27 March 2021

GRUNDIG Monolith 190 (1980) - Active Sound Wall

 

active loudspeaker

The first Laboratory Refence prototype of a 190 cm tall and 65 cm wide active soundwall was presented by Grundig at the 1979 Funkausstellung in Berlin. Due to large public interest a commercial model was released in 1980, this was the Grundig Monolith 190 Active Sound Wall, work of Dr. Arnold Glaab. The loudspeaker uses a system of three sets of vertically arranged speakers. It features 8 twin-series-parallel bass speakers, 7 series-parallel dome midrange speakers and 7 series-parallel dome tweeters for a 22 speaker wall of sound driven by 4 dedicated built-in power amplifiers. Each amplifier works in a frequency range determined by the active crossover network. Total power of a loudspeaker is 160 W nominal - 250 W music power (short term) while the frequency response is 20-25.000 Hz. The loudspeakers have to be connected to a pre-amplifier such as the Grundig XV 7500 which is capable of driving two sets of Grundig active loudspeakers. Each loudspeaker measures 68*192*46 cm, weighs 83 kg and the left and right loudspeaker are built in a mirror image speaker arrangement. Original sale price was 2800 DM per speaker.

active loudspeaker

active loudspeaker

active loudspeaker

active loudspeaker

active loudspeaker

active loudspeaker













20 March 2021

Accuphase P-800 (1988) - Balanced Stereo PowerAmplifier

power amplifier

The Accuphase P-800 is a Balanced Stereo PowerAmplifier. Completely balanced powerful output stage consisting of two sets of 7 parallel push-pull transistor pairs, outstanding low-impedance drive capability, separate power supplies for left and right channels, balanced input.

The impedance of loudspeakers on the market varies considerably, ranging from about 2 ohms to 16 ohms. With a direct-coupled amplifier, driving such a wide impedance range with equal aplomb is almost impossible. An output stage designed for optimum performance at 2 ohms will deliver less power into 8 to 16 ohms. Conversely, the performance of an amplifier optimiozed for about 4 to 8 ohms suffers at 2 ohms and it will not be capable of driving 1-ohms loads. The P-800 incorporates a special design to deal with a wide range of load impedances. The applied voltage of its output devices can be switched to a lower value, to provide the high current capability required by low-impedance loads. This results in a truly amazing guaranteed rating of 600 watts into 1 ohm and 400 watts into 2 ohms, with undiminshed sound quality. To achieve such stunning performance the output stage of each power unit employs two sets of seven parallel push-pull pairs of wide-band transistors with a maximum power dissipation of 130 watts each. This amounts to 14 pairs or 28 transistors per unit, totaling a maximum powe dissipation of 3,6 kilowatts. These truly astounding figures testify to the no-holds-barred Design approach of the P-800.

To let you monitor its performance, the P-800 incorporates two symmetrically arranged analog level meters. The output meters are large analog meters symetrically arranged. They can directly read the output power in decibel units over a range as wide as from -60(0.0004 watts/8ohm) to+3 (800 watts/8ohm) dB. The meters can be activated and deactivated ot the illumination of the meters can be turned on or off by a switch. Except for the power switch, all controls are located behind a hinged subpanel door in the lower section of the front panel. The panel is finished in brushed gold aluminium, giving the P-800 an appearance of simple elegance. The visual appeal of the amplifier is further enhanced by the side panels made of exquisite persimmon-wood.

The beautiful and simple elegance of this amplifier's external appearance belies its awesome performance. But when turned on, it speaks unmistakably through music. Technical data: Continuous Average Power Output (20 to 20,000 Hz) Normal load operation (THD 0.01%) 600 W/ch 4 ohm, 400 W/ch 8 ohm, 200 W/ch 16 ohm | Total Harmonic Distortion 0.01% with 4-16 ohm load | Frequency Response: 20 to 200,000 Hz +/-0dB for rated output |  Damping Factor: 200 | Signal to Noise: 125 dB | Dimensions: 481*239*489 mm | Weight: 47.2 kg. 


power amplifier

power amplifier

power amplifier

power amplifier

14 March 2021

PIONEER M-22 (1978) - Series Twenty Class-A

 

stereo power amplifier

The culmination of PIONEER's creative design can be heard with the esoteric Series Twenty Class-A components which achieve the exceptional warmth and presence of valve-type amplifiers without the drawbacks of the old designs. The Series Twenty was launched in 1978 to prove just how "high" fidelity could really reach if the cost factor is eliminated. The PIONEER M-22 is operating strictly in the Class-A mode. Admittedly low on efficiency (watts of output per power input) but unbeatably high on performance. The M-22 obtained the highes compliment when the British journal Practical Hi-Fi said the amplifier "can be regarded as the classic straight wire with gain" Technical data: 30 W/ch min. RMS at 8 ohms, from 10 to 30000 Hz Dimensions (WxHxD) 420x153x370 mm, Weight: 22 kg. Partnering components are the U-24 Stereo Programme Source Selector, C-21 Stereo Preamplifier, D-23 Multi-Amp Electronic Crossover Network.

stereo power amplifier

stereo power amplifier

stereo power amplifier

stereo power amplifier



13 March 2021

07 March 2021

Technics SB-M10000 (1995) - The Final Word in Sound Perfection

 

Loudspeaker


The Technics SB-M10000 introduced in 1995 is a 4-Way 12-Speaker limited series loudspeaker system. The SB-M10000 used Dual Dynamic Drives (D.D.D.) that achieved flat response down to super-low frequencies. By developing a Kelton speaker system that alone is capable of the advantages of both sealed speakers and bass-reflex speakers, the SB-M10000 achieved ample frequency response reaching down to deep bass. The speaker was capable of easily reproducing deep bass with a sense of natural and magnificent scale as if floating. The speaker included four passive radiators with 27-cm cones for the low frequencies and four 22-cm cone woofers for driving. Unique push-pull edges reduced distortion by equalizing the amount of air displacement back and forth when amplitude occurs. The speaker included two 18-cm mid-low units using composite mica diaphragms for the lower midrange frequencies, a 6-cm pure-mica oval dome diaphragm unit for the upper midrange frequencies, and a 2.5-cm super graphite dome tweeter for the high frequencies. Given a multi-layer glossy veneer finish limiting diffraction reflection, the cabinet produced a tallboy form increasing the sound imaging in the space. The original sale price was 90.000 DM for a pair. According to some (yet unverified) sources there were only 8 pairs made. Technical data: Frequency response: 20Hz to 100kHz | Impedance: 4ohm | Dimensions: 486*1575*575 mm | Weight: 160kg (Source: Technics)


Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker









06 March 2021

AMFITON MC by Radiotehnika - USSR "Walkman"

AMFITON MC by Radiotehnika
USSR "Walkman" (магнитофон Амфитон)
More vintage audio: www.1001hifi.com