AIWA DX-1000 (1982)

 

The DX-1000 was part of the 1st generation of CD players, a full Aiwa development and also one of the rarest CD players. While the digital to analog converters are sourced from Burr Brown the CD player mechanism has a very unique construction. This means that the CD had to be inserted upside-down with the Laser reading the disc from above (a solution later adopted by Pioneer for their Stable Platter mechanism). Another interesting fact is that the DX-1000 just like the first Hitachi, the DA-1000, were midi sized components, aesteticaly made to match midi(mini) Hi-Fi systems. There was however a rebadged version of this model for the German Schneider as CDP8000. Another CD player with completely different looks, the B&O CD50 was also based on this model. Specifications: 2 channels 16bits 44,1kHz sampling frequency | Dynamic range 90db | Signal-to-noise 93db | Dimensions (W/H/D) 330x71x298mm | Weight 5,6kg

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DIATONE DS-3000 (1984) | Digital Reference

 

The DS-3000 was a 4-way acoustic air suspension bookshelf speaker introduced to the market by Diatone in 1984.  Inheriting the technology of the DS-1000 and based on the 4-way DS-505 system, this high-performance system pursued greater rigidity and delivered high-resolution sound. The DMM (Direct Magnet Circuit Mount) structure developed for the DS-1000 was adopted for the mid-bass and woofer, achieving high-resolution mid- and low-frequency sounds. The woofer was a 32cm aramid honeycomb cone unit, and the mid-bass unit was a 16cm aramid honeycomb cone unit. The mid-high and tweeter units also used the DM system developed for the DS-1000. The mid-high unit was equipped with a 5cm DUD (DIATONE Unified Diaphragm) boron dome unit, and the tweeter was a 2.3cm DUD boron dome unit. Like the DS-1000, it featured a round baffle. (Diatone is a specialized audio division of Mitsubishi) 

Speaker System: 4-way acoustic air suspension

Speakers: Bass: 32cm cone type

Mid-low: 16cm cone type

Mid-treble: 5cm dome type

Treble: 2.3cm dome type

Nominal Impedance: 6Ω

Frequency Range: 25-40,000Hz

Maximum Input: 180W

Sound Output: 90dB/W

Crossover Frequencies: 350Hz, 1,350Hz, 4,500Hz

Dimensions: 450mm W x 750mm H x 420mm D

Weight: 52kg

Original sale price: ¥260,000 (with net grille, 1 unit)

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AKAI UC-4 (1982) | Mr. Compo

 

"This time's Mister is very sexy. A supple body with hidden power. Digital-inspired looks. He exudes the air of an urban man. And what's more, he's quite the technician. He approaches with a vibrating voice. He plays through the tape and picks out his favorite songs. His sensitivity is of course superb. It's no wonder women fall in love with him. Even men admire him. What a hateful playboy. Akai's Mr. Combo, UC-4." - that's how Akai marketing introduced this...sexy little mini Hi-Fi, the UC-4 from 1982. The tuner of this system uses a highly accurate quartz PLL synthesizer tuning method, also allowing you to preset 10 FM and 10 AM stations. What's more, when combined with the dedicated timer, you can even record two or more stations. The cassette deck is equipped with IPLS (Instant Program Location System = next track search), a self-starting mechanism that lets you listen to the current song again from the beginning, skip to the next song, and enjoy other flexible play. Naturally, metal tape is also supported. It also boasts a high power output of 52W + 52W and a built-in MC and MM head-up function. The sound of this two-way system has a "truly room filing sound". It's safe to say that this goes far beyond the conventional notion of a mini component system. Shown components are: UC-U4 stereo integrated amplifier, UC-S4 FM-stereo tuner, UC-F3 stereo cassette deck, SW-N5 2-way speaker system, DT-4 timer unit and FM stereo indoor antenna. Next step on quality ladder was the top-of-the-line, the AKAI UC-5.

