Technics RS-1060U (1974) | Hot Pressed Ferrite

 

The RS-1060U is a 2-track, 38cm/s  a high quality reel to reel recorder with direct drive capstan in a luxurious configuration. For the capstan motor (a brushless low-speed motor) a capstan with a diameter of 12 mm is used to further enhance the high performance of D. D. Electronic control system is adopted for all 3 motors. A 6-pole eddy current type inner rotor motor is used for the reel motor, and the tension can be switched according to reel size. Since the operation of the mechanism is performed by an electromagnetic plunger and relay, all operations can be performed by the touch of a micro switch. Speed adjustment of ± 2% is possible at each of 2 speeds of 19cm/s and 38cm/s. The electrical circuit section is designed with an emphasis on linearity with the aim of recording live sound with a wide dynamic range. Carefully selected low-noise type transistors are used. The microphone input and line input are equipped with independent level controllers to enable mixing recording. In addition, the impedance switch for the microphone is provided so that the best matching can be obtained for all types from low impedance type to high impedance type. The head has a structure in which four heads are mounted on a die-cast head mount. These are for 2-track erasing, 2-track recording, 2-track playback, and 4-track playback. Except for the erasing head, all are HPF heads. Features of this head include high gap accuracy, long life, and excellent high-frequency characteristics due to low overcurrent loss.

Specifications:

Type: 38cm/s 2-track Direct Drive 3-Motor

Track system: 2-track 2-ch recording / playback, 4-track 2-ch playback

Tape speed: 38cm/s, 19cm/s, ± 2% variable

Heads: 

Recording : HPFx1

       Playback : HPF (1 each for 4-track and 2-track)

       Erase : 1 ferrite

Motors: 

For Capstan : DC Direct Drive Motor x1

For Reel : 2 x 6 Pole Eddy Current Motors

Frequency response: 

38cm/s : 30 Hz to 27000 Hz, ± 3 dB

19cm/s : 25 Hz to 24000 Hz, ± 3 dB

Wow flutter

38cm/s:0.04%

19cm/s:0.07%

External dimensions

Width 425x Height 568x Depth 270 mm

Weight

Approx. 33 kg

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Reel to Reel Classics

SONY Placido (1992) | Placido Liberty

 

Stylish, Silver, Sony. This is the Placido Hi-Fi system from Sony, part of their Liberty series from 1992. The CD player of this system uses a pulse D/A converter to reduce distortion, reproducing the smooth sound that only CDs can provide. A wide variety of play modes allow you to control CDs in a variety of ways. Editing from CD to tape is also easy. The tuner system, equipped with a timer function is integrated with the CD player. Placido's cassette deck uses Laser Amorphous Head and Dolby HX Pro circuit. The Auto Tape Selector automatically detects various tape positions using a microcomputer. It also features Silent & Quick Action, which reduces mechanical noise and ensures quiet operation. It also features a linear electronic counter, which lets you see the progress of the tape and the remaining time at a glance. The amplifier section is responsible for the majority of the Placido's sound creation. In pursuit of high sound quality, a new non-magnetic material is used for the top and bottom boards, creating a sturdy "sandwich structure." This board has high rigidity and specific gravity, making it resistant to external vibrations, improving the acoustic characteristics of the amplifier. In addition, a new "bass synth method" has been adopted for the function to boost the bass, which is completely different from conventional methods. A portion of the low-frequency range is sampled from the input signal, and half the frequency is created and amplified, creating a deep sound similar to that obtained from a superwoofer. Placido speakers are two-way with a dome tweeter and 16cm woofer, and are AV magnetic shielding-compatible, in-line format. What's more, the tweeter diaphragm is made of biocellulose. It is extremely thin, light, and made of extremely fine fibers, yet is hard, and the sound propagation speed is about three times faster than that of regular paper. The Pre-programmed remote control that can also operate other companies' and other models of AV equipment. Frequently used operation buttons are located in the center. Detailed operation keys are hidden inside the cover. The basic system was the LBT-VF1 while the LBT-VF3 has added a Dolby Surround unit, the SDP-VF1.

