31 January 2024

SONY TC-FX606R (1983)

 

SONY TC-FX606R cassette deck

Brand: SONY
Model: TC-FX606R
Year: 1983

Technical Data:
Head: 2-Head Laseramorphous - Autoreverse
Motors: 2 motors
Dolby B-C
Frequency Response: n/a (Normal)
    n/a (Chrome)
    n/a (FeCr)
    20-19.000Hz (Metal)
Wow and Flutter: 0,065% (WRMS)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 430x80x310 mm
Weight: 5,6 kg
Remote control RM-70


SONY TC-FX606R cassette deck

SONY TC-FX606R cassette deck

SONY TC-FX606R cassette deck


30 January 2024

Victor HR-Z1 (1992)

Victor HR-Z1 S-VHS Digital Audio video recorder

Brand: Victor (JVC)
Model: HR-Z1
Year: 1992

The HR-Z1 was introduced by Victor (Japan Victor Company - JVC) in 1992. This model was dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the introduction of the VHS video system by JVC. It was another revolutionary model that added Digital Audio to the Super-VHS system. This Super-VHS model equipped with digital audio in addition to the 2ch 48kHz 16-bit mode that allows you to record "B-mode satelite stereo broadcast" in Digital Stereo was also equipped with a 4ch 32kHz/12-bit mode. Rotating Sendust heads in conjunction with an auto-calibration system that sets the optimal recording level according to the recording characteristics were used to achieve this audio performance. In addition to being equipped with Digital Audio, the image quality has also been "brushed up" in pursuit of next-generation video quality. An auto-calibration system that supports all standards and 3x recording modes for Super-VHS and VHS respectively enhances the tape's capabilities. All these technological advancement were housed in a honeycomb chassis with full brushed aluminum front for a luxorious execution.


Victor HR-Z1 S-VHS Digital Audio video recorder

Victor HR-Z1 S-VHS Digital Audio video recorder

29 January 2024

SONY APM-77W (1981)

 

SONY APM-77W loudspeaker

Brand: SONY
Model: APM-77W
Year: 1981

The highlight of the Sony APM-77W is the use of flat drivers, the so called APM (Accurate Pistonic Motion) driver which is a Sony development. The diaphragm of the woofer uses a honeycomb sandwich structure in which an aluminum core is sandwiched by aluminum skins, and a damper is incorporated in the sandwich structure to suppress plate vibration. This diaphragm is driven at four points by four magnetic circuits and a voice coil. This solution is a 100 times more rigid structure than a regular paper cone and it offers a clear, precise and even dispersion of sound. The midrange and tweeter use similar construction while the crossover is composed of 3-individual network boards.

Technical Data:
3-Way Bass Reflex 
Max. Input: 200 W
Rated input: 100 W
Frequency Range: 28Hz-30.000Hz
Impedance: 6ohm
Woofer: 530 cm2 APM
Midrange: 27 cm2 APM
Tweeter: 7 cm2 APM
Dimensions: 405x745x325mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 32kg
Available also in grey color.
Optional Speaker Stand WS-500
Original sale price: 4000 DM/pair in Germany


SONY APM-77W loudspeaker

SONY APM-77W loudspeaker

26 January 2024

TRIO Roxy-77F (1983)

 

TRIO Roxy 77F midi hifi system

The Roxy 77F was a compact, easy-to-use, lifestyle Hi-Fi component from 1983 made by Trio corporation of Japan. Trio-Kenwood. These components can communicate with each other so the operation becomes more easy for non-tech savvy users. The amplifier of the system delivers 55W/ch, the tuner is a AM/FM-Stereo model with 5-station preset, the cassette recorder is full logic controlled auto-reverse model with Dolby B-C noise reduction and manual recording level adjustment. The most sophisticated component is perhaps the turntable which is a Linear tracking Quartz Direct Drive model which also offers track programming for easy LP-to-tape dubbing. The Trio Roxy also comes with an "instruction tape". Additionally to the usual printed document user manual you received a cassette that contained audio instructions on how to use the system. A dedicated rack for the audio components, loudspeakers with dedicated stand, an equalizer and a timer unit were also available for this modern compact home Hi-Fi system. 