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SHARP SM-SX100 (1999) | Revolutionary Digital Amplification

 

Introduced in 1999, the Sharp 1-Bit Amplifier marked a breakthrough in high-end audio by redefining how sound is amplified. At a time when bulky analog amplifiers dominated the market, Sharp introduced a slim, precision-engineered digital amplifier based on its own original 1-bit delta-sigma modulation technology. Unlike conventional analog designs, Sharp’s 1-bit amplifier converts analog audio into a high-speed 1-bit digital signal, sampled 2.8 million times per second—equivalent to 64× the resolution of CD audio. Each moment of sound is encoded as a simple “1” or “0,” capturing even the smallest dynamic changes. The signal is then amplified digitally and reconstructed via a low-pass filter, delivering exceptional clarity, low noise, and minimal distortion. Despite its digital processing, the amplifier is widely praised for its natural, realistic sound, astonishing listeners with its ability to reproduce music with remarkable detail and musicality. Audio engineers and enthusiasts alike recognized it as a pioneering implementation of delta-sigma amplification in a full-scale high-end amplifier. The amplifier features a slim aluminum chassis with a refined hairline finish, supported by distinctive peacock-green spike feet that reduce vibration and resonance. A solid aluminum volume knob adds both tactile precision and visual authority. Even decades later, the design remains timeless, reflecting Sharp’s meticulous engineering philosophy. The success of Sharp’s 1-bit amplifier (notably the SM-SX100) proved that digital amplification could rival—and surpass—traditional analog designs. Its efficiency and compactness later allowed 1-bit technology to be adopted across a wide range of high-quality audio devices and consumer electronics, cementing its place in audio history. Specifications: Rated output 100W+100W (8ohm) | Frequency response 5Hz to 100kHz | Dimensions (W/H/D) 472x89x462mm | Weight 18,5kg

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PIONEER MT-C8 (1984) | Micro Metal Master

 

The MT-C8 was a compact, high-performance microcassette deck introduced by Pioneer in 1984 as part of the "Vibration" aka "CarryCom" system. Because it is controlled by a 3-bit microcomputer, the operation is feather touch controlled and only requires a light push for tape functions. The MT-C8 is also equipped with a Sendust head. In terms of sound quality the Metal tape compatibility and the use of Dolby B noise reduction system allows a higher audio performance than a regular voice recorder (what originally the mono-microcassette was intended for). Behind a flip-down control panel there are separate left/right record level adjustment that can be monitored via the 14-segment LED VU meters. The MT-C8 even features a music search system with direct track access. You can read more about the CarryCom system the MT-C8 belongs-to here. The original sale price of this model was slightly higher then the price of the auto-reverse compact cassette deck of this series. Specifications: Frequency response 50-12.000Hz | Size (W/H/D) 225x110x150mm | Weight 2,9kg

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TEAC 850X (1973) | The Invisible Recorder

 

"Off Duty" was a leisure magazine created for U.S. and Canadian military personnel, offering access to consumer electronics at exclusive military-only prices. Among the standout products frequently advertised were advanced hi-fi and video components, sold at remarkably low U.S. dollar rates through military exchanges. One of the most eye-catching releases featured in the 1973 issue of this magazine was the Teac 850X cassette deck — an innovative model designed to mimic the look and performance of Teac’s open-reel machines. Styled vertically like its reel-to-reel counterpart, the 850X shared the same control layout as the popular Teac 5500 reel to reel recorder.

Highlights of the Teac 850X included:

Three motors and three heads for superior tape handling

Ultra-low wow and flutter (0.065%)

All-solenoid transport, giving it the feel of a professional open-reel deck

Off-the-tape monitoring using a dedicated playback head

Dual-process Dolby noise reduction, with twice the usual number of Dolby circuits for real-time monitoring

Bias settings for CrO₂, standard

Extra features such as pitch control and a memory rewind that stops at counter zero

With its open-reel design philosophy and premium engineering, the Teac 850X also carried an open-reel-style price tag (as per Off Duty magazine 1973) — $579.50 in the U.S. But for military buyers shopping through Off Duty, it represented exceptional value for top-tier audio performance. The black and white picture is how this unit was shown in the "Off Duty" magazine while the colorized version was created by 1001 Hi-Fi.  

