-Fidelity amplifier CV 1500 RC from DUAL Germany. This was a Infrared remote controled model from the 1980 model range of this prestigious manufacturer best known for their turntables. It is a 2 x 60 watts RMS. 2 x 100 watts music power stereo integrated amplifier with "Microprocessor control". Optional manual operation with solenoid pushbuttons. Microphone input with pre-level control. Highly effective low and high filters. Mute button. Input for 2 turntables, 2 tape recorders, and tuner. Monitor for both tape inputs. Direct tape-to-tape dubbing. 4 speaker outputs. Built-in infrared receiver that offers remote control operation via the optional RC 154 transmitter. Dimensions: 440 x 150 x 360 mm (W x H x D). Finishes: metallic silver and metallic brown. Recommended HiFi speakers were the Dual CL 730, CL 720. Original sale in Germany (only available with matching CT-1540 tuner): 2298 DM 

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harman/kardon CD491 (1983) | Ultrawideband Linear Phase

 

The harman/kardon CD491 represents one of the pinnacle of the company's cassette deck engineering, delivering audiophile-grade performance that rivals the original source material. Designed for serious music enthusiasts and demanding recording applications, the CD491 achieves an exceptional frequency response of 20Hz to 24kHz (±3dB) with virtually any tape formulation, placing it among the most advanced cassette decks ever produced. At the heart of the CD491 is Dolby HX Pro, an advanced headroom extension system that dynamically optimizes high-frequency recording performance. By reducing distortion and extending frequency response at elevated recording levels, Dolby HX Pro enables cleaner, more accurate recordings with greater dynamic range. Combined with Dolby C noise reduction, the CD491 achieves an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 75dB. When used with high-quality metal tape, Dolby C, and Dolby HX Pro, the deck delivers a remarkable 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response at 0dB recording level (±3dB), ensuring faithful reproduction of even the most demanding digital and analog program material. The CD491 features a true three-head configuration, allowing real-time monitoring during recording and providing superior recording accuracy. The deck utilizes a high-performance Sendust recording head capable of handling elevated recording levels without overload, while a precision ferrite playback head ensures outstanding high-frequency extension and detail retrieval. Both heads are meticulously aligned within a single housing to maintain optimal tracking accuracy and consistent performance. To maximize compatibility with a wide variety of cassette formulations, the CD491 incorporates built-in tone generators for bias adjustment and record calibration. These tools allow users to precisely match recording parameters to individual tapes, optimizing frequency response, recording accuracy, and Dolby tracking. Dual Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction systems further enhance playback quality while reducing tape hiss and preserving low-level musical detail. A standout feature of the Harman Kardon CD491 is its unique meter weighting system. This sophisticated circuit analyzes the frequency content of incoming audio and helps determine the optimum recording level for each program source. The information is displayed on highly accurate 16-segment peak level meters, allowing users to record at the highest possible level without risking tape saturation or distortion. The meter range extends from -30dB to +10dB, providing excellent visibility and control during recording sessions. The CD491 employs a precision closed-loop dual-capstan transport system designed to maintain stable tape handling, minimize wow and flutter, and improve overall playback consistency. Additional convenience features include bi-directional automatic music search, Auto Space for precise cueing between tracks, Auto Repeat playback, an electronic digital display, and a real-time tape counter that also functions as a conventional tape counter. Combining wide frequency response, Dolby HX Pro technology, precision tape calibration, three-head monitoring, and a closed-loop dual-capstan transport, the Harman Kardon CD491 established itself as one of the finest cassette decks of its era. Rather than comparing the CD491 to other tape decks, Harman Kardon encouraged listeners to compare it directly to the source recording itself — a testament to the deck's extraordinary recording accuracy and reference-level performance. Specifications: Heads: 3 Sendust/Ferrite | Motors Direct Drive 2+1 motor system | Wow & Flutter 0,025% | Frequency response 20Hz-24kHz (maxell UD-XLI, TDK SA) 20Hz-26kHz Metal tape | Dimensions (W/H/D) 440x122x343mm | Weight 8,2kg | Original sale price in Germany 2000-2250 DM ( 1983-1986)

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