Aurex XR-81 (1981) | CD player prototype

 

Aurex's Digital Audio Disc (DAD) player was based on the compact disc (CD) format. Behind the development of DAD, such as dedicated LSI, semiconductor laser diode, and laser pickup, was Toshiba's 100-year history and comprehensive technical capabilities such as communication technology, material technology, and production technology that have been cultivated in various fields during that time. It was developed based on the accumulated digital audio technology of Aurex/Toshiba, which began with the development of PCM processors. It is an optical DAD player using the CD method, and is a high-performance, compact, and easy to operate audio component for the future. The XR-81 incorpoartaed the TOPH 15 optical pickup head fitted with the TOLD 30/40 laser diodes. The partial type autoloading method makes it quick and easy to load the disc. It feels the same as loading a cassette deck. The front loading and front operation allow for easy stacking with other component devices. The auto search system provides accurate and fast track cues (average access time 3 seconds)...All this effort and a dedicated Japanese brochure for a model that was nothing but a prototype. However, this was actually the basis of the commercially available XR-Z90, one of the first CD players to reach the market. More about the XR-Z90 soon, so don't forget to follow 1001 Hi-Fi.

Want more? Visit www.1001hifi.com

Technics SL-7 (1981) | Quartz Direct Drive

 

The Technics SL-7 Quartz D.D. turntable introduced in 1981 has only the size of an LP jacket. A new lifestyle for you. When combining excellent performance and functionality even the appearance is naturally beautiful. There is a beauty that is different from things born from intuition or chance. Highly sophisticated technology is beautifully condensed into an extremely small size, and the rough operation of previous players is reduced to just four keys. The easy operation is well suited to those who cherish music. From now on, the way you interact with records will change. If you want to listen to a record, just push the start key. This is a fully automatic player where everything is controlled by a microcomputer. Not only the record size, but even the rotation speed is automatically set according to the size of the LP (vinyl). If you want to stop the record in the middle of playing, just press the stop key. The arm returns to the rest position and the turntable stops rotating. The stop key also has a function to control the arm's retreat, and two speeds can be selected depending on how hard you press it. Also, no matter what state it is in, if you open the upper cabinet, the arm automatically returns to the rest. A 45 rpm7 adapter is also built into the spindle. While queuing the sound is muted. Don't let be fooled by the fact that it was frequently presented as a matching turntable to compact mini/portable Hi-Fi systems (like this one here) the SL-7 is a serious turntable. 

Technical Data:

Drive System: Quartz Direct Drive

Wow and Flutter: 0.025% WRMS

Cartridge: T4P type EPC-P202C

Frequency characteristic: 10Hz-30kHz

Size: 315x88x315mm (WxHxD)

Weight: 6,6kg

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

ReVox T77 - Alice Cooper Limited Edition (2025)

 

This is a special collaboration between Alice Cooper and ReVox. There will be 50 (fifty) T77 turntables made with this unique Alice Cooper look. Each unit will be hand signed and numbered by Alice Cooper. The T77 features integrated MC phono preamplifier and a highly precise electronic PLL speed control via a non-contact optical sensor. The tonearm is made of high-quality metals, with a carbon fiber tonearm tube. The ReVox T77 comes with the high-quality MC cartridge Ortofon Quintet Black S eqipped with a Nude Shibata diamond stylus on a sapphire cantilever. The platter of the T77 is made of black POM (polyoxymethylene), so no extra platter mat is necessary. It also includes a specially designed NAB adapter-shaped record weight and a Neutrik XLR/RCA adapter. There will also be available a 25 (twenty-five) limited edition ReVox B77 Mk III Alice Cooper reel to reel recorder. The T77 turntable will have a price tag of 8,950€ while the reel to reel recorder will be available at 27,950€.

Photo: ReVox

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

TRIO K1000R Component (1979)

 

Equipped with feather-touch operation now you can see the operation of your amplifier at a glance. Say goodbye to rotary knobs, there is a new way at your fingertips to control your equipment. The K1000R Component from Trio emphasizes operability of components. The system features the KA-500 43W/ch stereo amplifier, KT-500 preset synthesizer AM-FM stereo tuner, KP-F500 turntable, JL-500 loudspeakers, KX-500 cassette deck. Optional components are: SRK-500 rack system, AT-500 timer unit, TM-4000 TV audio multiplex tuner, RC-500 remote control system. With some minor differences the system was available worldwide as Kenwood System 500.