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SONY TC-FX7 (1980) | Digic Deck Series

 

The Quartz Lock D.D. (Digic Deck) FX7, with a panel height of 70mm, marks an epoch in the slimming of cassette decks. This high-end "Digic Deck" is a bold new concept that takes on the slimming trend that has become a major trend in recent cassette decks. It achieves a panel height of 70mm, which is considered nearly the limit for an upright see-through type. It's also packed with innovative features, such as a linear electronic counter with digital (minute and second) display, fine feather touch operation, and multi-purpose remote control play. Inside the sharp design exuding the stately style of an advanced deck, it also boasts advanced basic performance, including a quartz-locked D.D. system. Slimming down a cassette deck is also extremely difficult when you add the requirement of erect perspective. This is because the cassette half is about 64mm high, and you also need to ensure space for the head. The FX7 has achieved an ultra-slim panel height of just 70mm within these constraints. Sony has developed the ultra-thin S&F tiny head, and 30 years of know-how in deckbuilding is certainly being put to good use. The electronic counter Digitally counts the tape running time in minutes and seconds. The relationship between the length of the song and the remaining tape, the relationship between the broadcast time and the remaining tape, etc. The TC-FX7 features a Quartz lock D.D. system. Direct drive capstan drive. You can enjoy three different remote controls: the optional RM-80 wireless remote control, the RM-50 wired remote control, and the RM-65 for synchronized play with the player. High-precision recording level adjustment with a width of 100 mm. A multi-function peak program meter with double indication that accurately captures peak values. Logic-controlled fine feather touch operation. 4-stage soft touch tape selector including metal position. 2-motor simple mechanism. Dolby NR. Complete IC. Auto play/memory play. Auto space. REC-MUTE timer standby switch. The TC-FX7 was the matching cassette deck for the Sony Precise slim - mini Hi-Fi system. Main photo shows the TC-FX7 with ST-JX5 tuner, RM-80 remote, MDR-FM7 wireless stereo headphones.

Main specifications: Heads: 1 erase, 1 record/playback; Motors: 1 BSL green motor, 1 high torque motor; Signal-to-noise ratio: 59 dB (Dolby OFF, peak level, DUAD cassette); Frequency response: 20-19,000 Hz (METALLIC cassette); Speed ​​deviation: within ±0.2%; Wow and flutter: 0.05% WRMS; Distortion: 0.9% (DUAD cassette); Dimensions: 430 (W) x 80 (H) x 340 (D) mm; Weight: 6.5 kg; Power consumption: 32 W Original sale price in Germany: 1300 DM

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Marantz CD 3577 (1989) | Class DX One-Bit Conversion for Pure Digital Sound

 

The Marantz CD 3577 marks a true breakthrough in CD player technology. Instead of relying on a traditional Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) with its resistor-based limitations, the CD 3577 uses advanced Class DX one-bit conversion to deliver cleaner, more accurate sound. Conventional DACs can introduce zero-cross distortion and low-level non-linearity, especially when processing small audio signals. The CD 3577 eliminates these issues by converting PCM data into Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) using an ultra-high 256× oversampling digital filter. A precision quartz-controlled timing system and a third-order noise shaper push unwanted noise far above the audible range, resulting in exceptional clarity and a superior signal-to-noise ratio. The result is audio that sounds more natural, transparent, and detailed, especially in the subtle low-level information where musical texture and space live. The Marantz CD 3577 reveals the true character of your recordings with accuracy that conventional DAC designs cannot match. The CD 3577 was also a unique model, part of the Century Collection, an ensemble that brings together the most desirable audio and video features into a synergistic group.

SPECIFICATIONS

Digital Filter 256 times oversampling

Frequency Response (+0.-0.5 dB) 4 Hz-20 kHz

Channel Separation 90 dB

Signal To Noise Ratio (A Wtd) 100 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz-20 kHz) 0.01%

Dynamic Range 96 dB

Wow and Flutter Undetectable

Line Out Level/Impedance 2.0 V/1600 ohms

Remote Control Infra-red

Dimensions (W x H x D) 16/16" x 43/32" x 12"

Weight 9.3 lbs.

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SONY APM-8 (1979) | Esprit APM

 

