29 January 2022

Technics SST-1 (1988) - Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Loudspeaker

The SST-1 was a "Twin Loaded-Horn Speaker System" introduced by Technics in 1988, that achieved a high reproduction quality with higher efficiency and lower distortion. This unique form was structured from flow lines using a unique acoustic method by applying computer simulation technology. Compared with conventional back-loaded horns, the twin loaded horns of the SST-1 smoothed sound pressure frequency response in the midrange and high frequencies, thereby further improving reproduction capability with high efficiency and low distortion, which are characteristics of horn speakers. This also made possible the clear and energetic reproduction of deep bass. In addition, the speaker used a “brilliant throat” construction in which part of the horn was narrowed in order to prevent deterioration in sound quality. This also functioned as an acoustic filter blocking the emission of undesired midrange and high-frequency sound, which have extensive distortion. These synergistic effects dramatically improved the acoustic characteristics, from the high frequencies to bass. 

The SST-1 was equipped with a 5cm tweeter and a 14cm bass unit coupled to the twin horn labyrint (one 3.2 m and one 2.6 m long). The SST-1 could be used as an independent loudspeaker or as part of a package speaker system, including SST-40WT 20W dedicated amplifier and SST-25HZ Exiter (subwoofer) with it's own power drive, the SST-150WT. There were available three color variations: metallic black, pearl silver, and metallic red. The SST-1 could be used independently on a dedicated stand or you could join two units and add a stand for horizontal use. This system is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Specification: 2-way Twin-Load Horn Speaker System | Woofer: 14cm cone type chitin diaphragm, Tweeter: 5cm horn type | Power 80W (DIN), 180W (Music) | Impedance: 6ohm | Output sound pressure: 92 dB/W/m | Frequency range 55 Hz-20,000 Hz | Dimensions: 570x650x190 mm | Weight: 12 kg.

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker

Loudspeaker




22 January 2022

JVC F1 Series (1995) - Super Digifine Mini

mini hifi

The F1 Series were a Super Mini System featuring high quality components that measured only 245 mm wide. They were available as JVC components worldwide while the Japanese domestic models were sold under the Victor brand name. The JVC branded models had yellow/red displays while the Victor branded models were available with yellow/red, but also blue/red displays. The components are: AX-F1GD 50W/ch (DIN 4 ohm) amplifier | FX-F1RGD RDS Tuner/timer with 40 presets | XL-F1GD 1-Bit cd player with optical out | TD-F1GD Full Logic controlled Auto-reverse cassette deck featuring a 3 motor "Silent Mechanism", Dolby B,C,HX-Pro | XM-F1GD MiniDisc recorder with optical in-out. The whole system can be remote controlled with the remote of the amplifier that controls the other components via JVC's Compu Link Remote System.

There were two loudspeaker sets available for this system. The SX-F1WD is a compact 2-way closed system featuring a 16 cm bass and 2,5 cm tweeter. The SX-A103WD is a more compact and more sophisticated loudspeaker. It features a 12 cm woofer designed in Germany by Kurt Muller and a 1,9 cm tweeter. They are both mounted on a 5 mm thick aluminium front panel in a bass-reflex enclosure.

mini hifi

mini hifi

mini hifi

mini hifi

mini hifi

mini hifi

mini hifi

mini hifi

mini hifi




16 January 2022

HITACHI CP-90/900 (1983) - The Super Transformer

boombox

This Hitachi Super Mini Component System was introduced in 1983. It was a modular concept that consisted of the CP-90S or CP-900S amplifier and the clip-on CP-90REX docking station for 4 removable components and the matching speakers. There were available two systems, the CP-90 and CP-900. The CP-90 had only 3 components in the docking station: tuner, cassette recorder and EQ with the empty space covered with a decorative element. The CP-900 had 4 components installed: cassette player, cassette recorder, tuner and EQ with the amplifier having different input configuration. The docking components are interchangeble which means one could have a system with 3 cassette players installed or change the position of the tuner and cassette player in the docking station. The detachable tuner/cassette components can be used as portable units with a headphone. The Dolby noise reduction system is housed inside the 5-band graphic equalizer unit. The amplifier section has a power rating of 12W/ch (THD 10%) delivered to a pair of easily detachable loudspeakers, each with a 9cm woofer and 2cm ceramic tweeter. To enhance bass response the amplifier has a switchable Super Bass Boost System. Additional components that could be used with the CP-90/900 were the HT-L55 turntable, A-300 AC adapter, HD-M3 headphones, UCM-300W microphones. Dimensions: 495x168x201 mm | Weight: 7.7 kg | Operation: AC/DC/ext. DC power supply. You can see this system featured in the dance sequence of the 1985 movie, White Nights. 

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox

HITACHI CP-90/900 (1983)

HITACHI CP-90/900 (1983)

boombox



08 January 2022

SONY CFS-C7 Chord Machine (1982) - The Musical Transformer

boombox

The CFS-C7 Chord Machine was introduced by Sony in 1982. It was an all in one device which featured an analog drum machine (several rhythm setting: rock, swing, high, parade), chord generator (the numeric keys), cassette recorder and AM/FM radio. There is also provision for external microphone (F-V50TY) and even a guitar input. It's foldable construction makes-it easy to transport. The speaker section is detachable and is connected to the main unit via a spiral cable (1.5 m). These cables can be hidden behind a compartiment when transporting the unit. The radio section can receive TV channels while the cassette recorder features music search and auto-rec mute functions. The amplifier section delivers it's 2.5 W/ch (EAIJ/DC) power to a set of 2x12 cm speakers. For the chord machine there was also an external foot pedal (FS-C7) available for more control over your music. Dimensions: 576x170x126 mm | Weight: 5.2 kg.

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox

boombox