ADDZEST 715 Series (2001)

 

Beautiful sound and visuals that dominate the car's interior. These are the DXZ715 AM/FM CD player with mp3 and CD changer controller and the MSZ715 MiniDisc in 1-DIN+1-DIN car audio format. The new Beat EQ (BEQ1) allows for more effective sound correction by independently adjusting the low, mid, and high frequencies. You can freely select from three patterns: IMPACT (BEQ2) for clear mid-range reproduction, and EXCITE (BEQ3) for a well-balanced sound from low to high frequencies. It also features a customization function to suit your preferences. The AUX input is a convenient feature that allows you to easily input audio output from external devices via line input. By connecting to the RCA terminals located on the back, you can play sound directly from your preferred device. Built-in 50W x 4ch high-power amplifier. It incorporates a 50W X 4-channel high-power amplifier employing hyper-vertical output transistors. It delivers optimal drive performance at all output levels from low to high frequencies, greatly contributing to ample high-power output and wide-range, high-quality sound reproduction. The 24-bit DAC boasts excellent linearity in the minute signal range, combined with a high signal-to-noise ratio and a wide dynamic range. It fully brings out the superior musicality inherent in CDs, faithfully reproducing even the subtle nuances that cannot be expressed with 16-bit audio, such as the breath of the vocalist and the tone of the instruments. Real Aluminum Face panel. The real aluminum face was created through advanced processing and surface treatment technologies. Combined with the clickless aluminum hot knob dial, it achieves a high level of balance between functional beauty and high quality. The MD deck utilizes a 1DIN space and can be combined with the DXZ715 or DXZ815MP. Its unified aluminum design provides a component-like feel. Analog level meter. The analog-like level meter evokes the atmosphere of high-end home audio. Its vibrant colors stand out in the car's interior. Original sale price ¥42,000 x 2 | Separate steering wheel remote control RCB-147-500 (ADDZEST is a Clarion brand name for the Japanese market)

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KENWOOD DA-9010 (1988) | Digital Integrated Amplifier

 

The Kenwood DA-9010 is a premium integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC, introduced in 1988 as the final and most advanced model in Kenwood's series of digital integrated amplifiers. Following the growing popularity of amplifiers with integrated digital-to-analog converters in the late 1980s, Kenwood developed the DA-9010 as the successor to the D-3300A and DA-1100EX, creating a highly refined amplifier that combined powerful analog performance with advanced digital technology. Compared to the earlier KA-1100 series, the DA-9010 featured a substantially upgraded output stage using a parallel push-pull design with four high-power output transistors, providing improved current delivery and excellent control over low-impedance speakers. The amplifier was powered by a large 440VA transformer weighing 6kg, supported by dual 15,000μF filter capacitors to ensure stable power delivery and impressive dynamic performance. To minimize noise, Kenwood equipped the amplifier with its Clean Cyclone power supply and Pure Signal Ground Line architecture, separating music signals from power supply noise for greater clarity and lower distortion. The carefully planned internal layout shortened the signal path, isolated the power supply from the audio circuitry, and included a Source Direct mode for the cleanest possible signal transmission. A rigid 1.6mm steel chassis further reduced vibration and improved overall stability.

The digital section featured an advanced 18-bit dual DAC with an 8x oversampling digital filter and Kenwood's Real Step Full Bit D/A Converter technology for improved linearity. A Twin Quartz PLL clocking system ensured highly accurate digital conversion, while the proprietary DPAC (Digital Pulse Axis Control) system reduced jitter immediately before D/A conversion for enhanced detail and imaging. Ground-isolated balanced transmission between the DAC and amplifier stages further prevented digital noise from affecting the analog signal. Connectivity included six analog inputs, including MM and MC phono compatibility, plus optical and coaxial digital inputs for CD players and other digital sources. Video switching facilities reflected the multimedia trends of the era, while the supplied wireless remote controlled volume, muting, and digital input selection. To eliminate interference from the remote-control circuitry, Kenwood isolated the microcontroller from the audio circuits using optical photocouplers.