The Sony APM-8 was actually the very first Esprit branded product to be introduced to the market by Sony in july 1979. This was only preceded by the APM-9 but, that had more like a prototype status. Sony's APM-8 is a decisive step in the development of high-quality loudspeaker systems. Among the numerous special features of this unique monitoring unit, the flat, square diaphragm of the loudspeaker system stands out. It characterizes a design principle that comes very close to the goal of absolute sound fidelity. The cone shape of the diaphragms of dynamic loudspeakers has some properties that are detrimental to their radiation pattern. Partial vibrations, the limited stiffness, and the influence of the cavity in front of the diaphragm cone (cavity effect) prevent ideal, piston-like movement of the diaphragm. Making the diaphragm stiffer or heavier would mitigate the effect of undesirable vibration modes, but would not eliminate the cause. Controlling the vibration behavior is simpler with a flat diaphragm, provided the diaphragm material meets high requirements. Sony has developed a flat diaphragm through extensive research programs that allows precisely piston-like movements without frequency turbulence or partial vibrations. Analysis of the dynamic behavior show that the diaphragms of the APM-8 are approximately 500 to 1000 times stiffer than conventional paper cone diaphragms. The stabilizing element of the flat diaphragm is a honeycomb-like aluminum structure, which is welded on both sides under high pressure to a thin film of carbon fiber or an aluminum alloy. The film material, core thickness, and structural rigidity are carefully matched to the frequency range to be reproduced by the individual transducers. The typical fluctuations in the sound pressure level of conventional cone loudspeakers are thus significantly reduced. The linear excursion of the APM-8 transducers is remarkably large. Deformations are practically eliminated. And since there is no cavity effect, the delicate phase relationships of the music signal remain undisturbed. Specifications: Frequency response 25-30.000Hz | Impedance 8oHm | Power rating 150/500W Sinus/Music | Size: 648x1105x495mm (W/H/D) | Weight 92kg | Original sale price in Germany 26.000 DM!!!...the price of a Mercedes-Benz 280E/280CE

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Professional Digital Reference System by Fisher (1990)

 

The Professional Digital Reference System by Fisher was introduced in 1990. There were several models for this system while presented here we can see a Top combination. These are the MT-Z1 turntable (more details here), AD-Z1 CD player, RS-Z1 150W/ch stereo receiver (more details here), EQ-Z1 equalizer with spectrum analyzer, CR-wZ1 (sometimes labelled as CR-Z1) dual well cassette deck with Amorphous heads and STE-555 loudspeakers (more details here) 

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KENWOOD L-02A (1982)

The L-02A. A product of advanced research dedicated engineering and painstaking attention to craft at every stage of construction. Housing two fully independent control and power amplifier in a single unit, the L-02A combines the superior performance that only separate amplifier can give, with the convenience and operating case of integrated stereo amplifier. Sigma Drive makes the negative feedback loop reach out to negative feedback loop reach out to the speaker terminal to encompass the speaker connecting wired and effectively remove the impedance they add to the system. (Specifications) Power output, both channel driven 170+170 watts | Total harmonic distortion Aux input to speaker output 0.003% | Phono input  to speaker output 0.004% | Damping factor 10000 | Frequency response DC to 400kHz | Speaker impedance 4-8ohm.

...and yes, all the text above is printed directly on the front of the amplifier...(Original sale price aprox. 6000 DM in Germany)

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SONY TC-K8B (1976)

 

This advanced stereo cassette deck was the very best in Sony hi-fi engineering, reaching the limits of what compact cassettes can deliver. It features a dual-motor drive system with a servo-controlled capstan, F&F recording/playback head, and a logical (feather-touch) transport control for smooth, precise operation. The deck is equipped with a dual-indication LCD Peak Hold meter that reacts instantly to fast transients—far faster than traditional VU meters. Users can choose manual or automatic peak hold, ensuring accurate level monitoring for any recording style. For optimal sound, the deck includes independent 3-stage Bias and EQ selectors, Dolby Noise Reduction, and an MPX filter for clean FM recordings. A high-torque motor handles fast winding, while the special Sony green motor ensures stable capstan rotation. Convenience features include Memory Stop/Play, REC-Mute, front Line-In jack, line/mic mixing, separate headphone level control, and auto shut-off. Full remote control is available with the optional RM-30. High-quality construction and precision electronics make this a future-oriented cassette deck built for enthusiasts seeking stable tape transport, low wow & flutter, and excellent frequency response.

Main specifications: Heads: 1 erase, 1 record/play; Motors: 1 frequency servo motor (green motor) with FG for cab stand, 1 high-torque motor for fast winding; Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 601B (Dolby OFF, peak level, dual cassette); Frequency Response: 20-18,000Hz (dual cassette); Wow and Flutter: 0.045% wrms; Distortion: 1.3% (dual cassette); Dimensions: 430(W) x 170(H) x 310(D)mm; Weight: 10.8 kg

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