TRIO Roxy 77F midi hifi system




25 January 2024

SONY TA-F777ES (1983)

 

SONY TA-F777ES stereo integrated amplifier

Brand: SONY
Model: TA-F777ES
Year: 1983

The TA-F777ES was introduced in 1983 for the Japanese market and it marks the start of a long series of ES integrated amplifiers. Responsible for the design of this model was Mr. Takashi Kanai (died in 2022) whos' first product designed for Sony was the TA-AX6 from 1981 but, he was still active with Sony in 2002 when he was working on the S-Master Pro digital amplifier. One of the highlights of the TA-F777ES was the "Audio Current Transfer" construction. As a consequence of the adoption of the Audio Current Transfer circuit and the linear gain control type attenuator, allowed the volume adjustment so the impedance decreases as the gain is reduced. As a result, various characteristics at the volume position in actual use are improved. 


Continuous power: 2X180W (20Hz-20.000Hz, 0,004%, 4ohm)
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.004%
Dimensions (WxHxD): 430x155x450 mm
Weight: 19 kg


SONY TA-F777ES stereo integrated amplifier

SONY TA-F777ES stereo integrated amplifier






24 January 2024

Victor TD-V515 (1994)

 

Victor TD-V515 3-head cassette deck

Brand: Victor (Japan Victor Company - JVC)
Model: TD-V515
Year: 1994

Technical Data:
Head: 3-Head Metaperm PCOCC wiring
Motors: 2+1 motors
Direct Drive Dual Capstan
Manual BIAS - Level calibration
Dolby B-C HX-Pro
Frequency Response: 10-21.000Hz (Metal)
Wow and Flutter: 0,08% (WRMS)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 435x133x332mm
Weight: 5,2kg


Victor TD-V515 3-head cassette deck




23 January 2024

SONY SLV-R7 (1989)

 

SONY SLV-R7 video recorder

Brand: SONY
Model: SLV-R7
Year: 1989
Market: Japan only

The SLV-R7 is a unique Japanese market only Super-VHS from Sony introduced in late 1989. It features Super-VHS high-quality technology in a low vibration, high rigidity mechanism including mid-ship mounting and VIFF structure. It boasts fine resolution with a horizontal resolution of 400 lines. The SLV-R7 was Sony's first Super-VHS deck, born in response to the expectations of video fans. To prevent image distortion, the mechanism, which is the heaviest part of the VTR, is placed in the center of the chassis. It achieves equal left-right balance, minimizes twisting and resonance, and stabilizes image and sound quality. A shock-absorbing mechanism is used between the mechanism chassis and the frame that supports it which effectively absorbs external vibrations. The core shape of the head is narrowed down to realize high magnetic flux density, bringing out the best image quality. A bulge point drum is used to reduce tape vibration. The large moment of inertia at the entrance and exit of the rotating head stabilizes the movement, reducing jitter that causes image distortion and misalignment. The SLV-R7 also features Hi-Fi Stereo sound and it comes equipped with wood side panels and the RMT-V7 remote control with jog and shuttle operation.


SONY SLV-R7 video recorder

SONY SLV-R7 video recorder





22 January 2024

PIONEER S-1000 Twin-A (1991)

