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.

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