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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KENWOOD KX-9010 (1989) | Automatic Tape Calibration System

 

Stabilized Power Supplies and Isolated Ground Wires. The quality of a cassette deck's output signal is significantly affected by the power supply, especially when high power is required to stop or start the drive or during highly dynamic passages. Kenwood solves this problem with improved power supplies and isolated ground wires. The KX-9010 for example, have eight independently stabilized power lines, supplied from two taps on the mains transformer. For greater stability, the ground wire is also shielded. Large Fluorescent Displays. The large, clear displays of a range of Kenwood cassette decks stand out pleasantly from the usual array of displays. On the KX-9010, the top-of-the-line meters cover a wide dynamic range from -30 dB to +12 dB. Precision through high-strength construction. The most effective means of combating vibrations and resonances is a solid, high-strength structure. All Kenwood decks are robustly built and provide effective protection for the signal. The KX-9010 feature dual capstans with different diameters to prevent intermodulation. This closed loop stabilizes the contact between the tape head and the tape. Three-head configuration for perfectionists. Separate recording and playback heads with dual Dolby circuitry offer the advantage of true off-tape monitoring, even when recording with noise reduction. The head gap can also be precisely aligned to the specific task. Quiet, reliable drives. The drives in Kenwood cassette decks impress with their exceptionally quiet and gentle operation. Decks with three drive motors (capstan, reel table, and mechanism) offer particularly high reliability. Intelligent search system. The DPSS search system provides quick access to the beginning of tracks in both forward and reverse directions. It is complemented by practical extras such as direct access to the beginning of a recording, an automatic rewind/start function, and a single-track repeat function. Blank tape search and auto-play. "Index Scan" plays a short preview of all tracks for quick orientation. "Blank Search" fast-forwards the tape to the end of the program at the touch of a button, allowing you to add further tracks. Convenient remote control. The KX-9010 has its own infrared remote control, which, in addition to drive operation, also includes automatic tape calibration, counter reset, and tape/source switching. The KX-9010 is a three-head cassette deck with dual capstan, Amorphous alloy head assembly, constant current recording amplifier, (Super TLLE) Dual Dolby B/C NR and HX-Pro dynamic range enhancement, automatic bias current and level calibration (ATCS). Specifications: 3-Head Amorphous heads | 2+1 Motor drive sytem (Sankyo) | Frequency response 20Hz-22kHz Metal tape | Wow & Flutter 0,024% WRMS | Size (W/H/D) 440x127x321 mm | Weight 6,7kg | Remote control RC-X9010 | Original sale price in Germany: 1200 DM

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