PIONEER S-1000 Twin-A loudspeaker system

Brand: PIONEER
Model: S-1000 Twin-A
Year: 1991

The S-1000 Twin-A is using two 20cm cone type woofers for low frequencies. The diaphragm of these woofers are using "ALCC" (alginate composite cone), which is made by mixing alginate fibers in order to increase the bonding strength between high-rigidity materials (carbon fibers, aramid fibers, etc.) and pulp. Alginate fiber is made by turning alginic acid extracted from seaweed into thread-like fibers. This fiber is used as a binder between a high-rigidity substance and pulp, and by increasing the binding strength, it achieves high quality with high rigidity and high internal loss. In addition, the S-1000 Twin-A contains a new high-rigidity material, polyarylate fiber, which has excellent shock absorption ability, and improves the response of the woofer's diaphragm. Alnico magnets are used in the magnetic circuit. A 3cm dome tweeter is used in the high range. The diaphragm uses a ceramic graphite diaphragm with 99.99% carbon purity, which is driven by an alnico magnet and an OFC edgewise wound voice coil. The tweeter uses a WF (Wave Front) director made from carved Itaya maple laminate. The enclosure is finished in real walnut veneer with an oil stain finish.

Technical Data:
2,5-Way, 3-Speaker, Bass Reflex 
Max. Input: 180 W(EIAJ)
Nominal Power: 
Frequency Range: 28Hz-40.000Hz
Impedance: 6ohm
Woofer: 20cm ALCC cone
Bass-mid: 20cm ALCC cone
Tweeter: 3cm ceramic graphite dome 
Cross over frequency: 181Hz, 1800Hz
Dimensions: 276x1060x407mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 44kg


PIONEER S-1000 Twin-A loudspeaker system

PIONEER S-1000 Twin-A loudspeaker system

19 January 2024

Technics SPACE-X Stereo HiFi System from 1983

 

Technics SPACE-X Stereo HiFi System from 1983

Space X. Well this is not THAT space exploration company founded in 2002. This is the Space X Stereo Hi-Fi System launched by Technics in 1983. This is a very unique Stereo Hi-Fi System...a fully remote controlled system. This is a one of a kind stereo system consisting of a tangential turntable, stereo amplifier, digital stereo tuner (radio), cassette recorder, dedicated loudspeakers and a very special rack system. This rack includes a removable full system remote control...and cassette storage compartiment as well as integrated microphone and headphone sockets. A "full computer controlled" 2x40W power audio system for music lovers.

Technics SPACE-X Stereo HiFi System from 1983




18 January 2024

A&D DA-U7000 Stereo Amplifier from 1988

 

A&D DA-U7000 Stereo Amplifier from 1988

Brand: A&D
Model: DA-U7000
Year: 1988

The DA-U7000 Stereo Integrated "Digital" amplifier was sold in Japan under the A&D brand name. A&D stands for Akai & Diatone. (Diatone is a Mitsubishi brand name). For the international market this amplifier was sold as AKAI.

Continuous power: 2X120W (EIAJ, 6ohm)
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.03% (1kHz, 8ohm)
Frequency Response: 3Hz-100KHz (+0,-3dB)
D/A Section: MASH D/A converter
Optical/Coaxial input | 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
Dimensions (WxHxD): 425x177x452 mm
Weight: 16,3 kg


A&D DA-U7000 Stereo Amplifier from 1988

A&D DA-U7000 Stereo Amplifier from 1988

17 January 2024

SONY TC-K555ESX (1986)

SONY TC-K555ESX cassette deck

Brand: SONY
Model: TC-K555ESX
Year: 1986

Technical Data:
Head: 3-Head, discrete LC-OFC Laser Amorphous
Motors: 2 motors, 3-phase linear torque BSL
Quartz Lock Direct Drive Dual Capstan
Manual BIAS, Level and REC EQ CAL
Dolby B-C
Frequency Response: 15-22.000Hz (EIAJ, Metal)
Wow and Flutter: 0,025% (WRMS), 0,04 Wpeak
Dimensions (WxHxD): 430x125x350mm
Weight: 8,9kg
Wireless Remote Control RM-99

SONY TC-K555ESX cassette deck

SONY TC-K555ESX cassette deck






 

16 January 2024

SHARP VC-BS500 (1991)

 