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ONKYO Icon Series Amplifier (2025)

 

Onkyo has unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas an all-new amplifier series, the Icon Series. The Ikon Series consists of the P-80 network pre-amplifer, M-80 power amplifier, and A-50 integrated amplifier. The amplifier includes the likes of Onkyo’s own Dynamic Intermodulation Distortion Reduction Circuitry (DIDRC), which aims to “improve the sound of analogue recordings and stabilises audio signals with positive and negative signal symmetry to reproduce minute signals such as those of MC cartridges, even when amplified.” The series also features the Dirac Live Room Correction circuit. This enables users to optimise audio performance for their listening space while additional highlights include high-performance 32-bit/768kHz AK4452 DACs in the P-80 and A-50 models. The Onkyo Icon P-80 Network Preamplifier features a dedicated phono stage (for MM and MC cartridges), HDMI ARC, and wireless connectivity like AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth. Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, and is Roon Ready are also included in a premium housing featuring aluminium front panel. The Icon M-80 Power Amplifier has a power rating of 200W at 4 ohms and 150W at 8 ohms and its a symmetrical Class AB design. The Onkyo Icon A-50 Integrated Amplifier has a power output of 180W at 4 ohms and 140W at 8 ohms. It also features HDMI ARC, Dirac Live Room Correction, and a built-in phono stage. The Onkyo Icon Series will be available later in 2025. The P-80 Network Preamplifier and M-80 Power Amplifier are priced at $1,999 each, while the A-50 Integrated Amplifier is priced at $1,499.

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Nakamichi 730 Receiver (1978)

 

There's music in the air everywhere. Imagine having it all at your fingertips. Imagine encountering a stereo receiver (...in 1978) light-years ahead in styling, operation and performance. You've never seen anything quite like it before- its timeless elegance immediately commands your attention. You extend your hand. An effortless touch brings the entire system to life. There are no buttons to push, levers to flip, nor knobs to turn. The receiver, instead, responds to your every command at the briefest touch of its fingertip sensors. Its awesome performance, finally, leads you to conclude that it is the product of an infinitely advanced intelligence. You'd be surprised, then, to learn that the 730 Receiver is available on earth at a Nakamichi dealer. It can even be remote controlled with the additional RM-730 remote control set. Power output: 105 Watts per channel at 8 ohms. Dimensions (WxHxD) 500x90x370mm. Weight 17,2kg.

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AKAI GX-F44R (1981) | The Reverse

 

Introducing the Akai long-playback/recording deck with quick reverse and Dolby C-type noise reduction. When it comes to quality features and outstanding performance, the feather-touch, microcomputerized GX-F44R is well endowed. For starters, this extraordinary deck has Akai's very own Twin Field Super GX head, giving it performance that matches the best 3-head system. Akai's original quick-reverse mechanism provides extended recording and playback, without having to stop to turn the cassette over. And there's only a half-second wait between forward and reverse switching. So you miss the minimum of precious recording time. You get a whole lot of automatic and memory functions, too. Like Intro Scan, Blank Search, Rec Cancel, Memory Stop/Play and Auto Play. All these convenient hands-off modes are designed to make operation as simple and as fuss-free as possible. Your recording and playback time is maximized, too. Inside, sophisticated circuitry includes the latest Dolby C-type NR. This reduces noise in the 500Hz region by more than 20dB, thereby making such annoying noise as tape hiss a thing of the past. For making dynamic, distortion-free recordings, you have a fast-responding LED bar meter with peak hold. Complementing all these advanced electronics is Akai's exclusive tape transport system. This assures stable tape travel, even during extended recording or playback sessions. Put all these features, and more, into one high-class stereo cassette deck. And you have the GX-F44R. Optional remote control units RC-21 and RC-90.

Specifications:

Heads: Twin Field Super GX head for recording/playback (1) + 2 Erase Head

Motors: Electronically speed controlled DC capstan motor + 1 DC reel drive motor

Wow&Flutter: 0,035% WRMS

Frequency Response: 25 to 19.000Hz Metal

Dimensions (WxHxD) 440x118x309mm

Weight 8,6kg

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AKAI 4000D PRO (1975) | Compact Pro

 