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

SIEMENS RS 555 (1979)

 

The RS 555 was the heart of the Siemens System 555 from 1979. It features a 2x100W (Music Power), 2x60W (Sinus Power) amplifier section, Quartz-controlled systhesizer tuner with digital display and a 24-hour timer with LED clock. The radio section has electronic manual tuning with two speeds in both directions for SW, MW, LW and FM Stereo. There are also 36 station memory locations: 8 for FM, 8 for MW, 8 for LW and 4 each for SW1,SW2 and SW3. Size: 464x140x300mm (WxHxD), Weight: 15,2kg, Original sale price: 1500 DM in Germany.

See the matching cassette deck from the 1001 Hi-Fi Collection here.

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

PIONEER CT-55T (1976) | Time After Time

 

The CT-55T is a multi-functional cassette deck with built-in electronic digital timer, capable of programmed recording in absence or sleep timer and alarm clock playback. It has a built-in high-precision digital clock using MOS LSI (Ultra-Integrated Circuit). With the Timer knob, you can set the time for recording in absence, play-back as an alarm clock, or operating as a sleep timer. If the outlet is unplugged or there is a power failure, either AM or PM will flash to indicate the current time error. The drive section uses a DC-motor and a capstan and flat belt with a precision finish to ensure stable tape drive. It is equipped with a tape selector with a built-in automatic switching mechanism for chrome tapes. When a chrome tape with a detection hole is inserted, the bias and equalizer are automatically switched to chrome regardless of the position of the tape selector. Also, manual switching is possible for LH tape and Ferrichrome tape. 

Powered  by www.1001hifi.com

GRUNDIG TS 945 (1979) | Super Hi-Fi

 

The important technical features of the TS 945 are: HiFi according to DIN 45 500, 4-motor tape deck with IC control logic, 4-track stereo with track selection display via LED, Maximum reel size 22 cm Tape, speeds 9.5 and 19 cm/s, variable rewind speed. Special features: State-of-the-art, service-friendly circuit concept through modular technology, tape travel similar to studio technology. Retractable pinch roller and servo-driven head shield allow for slit-free tape insertion. Durable "Recovac" heads and long-life tape guides made of non-magnetic, stainless steel. Optimum belt protection and precise start/stop operation thanks to only one pressure roller. Capstan motor with PLL control for precise maintenance of the tape speed through mains synchronization. 4 motors: 2 DC winding motors for fast rewinding, 1 mains-synchronized DC motor with PLL circuit and synchronous display in the control panel. This is the new clever tape recorder for studio perfectionists, the TS 945 HiFi-Stereo, The Super-HiFi Tape Deck. The ease of use is hard to beat in this price range: The power amplifiers for hi-fi headphones are individually adjustable. The TS 945 features electronic short-stroke keys and electronic memories for tape transport control. Preprogramming any tape position is possible with the preset counter. Level control can be set: either manually, with a limiter, or completely automatically. Both channels are separately adjustable. Thanks to the variable rewind speed, every type of tape can be optimally wound. In cueing mode, "listening in" to the tape is possible, allowing precise location of specific passages...and what more could a passionate amateur musician ask for? A stereo mixer, echo in stereo, duoplay, synchroplay, and multiplay? High-quality power amplifiers with 2 x 50 mW output power at 400 Ω for HiFi headphones.

Technical data:

Track: 4-track Stereo

Tape Speed: 9,5/19 cm/s

Max. reel size: 22cm

Frequency response:

20-16.000Hz 9,5 cm/s

20-20.000Hz 19 cm/s

Dimensions: 47 x 18 x 41 cm

Weight approx.: 13 kg

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

PHILIPS AF977 Automatic (1978) | Direct Control Quartz PLL

 

Philips turntables, with all their electronics, from sensor buttons to quartz control to photoelectric limit switches, are difficult to compare with others. The belt drive of Philips turntables protects the turntable from disturbing vibrations of the motor. And the Direct Control technology regulates the speed directly on the turntable axis. From a hi-fi perspective, Belt Drive Direct Control offers the best of both worlds: high rumble clearance and accurate speed. With a precision and durability that can only be achieved with very expensive direct drive systems. The absolute top model of the Philips Electronic HiFi generation is the AF 977 Automatic. From the quartz PLL control to sensor keys, digital strobe display, and photo-electronic limit switch with full electronic precision. Fully automatic, also manually operated. Subchassis suspension. Precisely readable stylus force scale. In short: HiFi progress that can be heard - and seen.