SHARP VC-BS500 s-vhs hifi stereo vcr

The VC-BS500 released by Sharp in Japan in 1991 was a top of the line S-VHS video recorder with built-in Sattelite receiver and Hi-Fi Stereo sound. It was equipped with a so-called thin film head, the "XIX-HD Double" video head that promised a "3x standard image quality". This is a fact confirmed by tests performed by specialist magazines of the time. A three-dimensional Y/C separation digital filter is used for the black and white signal that determines brightness and the color signal that determines color tone. If these signals mix together, noise will appear on the screen. The VC-BS500 maximizes the high image quality of its thin-film head. Black and white signals and color signals are almost completely separated and noise is removed. Numerous convenient functions allow you to enjoy satellite broadcasting easily and clearly.

SHARP VC-BS500 s-vhs hifi stereo vcr

SHARP VC-BS500 s-vhs hifi stereo vcr








15 January 2024

Victor SX-900 Spirit (1994)

 

Victor SX-900 Spirit loudspeaker

Brand: Victor
Model: SX-900 Spirit
Year: 1994

The cabinet of the SX-900 Spirit is made from Canadian maple. The front panel is made of 38mm thick maple plywood. The woofer uses a CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) foam hybrid three-layer diaphragm based on pulp cone, with an intermediate layer of resin foam, and a polypropylene resin matrix on carbon cloth. While maintaining a moderate internal loss, it is approximately 1.5 times stronger than paper in terms of rigidity and sound speed, and 11 times stronger in bending rigidity. The tweeter is made of fine diamond ceramics, which is a ceramic base material coated with amorphous diamond that achieves a wide band and high sound velocity. An independent base is used to properly damp the vibrations of the main body and increase rigidity at the same time.

Technical Data:
3-Way sealed enclosure 
Maximum input: 180W (EIAJ)
Rated input: 45W (EIAJ)
Frequency Range: 30Hz-50.000Hz
Impedance: 6ohm
Woofer: 31.5cm cloth carbon, alnico magnet, diecast frame
Midrange: 8.0cm diamond ceramics dome
Tweeter: 3.0cm diamond ceramics dome
Dimensions: 440x845x369mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 50kg


Victor SX-900 Spirit loudspeaker

Victor SX-900 Spirit loudspeaker






11 January 2024

PIONEER A-900 (1980)

 

PIONEER A-900 stereo amplifier

Brand: PIONEER
Model: A-900
Year: 1980

The Non-Switching Amplifier circuit is used for the power amplifier section.
This method uses a high-speed bias servo circuit to control the bias current according to the input signal, thereby eliminating switching operation and suppressing switching distortion.

Continuous power: 2X110W (8ohm, 10Hz to 20kHz, both channel driven)
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.005%
Frequency Response: 5Hz-100KHz (IHF, both channel driven, THD 0.02%)
Damping factor: 60(10Hz-20kHz, 8ohm)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 460x150x455 mm
Weight: 22,5 kg


PIONEER A-900 stereo amplifier

PIONEER A-900 stereo amplifier





10 January 2024

AIWA AD-F80 (1978)

 

AIWA AD-F80 cassette deck

Brand: AIWA
Model: AD-F80 (Japan) AD-6900 (International)
Year: 1978

Technical Data:
Head: 3-Head V-cut design
Motors: 2 motors
FRTS: Flat Response Tuning System
Double needle meter: Simultaneous VU and PEAK level
Dolby B
Frequency Response: 20-16.000Hz (Normal)
    20-19.000Hz (Chrome)
    20-20.000Hz (FeCr)
Wow and Flutter: 0,04% (WRMS)
"Rec Sync": Synchronized recording start/stop with Aiwa Direct Drive turntable
Optional wired remote (RC-10)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 450x120x327m
Weight: 9,5kg
Original sale price: 1.800 DM - Germany


AIWA AD-F80 cassette deck

AIWA AD-F80 cassette deck







09 January 2024

MITSUBISHI HV-F35 (1988)

 

MITSUBISHI HV-F35 S-VHS HiFi Stereo VCR

Brand: MITSUBISHI
Model: HV-F35
Year: 1988

Mitsubishi's unique digital tracking brings out the highest image and sound quality of tape. Automates highly accurate tracking adjustment beyond the visible range, which is difficult to do manually. The optimal tracking point is always automatically tracked according to the tape playback status. At the same time, it maximizes the power of the high picture and high sound quality circuitry to bring out the best picture and sound quality of the tape. There is no need for troublesome tracking adjustments when viewing commercially available tapes or other recording tapes. 