The DA-9010 was designed to partner the Kenwood DP-X9010 CD transport, forming a sophisticated digital playback system. As Kenwood's last integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC, it represents the culmination of the company's late-1980s digital amplifier development, delivering excellent build quality, advanced engineering, powerful performance, and a balanced, detailed sound that continues to make it a sought-after vintage hi-fi component. Specifications: 105 W/ch (8ohm, 20Hz-20kHz) | THD 0,0008% (1kHz, CD 8ohm) | D/A Sampling frequencies 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz (automatic switching) | Dimensions (W/H/D) 440x162x422xmm | Weight 18kg | Remote RC-A9010 | Original sale price: Japan ¥ 91,100, Germany 1.598 DM

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SONY TC-K555ESR (1988) | High BIAS

 

Building upon its predecessor, which set a new standard for decks in the digital age with an innovative approach that re-examined the fundamentals, this new model (555ESR) further refines sound quality, including improved high-frequency resolution. In addition, it features side wood panels, giving it an even more premium design. It features a midship drive system that pursues the ideal weight balance and rigid structure. To increase the rigidity of the deck and thoroughly eliminate unwanted vibrations that degrade sound quality, weight balance is a crucial point—and this new perspective led to the development of the Midship Drive System. The mechanical deck and power supply are positioned in the center of the chassis, while the control system and audio circuits are separated to the left and right sides. This achieves excellent weight balance, with the weight distributed almost evenly across the four legs. Furthermore, the inside of the chassis is divided into approximately three equal parts by a U-shaped inner chassis, further increasing overall rigidity. This results in an extremely vibration-resistant rigid structure, while also eliminating electromagnetic interference between each block and suppressing sound quality degradation. | Quartz-locked D.D. for stable tape transport & Closed-loop dual-capstan system. Sony was one of the first to apply open-reel deck technology to cassette decks with its closed-loop dual-capstan system. This system stabilizes tape transport, improving wow and flutter characteristics, reducing modulation noise, and ensuring stable head contact, among other benefits. Moreover, the capstan drive uses a new 3-phase linear motor system with extremely low rotational fluctuations. Direct drive powered by a BSL motor. Furthermore, a quartz-locked servo provides excellent wow and flutter characteristics of 0.025% WRMS and precise tape speed. | Super bias. The bias frequency has been significantly shifted up - 210kHz. This expands the frequency difference with the music signal, reducing beat noise and intermodulation distortion, while greatly improving high-frequency resolution. It makes a difference in the ability to reproduce subtle nuances. | LC-OFC wound laser amorphous head. The 555ESR features a discrete 3-head system. Sony's unique discrete three-head system ensures precise azimuth accuracy for each recording and playback head, while also providing uniform head contact. It fully utilizes the capabilities of the laser amorphous head, which employs LC-OFC windings for minimal signal transmission loss, vividly capturing the quality of digital sources. The recording and playback amplifiers are placed on separate circuit boards and arranged in two tiers, one above the other, with sufficient distance between them. This more precisely suppresses interference between the recording and playback amplifiers, and the entire system uses L/R twin mono DC amplifiers. The design also eliminates interference between channels. This is meticulous attention to protecting the purity of the sound. | Equipped with a calibration function that allows for precise adjustment of recording bias/recording level using a built-in oscillator. The meter also switches to adjustment mode. | Wireless remote control allows tape operation from the listening position. Other features include: Wireless remote control RM-99 for K555ESR. Three-stage switchable high-frequency characteristics for the recording equalizer; simultaneous display of peak hold and real-time peak values; wide-range peak program meter for enhanced readability; linear electronic counter with remaining time function; Dolby NR B-C type; memory stop/play function; TYPE I/II/IV auto tape selector; REC MUTE with auto space; tape slack prevention mechanism during cassette loading; continuous unattended recording/playback with optional timer; gold-plated headphone jack (with volume control); side wood trim included; soft eject. Main Specifications - Heads: Erase 1, Record 1, Playback 1 | Motor: Linear Torque BSL D.D. Motor 1, DC Motor 1 | S/N Ratio: 56dB (Dolby OFF, METAL-S Cassette), 73dB (Dolby NR Type C, Peak Level, METAL-S Cassette) | Frequency Response: 20~20,000Hz±3dB (METAL-S Cassette) | Frequency Range: 15-22,000Hz (METAL-S Cassette) | Wow and Flutter: ±0.04% Wpeak, 0.025% WRMS | Distortion: 0.5% (METAL-S Cassette) | Dimensions: 470 (W) × 125 (H) × 350 (D) mm | Side wood removable (Width 430mm when removed) | Weight: 10.5kg | Original sale price in Japan 105,000 yen (RM-99 with included remote control)

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