Technical data:

Belt Drive with Direct Control Quartz PLL

Wow and flutter DIN 0.05% WRMS 0.025%

DIN B Rumble-to-noise ratio 73 dB

Platter diameter 310 mm 

Needle tracking force adjustable 0.75-3 p (1p 10 mN) 

Cartridge: Super M 412 İl RETMA 1/2"

Tonearm length 215 mm

Dimensions 42 x 14,1 x 34,8 cm

Weight 6kg

Original sale price: 845 DM in Germany

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

DIATONE My Side (1981)

A quality compact component system with a microcomputer-controlled vertical linear tracking player. Introducing the Diatone My Side from 1981, which packs the operating feel of microcomputer control into a compact size. Its compact size means it fits neatly on your desk. The vertical operating turntable is fully automatic and microcomputer controlled with one-touch operation, and the cassette deck is also microcomputer-controlled. There is also a digital synthesizer type auto-function tuner with FM/AM station presets. The My Side system consists of the LT-10V turntable, DA-F41P tuner, DA-U41P amplifier (40W/ch), DT-41P cassette deck and the DS-141 loudspeakers. This system was sold in Japan as "Diatone My Side" while on the international market it was sold as "Mitsubishi Interplay System". 

 

AIWA AX-7800 (1979) | Stay Tuned

 

This is the revolutionary AIWA AX-7800 receiver! An exceptional high fidelity receiver designed to make tuning faster, easier and more accurate than ever: the revolutionary new AX-7800. With the same quartz-locked digital-synthesized tuning system utilized on the most sophisticated and expensive FM tuners available today. Now perfect tuning is as simple as pressing a button. There's no more fumbling or fidgeting with tuning knobs, dials and center tuning meters. The new AIWA AX-7800 simply doesn't have any. Instead, it provides an instant digital readout that's perfectly tuned to the actual station frequency being received. Drift is impossible. Because AIWA's quartz crystal oscillator locks instantly and precisely into the center of each succeeding station's assigned frequency. Now when you tune the new AIWA AX-7800, you stay tuned. With unerring accuracy that even separates weaker stations from their stronger neighbors. Something no conventional receiver with AFC can do. And the AX-7800's DC-power amplifier gives you 60 Watts per channel RMS at 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20KHz. With no more than 0.05% THD.

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

TEAC V-7000 (1990) | High Quality & High Performance

From TEAC. This was the new '90 model cassette deck. The higher the quality of the music source (CD, LD, BS), the higher the quality of the performance, the more one wanted a cassette deck that can match the quality of the source. 1990. Finally, the new generation of high quality cassette decks were added to the popular TEAC V series, with three new models featuring futuristic design and high performance. Midship mounting system with tape transport mechanism at the center inheriting the reliability of the V-9000, this high-precision mechanism has reached new heights in musicality. The V-7000 is equipped with a CA (Cobalt Amorphous) recording/playback combination 3-head that incorporates the latest technology. In addition to its excellent characteristics of both hardness and wear resistance, the amorphous non-crystalline structure is used to laminate the thin film into 14 layers, suppressing eddy current loss and greatly improving high-frequency characteristics. A quartz PLL D.D. motor with unparalleled accuracy is used, along with a closed loop dual capstan drive system. Other features: Dolby B/C NR system has a recording standard level of DIN 250nwb/m, and the recording margin is further expanded●Dolby HX Pro recording system expands the high-frequency recording capabilities of tape●Double FL display with high visibility, independent of level and recording mode information●Digital peak margin display that accurately shows instantaneous peak values ​​in dB●Accurate linear counter that always shows the amount of tape travel in time Display ON/OFF can be adjusted to suit the room environment CPS automatic song selection function (±15 songs) that operates like a CD player●CD direct input that bypasses the balance adjustment volume for straight recording●Return to zero that allows you to specify STOP, PLAY, and PLAY -PAUSE after rewinding the counter to the 0000 position CD level check that makes it easy to understand CD recording Smooth and reliable power loading●Auto monitor●Auto tape selector Auto REC mute (4 seconds)●Wireless remote control included●CD sync function that allows synchronized recording with a CD player. Optional remote control RC-394.

Specifications:

Heads: 3

Motors: 4

Wow&Flutter: 0,022% WRMS

Frequency response:

15-21.000 Hz Metal

15-20.000 Hz Chrome

15-18.000 Hz Normal

Size (WxHxD): 472x149x355mm

Weight: 9,8kg

Original sale price: 1100 DM in Germany

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

harman/kardon ST-7 (1976) | Tangential Precision

 

The Harman/Kardon ST-7 turntable was introduced in 1976 and it is known for its innovative linear-tracking tonearm design. This feature was developed by Rabco (for their ST-4 model), a company specializing in tangential-tracking tonearms, which Harman/Kardon later acquired. The ST-7 was designed to provide precise playback by keeping the stylus perfectly aligned with the grooves of the record, mimicking the way records are cut in the studio. The arm, carried by the remarkable "rolamite" bearing, moves across the disc in a straight line. The result is a cascade of zeroes...Tracking error? Zero. Skating force? Zero. Stylus overhang? Zero. Horizontal friction? Zero. Vertical friction? Zero. Its sleek, mid-century modern design features a brushed aluminum plinth and touch controls, giving it a futuristic aesthetic for its time. The turntable is belt-driven and includes a stroboscope for speed adjustments. Very unusual but there is even a sticker on this turntable mentioning all the people involved in the engineering and design:

Dipen Guha : development engineer

Yasuhiro Okuda : industrial designer

Frank Baudille : project engineer

Irwin Katz : electrical engineer

Frank Holetsky : mechanical engineer

Len Rosenblatt : production engineer

Robert Brady : director of engineering

"and the people at Haman/Kardon, Plainview, Long Island, U.S.A."