Mitsubishi's Noise Erase Speed ​​Search eliminates noise bar. The high-precision NE head that moves up and down at high speed allows the head to accurately trace tracks even when searching. This eliminates the annoying noise bars from the screen, creating a beautiful skip-through experience that is no different from normal playback. (3x mode: approx. 10x speed) (The noise bar will disappear in a few seconds.)

Horizontal resolution 400 line S-VHS. Standard VHS format is also beautifully reproduced adopting HQ circuits. This way the resolution has been increased (10% higher than our previous model) and the quality of the video has been fundamentally improved. Even standard VHS tapes are clearly reproduced.

"Digital Fine Still" delivers beautiful still images that stop exactly at the scene you want to see, without blurring the image. Furthermore, the beautiful "Variable Speed ​​(1/%~6) Digital Fine Slow" allows you to thoroughly enjoy decisive scenes such as sports. Even when transitioning from still or slow playback to normal playback, the start-up is natural without any missing video.

Hi-Fi - DRI circuit and ADI circuit further refine the polished real sound. Adopts ultra-high-density Hi-Fi audio recording method (frequency response 20Hz~20kHz, wow/flutter less than 0.005%, dynamic range more than 90dB clear). Furthermore, the "DRI circuit" reduces noise to 1/2 at low inputs, and reproduces pianissimo sounds such as strings and woodwind instruments with clear and clear tones, which is difficult to achieve with Hi-Fi video. In addition, the ADI circuit prevents distortion and click noises caused by sudden loud sounds. (Dedicated dual power supply and Independent audio board) 

Since an absolute counter signal can be recorded on the tape, the total time (hours, minutes, seconds) from the beginning of the tape is displayed on the screen no matter where you play from. You can accurately check the remaining amount of tape. Furthermore, you can use the 10 keys on the remote control to search for a specified time (hours, minutes, seconds) using the Time Counter Search (4x mode), which is very convenient if you check the absolute counter for the scene you want to see. Digital screen allows you to check the video operating status on the screen in a timely manner.

Under the "M meets M" slogan a series of Mitsubishi video products advertisments featured Madonna. 
With minor differences the same model was also sold (at least in Europe) as AKAI VS-S99.


MITSUBISHI HV-F35 S-VHS HiFi Stereo VCR

MITSUBISHI HV-F35 S-VHS HiFi Stereo VCR

MITSUBISHI HV-F35 S-VHS HiFi Stereo VCR

08 January 2024

ONKYO D-77XX (1987)

 

ONKYO D-77XX loudspeaker

Brand: ONKYO
Model: D-77XX
Year: 1987

Technical Data:
3-Way Bass Reflex 
Max. Input: 230 W(EIAJ)
Nominal Power: 75 W(EIAJ)
Frequency Range: 28Hz-45.000Hz
Impedance: 6ohm
Woofer: 31cm Pure Cross-Carbon Cone
Midrange: 12cm Pure Cross-Carbon Cone
Tweeter: 2,5cm Plasma-Carbonite-Titanium Dome
Dimensions: 380x670x363mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 34kg
Available in Black or Walnut

Speaker Stand AS-77DX
Dimensions: 390x220x355mm (WxHxD)
Weight: 7.5kg

Original sale price: 2800 DM/pair in Germany


ONKYO D-77XX loudspeaker

ONKYO D-77XX loudspeaker