24 September 2022

ELAC 250 4Pi (1985) - German Engineering

loudspeakers

The ELAC 250-4Pi loudspeaker system was designed as a 4-way unit. Each of the loudspeaker chassis used only has to transmit the frequency range in which it works best. The playback quality is clearly audibly better because the amplitude frequency response (the evenly loud playback of all frequencies from the deepest bass to the highest treble), the phase behavior and the directional characterteristics are optimal. The - compared to conventional three-way systems - smaller frequency band, which is transmitted by the speaker chassis, eliminates the otherwise frequently heard sound discoloration in the mid-range, for example, and the sound radiation is more even, less directed.

The low frequencies are transmitted up to around 550 Hz by four small special low-frequency drivers. The comparatively small cones are lighter and more stable than those with a larger diameter. The lower dead weight and the powerful coating due to the four large magnets result in an optimal power/mass ratio. Great acceleration is essential for the realistic bass reproduction and therefore no problem. The unintentionally precise impulse reproduction has an overwhelming effect. A total of four loudspeaker chassis - all special developments for the 250-4Pi - work in parallel, falling through the transmission line. The bass systems and the transmission line were designed in such a way that the lowest frequencies down to 20 Hz can still be reproduced cleanly.

The midrange, which is so important for the natural sound image, is transmitted by two fabric dome speakers. Frequencies from 550 to 1450 Hz are reproduced by the 80(!) mm dome system. It can transmit this frequency range precisely and without distortion. The MT 25 high-midrange system, a special ELAC development, transmits the frequency range between 1450 and 4000 Hz.

For the reproduction of the high tones from 4000 Hz, the 4Pi uses a technology newly developed by ELAC engineers and patented together with the Dutch group Bakker/van den Hul is used for the first time. Instead of the usual dome or cone diaphragms, a cylindrical aluminum strip that is only 5 thousandths of a millimeter (5 μm) thin is used. This extremely light cone has unmistakable advantages: an exceptional impulse reproduction is achieved thanks to the low surface weight. Only sound-radiating parts are moved in this innovative tweeter system. There are no longer any drive coils, which ignite the oscillating mass in conventional tweeter systems and thus round off the finest impulses during playback. Two powerful toroidal magnets arranged above and below the cylindrical ribbon holder generate the force field to move the aluminum ribbon. With the ELAC 4Pi technology, high frequencies are emitted evenly in the room, a basic requirement for homogeneous sound propagation in the listening room.

High quality crossover network. The 250-4Pi contains only selected components. The high-quality air coils are manufactured by ELAC itself - only then can the exact optimum values ​​be maintained within the narrow tolerances specified for this high-quality speaker system. Only film capacitors are used so that the first-class sound impression is retained for years to come. They guarantee long-term stability of their physical parameters. Even the influence of the connection cables on the sound was taken into account: oxygen-free copper cables connect the chassis to the network, the network to the connection terminal.

Technical data: 4-way Transmission Line | Dimensions: 1550x460x460mm | Weight:90kg | Crossover frequencies: 560/1450/4000Hz | Power: 350/250W (impulse/nominal) | Frequency range: 18-28000Hz| Sensitivity: 83 dB/1W/1m | Minimal impedance: 2.3ohm | Original sale price: 2x7498 DM, Germany.

loudspeakers

loudspeakers

loudspeakers

loudspeakers

loudspeakers

loudspeakers

loudspeakers




10 September 2022

AKAI AP-L95C (1981) - Refined Engineering

turntable

The AP-L95C was the top-of-the line fully automatic turntable introduced by Akai in 1981. It features a Quartz Lock Direct Drive DC brush-less motor and a static balanced type Linear Tracking arm. A second motor provides two-speed tonearm search. Speaking of search, the AP-L95C has a secondary arm with built-in photo sensor that with the help of a microprocessor allows track selection but also track programming in random order. Other functions include automatic speed and disc size selection and automatic play-repeat-stop modes. All controls are accessible with the top lid closed. Unlike traditional turntables where you have a large and tall transparent cover, the AP-L95C has a flat silver top cover where only the area around the arm section has a tall transparent window creating this spaceship-like look. The original sale price for this futuristic turntable was 3200 DM in Germany while the AP-L45 was a scaled down version with no track programming. Technical data: Platter - Zinc alloy die-cast | Wow and flutter: 0.04% (DIN), 0.02% (JIS) | Signal to noise: 75 dB (DIN B) | Effective arm lenght: 184 mm | Cartridge: PC-95 (MM type) | Dimensions: 440x124x410 mm | Weight: 11.2 kg 

turntable

turntable

turntable

turntable

turntable

turntable



03 September 2022

AIWA LP-3000 (1979) - Aiwa's Ultimate Turntable


Aiwa's Ultimate Turntable


The AIWA LP-3000 is a two-speed (33 and 45 rpm) programmable turntable with lateral-tracking arm, Quartz Direct Drive motor and remote control, introduced in 1979 (as LP-20X in Japan). It actually has 3 motors, one for arm elevation, one for lateral transport and the Quartz Direct drive platter motor. All essential controls are located on the front of the turntable so it can be operated even with the dust cover closed. With the help of a Microprocessor it is possible to program the playback of up to 15 tracks (in random order if desired). The "disc sensor" for track detecting is achieved by an LED and photo transistor located at the front of the dedicated headshell. The turntable is fitted with a MM cartridge while other cartridges can be used with additional sub weight. Two red LED display show you the speed/pitch/programm. Synchro operation for starting and stopping the turntable and an AIWA cassette deck (like AD-6900, AD-6700 or a TPR-950 portable stereo) is possible via a cable connected between the two units. The remote-control jack for the RM-20 wired remote control (sold as accessory) is located on the front of the unit. Technical data: Platter - Zinc diecast (310 mm diameter, 3.2 kg weight) | Wow&Flutter: 0.025% WRMS | SN ratio: 75dB (DIN-B) | Tonearm length: 182 mm | Dimensions: 480x150x439 mm | Weight: 15.2kg | Original sale price: 2500 DM (Germany) + 160 DM remote.

turntable


turntable


turntable