Aurex V50 (1984) | Midi Hi-Fi CD-AV

 

The Aurex V50 Midi Hi-Fi from 1984 was an advanced new system that lets you enjoy the next era of CD sound with comfortable operation. Experience an overwhelming sense of realism through the interplay of sound and visuals. The Aurex V50's AV compatibility expands your horizons and combines superior sound quality, functionality, and ease of use with expandability. Main features include: ● Direct operation system that allows recording and playback of each source with a single touch. ●Double reverse mechanism for full enjoyment of long continuous recording and playback. ●One-touch double Fast copying makes tape editing easy and quick. ● New MQJS with a variety of automatic track selection functions. Equipped with B-C. ● 70W + 70W high power amplifier ●6 FM/AM stations each, 12 stations total can be preset. ●One-touch recording to tape with the duplicate button. ●Simple operation full audio ●Excellent magnetic shielding design of the loudspeakers prevents color shift and unevenness even when placed next to a TV. Full list of components for the V50 system: Integrated Amplifier SB-V51 | FM/AM tuner ST-V51 | Turntable SR-V51R | Speaker system SS-V51W | Cassette deck PC-V51 WR | CD player XR-Z61 | Graphic Equalizer EQ-V51 | AV System Selector SD-V3AV | Alarm clock AT-V5 | Remote switcher AT-V5S | TV 21K692 | Hi-Fi Video V-L70S | Video Disc Player VDP-880D | TV stand STR-40G | Audio rack AR-V45 | Speaker stand AA-V10.

The advertising campaign of Aurex by Toshiba featured Japanese actress and singer Tomoyo Harada, who was the model for the brand at that time. The model, Tomoyo Harada, is a well-known figure from the 1980s Japanese "idol" era, famous for her lead role in the 1983 film The Little Girl Who Conquered Time. Using such high-profile talent helped position Aurex (Toshiba's high-end audio brand) as a desirable lifestyle choice for young consumers in Japan.

Looking for more? Head to 1001hifi.com for everything vintage audio.

Like Our Work? Support 1001 Hi-Fi

AKAI GX-F90 (1979) | 3-Head Super GX

 

Introduced the the German market in November 1979, the Akai GX-F90 cassette deck stands as a landmark in high-end analog audio engineering, showcasing Akai’s long-standing expertise in tape technology—from open-reel machines to advanced cassette systems. Designed as a flagship 3-head deck, the GX-F90 featured the brand’s proprietary Super GX (Glass & X’tal Ferrite) heads, a breakthrough that used precision-grown single-crystal ferrite encased in ultra-hard glass to deliver exceptional durability, ultra-low noise, and extended high-frequency response. Unlike competing designs moving toward Sendust alloy heads, Akai refined ferrite to achieve superior magnetic performance, with a 4-micron recording head gap and an ultra-precise 1-micron playback head gap for optimal fidelity. The deck’s robust two-motor transport system combined a direct-drive, brushless FG servo capstan motor with Hall-effect control for outstanding speed stability, minimizing wow and flutter while ensuring accurate tape handling. Advanced IC logic enabled feather-touch controls and smooth function switching, complemented by a visually intuitive illuminated interface and a 24-segment digital peak/VU level meter. Additional features such as the IPLS (Instant Program Locating System) for automatic track cueing, repeat and memory playback functions, and a one-touch recording cancel mechanism enhanced usability. The GX-F90 supported all major tape types (LN, LH, CrO₂, and Metal), incorporated Dolby B noise reduction, and offered precise recording calibration via an internal 400 Hz oscillator. Akai’s proprietary ADR (Automatic Distortion Reduction) further optimized recording by dynamically adjusting equalization to reduce high-frequency distortion. With its combination of precision engineering, innovative head technology, and sophisticated control systems, the GX-F90 delivered a characteristically clean, detailed sound while setting the stage for its successor, the GX-F95, cementing its reputation as one of the most advanced cassette decks of its era. Specifications: Wow and Flutter: 0,03% WRMS | Frequency Response 25-21.000Hz Metal | Dimensions (W/H/D) 440x105x370 mm | Weight 9,8kg | Color: silver and black | Original sale price in Germany 1498 DM.

Looking for more? Head to 1001hifi.com for everything vintage audio.

Like Our Work? Support 1001 Hi-Fi

SONY CFD-900 (1990) | DoDeCa HORN CD

 

The Dodecahorn XL system from Sony achieves advanced sound quality performance comparable to home audio. Furthermore, it incorporates Sony's pioneering digital technology, born from its experience in CD development. A remarkably intelligent sound machine has arrived in 1990. The sheer power of the Dodeca Horn resonator produces a robust, deep bass sound. The new resonator (resonant tube) further refines the deep bass of the Dodeca Horn. Thus frequency peaks that disrupt the sound balance are ... Discover More on BOOMBOXCITY here.