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

Technics SC-CD500 (1987) | Intelligent Compo

 

Great sound, smart functions, and an exclusive design. The CD500 was a big player in the world of sound in 1987. The reason why this intelligent component has such good sound is that the sound quality of each and every component of the system has been thoroughly refined. From the 50W+50W amplifier, which has enough power to play CDs with great force, to the large-diameter 23cm 3-way speaker with a luxurious round baffle, everything is a product that Technics is proud of. What's more, it is packed with intelligent functions such as a double reverse deck, a 29-key remote control, and a weekly timer. Technics Intelligent Combo SC-CD500. The basic SC-CD500 system includes a tuner, amplifier, CD player, cassette deck and loudspeakers and can be expanded with the SL-J100R turntable, SH-E70 EQ and SB-S30 surround speakers. A long series of Technics adverts in Japan were featuring Jennifer Connelly. 

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

SONY STR-V55 (1979) | Pulse Power Supply

 

Synthesized Art. Sony's STR-V55 receiver from 1979 creates higher-fidelity with a computerized tuner, a DC power amp and Pulse Power Supply (a.k.a. switched-mode power supply or PWM power supply for more technically oriented enthusiasts). The measure of the receiver you invite into your home should feature unusually intelligent versatility. Ample power. Inaudible distortion. And an attractive design that speaks with a quality "finish." The tuner section is so sophisticated that a highly stable quartz-crystal oscillator locks in AM and FM signals for brilliantly faithful reproduction of broadcast programming. And the microcomputer gives you tuning options that simply don't exist any-where else. Memory scan means you press a button and preset stations are automatically tuned in sequence for approximately 3.5 seconds each. Hands-off tuning lets you automatically monitor your favorite stations and simply pressing the appropriate station button tunes in your selection for continuous listening. Choose auto tuning to capture stations with frequencies that you don't know for certain. A touch of a button precisely finds the next station encountered up and down the frequency band. Manual tuning lets you approach known frequencies at high speed and then obtains the exact frequency in precise, discrete steps. And preset tuning instantly recalls any of the eight stations that are stored in our the MNOS (metal nitride oxide semiconductor) memory that can't be accidentally erased. 

Beauty is not only designed for easy viewing, it's coordinated to be proudly displayed. Bright electro-fluorescent digits display frequencies. Bright green LEDs in a five-step array show signal strength. And red LEDs pinpoint your favorite stations at a glance. Consider the power of 55 watts per channel that propels the intimacy of the original performance through Sony's advanced DC amp technology. And a high-gain low-noise phono amp in the preamp section enables you to even use an MC cartridge with your turntable to capture the subtleness of the softest, most delicate music. It's also important to know that an efficient, compact Pulse Power Supply provides stable DC power even at peak levels. And highly responsive Hi-ft power transistors artfully reproduce complex wave forms even at high frequencies and full output power. Sound is so clear that quiet intervals are quiet even at the highest listening levels. Sony's STR-V55 is more of a receiver because you demand to hear more of your music.

Original sale price: 3598 DM in Germany

Powered by www.1001hifi.com

Lo-D D-980DD (1979) | Direct Drive

 

The Lo-D D-980DD (Hitachi D-980 on the international market) is featuring the same Direct Drive Unitorque transport system as the D-5500A, while the D-980DD provided high quality sound reproduction at a very modest price. This is a three-head (titanium coated) cassette deck, with an optional wired remote control, offering such facilities as auto-rewind, memory, Dolby calibration, external fine bias, record mute and LED tape state indicator. A newly developed "feather touch" logic system ensures smooth and trouble-free transport operation, large illuminated VU meters and peak LED indicators enable distortion-free recordings. Soon after it's introduction it was replaced by the Metal tape capable D-980M. 

Technical data:

Head: 3-head titanium coated

Motor: 1xDirect Drive, 1xDC motor

Wow&Flutter: 0.03% (WRMS)

Frequency response:

20-20.000 Chrome

20-18.000 FeCr

20-18.000 Normal

Size: 435x165x256mm WxHxD

Weight: 7,7kg

Original sale price: 1200 DM in Germany

Powered by www.1001hifi.com