The 4000D-PRO is a unique and rare model among the highly popular 4000 series from Akai. A compact 38-2 track deck for active people, ideal for live recording. It is a common belief in the tape recorder world that a 38cm/s 2-track deck must be a three-motor machine to maintain its performance, but the 4000D PRO single-motor 38cm/s 2-track deck has challenged and broken this convention. With a newly developed mechanical quick tension mechanism that uses a motor to maintain a stable tape speed of 38cm/sec, a micron gap head that guarantees high quality sound, and a robust two-lever system that is easy to operate, this deck is equipped with features that only a specialist manufacturer like Akai can provide, and because it is a one motor unit, it is small and lightweight. It is the perfect deck for active people who travel from east to west in search of the best sources. As shown in the diagram below, two pulleys with different torques (A - strong torque, B - weak torque) are used, and the idler is instantly moved from A to B to switch the torque between two levels. That is, the moment the play mode is entered, the idler connects to pulley A and begins winding the tape with a large torque. After a few seconds, it moves to pulley B and returns to the appropriate torque for normal play. The vertical movement of this idler can be performed accurately and smoothly by the action of the oil damper, resulting in a stable running speed of 38cm/sec with one the motor. A 3-head system has been adopted for the head section, and dedicated heads are used for erasing, recording, and playback, enabling simultaneous monitoring during recording. The VU meter is also linked with the monitor switch and automatically changes to the input level and playback level of the program source. A 1 micron gap head is used for the head. Equipped with a 2-position tape selector, it provides optimum frequency compensation for both general low-noise tapes and wide-range tapes. The equalizer curve is set by selecting Scotch #211 as the reference tape in the low-noise position and selecting a low-noise tape sold by Akai in the wide-range. The deck comes packed in a easy-to-carry leather finished case with front lid and handle.

Specifications:

2-track 2-channel stereo system

Tape speed: 38cm/s, 19cm/s

Flutter 0,07% WRMS

Frequency range: 30-27.000Hz @ 38cm/s

Size (WxHxD) 420x325x212mm

Weight 13kg

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Sanyo B10 (1983) | Boost-Up Speaker

There’s a simple, inexpensive way to put a lot more sound quality into your life. It's called the Sanyo booster speaker system, high-quality speakers that plug into the headphone jack of a personal cassette player...a radio/ cassette player... a  TV... a keyboard... or whatever you want to derive enhanced sound pleasure from! The Sanyo booster speaker system features a full-range, passive radiator woofer design which delivers astounding big-speaker bass sound quality from speakers a mere 10cm in diameter.

Specifications:

10-cm full-range speaker

10-cm passive radiator woofer

Impedance 6ohm

Frequency response 50-17.000 Hz

Built-in amp with 15W+15W P.M.P.O.

130(W)X280(H)X210(D) mm, 6 kg

Available in silver or red

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Lo-D jewel (1979) | Mini Component System

 

Lo-D (a Hitachi brand name for the Japanese market) introduced in 1979 the "jewel" mini component systems having only 182mm in height. The system presented here was the largest of the series and it was known as "jewel 50". The core of this system consisted of the HCC-50 tuner preamplifier partnered by two mono(!!!) power amplifiers (47W/ch 8ohm) - the HMA-50, driving a pair of 2-way loudspeakers - the HS-50. As an add-on component the matching Metal tape capable D-5M stereo cassette deck could be added at a later date. The HT-464 was the recommended turntable for this system while the LA-50M was a dedicated stand for all components. 

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AKAI AS-1080 (1976) | 4-Channel Stereo Receiver

 

Efficient performance and design. This 4/2-channel compatible receiver incorporates all the latest engineering techniques (...from 1976) and offers high performance quality yet the cost of the AS-1080 is far below what you would expect to pay for such quality. Robust 3 mm thick aluminium front panel. Easy-to-operate precise controls. It deliwers 40 watts per channel continuous power output (or 80 watts per channel at 2-CH Power Doubler), minimum RMS at 8 ohms load impedance with no more than 0.2% distortion! These outstanding specifications are the result of employing an all-stage direct-coupled OCL pure complementary 4 Power IC circuit in the all important power section. A protection circuit is activated in case of a short caused by a wrong speaker connection or when input is excessive to protect the power transistors. Further, this circuit cancels the irritating speaker shock noise when the power switch is turned on or off. This 4-channel 2-channel compatible unit, in addition to regular and discrete stereo, also features SQ Full Logic and Matrix 4-channel stereo as well as CD-4 capability. (SQ, Matrix 4, CD-4 are now defunct "surround" standards from the 70s). A rear panel Remote Control Jack accomodates AKAI optional accessory Remote Control Unit RC-4CH for remote control of front/rear and left/right speaker balance and volume. Technical data: 40 watts per channel (8 ohm 4 channels driven), 80 watts per channel (8 ohm 2 channels driven) | Power bandwidth 10 Hz to 60.000 Hz | Dimensions (WxHxD) 520x182x409 mm | Weight: 19 kg. (The AS-1080DB model added Dolby FM and 4-channel Dolby level calibration)

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