YAMAHA CD-1 (1982) | Pure CD Sound

 

Yamaha released its first CD Player, the CD-1 in 1982, just after the birth of the CD. Designed with Yamaha's own aesthetics of sound and appearance. Its groundbreaking features included a slide-out disc loading drive mechanism rather than tray-loading, component-style front controls, a mirror that let you see the recorded side of the spinning disc, and an LED bar graph that showed the approximate position of the pickup. For an era familiar only with the analog record, it was probably a natural assumption that the disc and pickup were meant to be seen during play. The choices for a main device were still limited, but this unit straightforwardly emphasized the "sonic difference" with linear 16-bit twin D/A converters and separate power supplies for the digital and analog elements, and laid claim to technical uniqueness with a custom IC developed in-house at the heart of its control system.

Is it true that all digital sounds are the same? Even if you're not a music enthusiast, you know how important a high level balance between the music source and the playback device is to the sound. In other words, it's a very obvious conclusion that the best music source is the best playback device. If that's the case, while fully acknowledging the potential of CDs as music sources (or rather, because of that!), I would like to overturn the trivial rumor about CD players that all digital sounds are the same! The Yamaha CD-1. A black beauty that fully traces the extraordinary amount of music information of CDs. It conquers the sound of CDs with the very Yamaha style. The first condition for being as CD-like Hi-Fi as possible: Just 0.8 microns, each countless pit is a fountain of new music! Since it is the lifeblood of the CD sound, ultra-precise tracing capabilities were first necessary. The CD-1 employs a double error correction circuit that strictly returns the signal to its original state even if a large number of errors occur in the detection signal. Combined with the adoption of a servo system with excellent tracking performance, this is a thorough pickup section for sound. In order to accurately demodulate digital to analog stereo signals, the CD-1 uses a 16-bit linear conversion method for the D/A converter and a unique twin configuration. This means that the distribution of L and R is digitally processed, and there is no need to switch analog signals, so music unique to CDs is reproduced to the fullest.

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DIATONE DS-10000 (1985) | 10000 Classic Magic

 

The DS-10000 was released by DIATONE in 1985 as the 40th anniversary model of the brand, a Mitsubishi brand. The DS-10000 is actually based on the DS-1000 released in 1983. This model was considered to have the highest potential in terms of overall performance. The arrangement of the drive units has been determined based on the results of the study of the acoustic radiation pattern by computer analysis in a laboratory, thus their position being considered optimal. The woofer unit used is a 27 cm diameter aramid honeycomb curved cone. This uses an aluminum honeycomb structure core and aramid, a high-strength, high-elasticity, low-density long fiber material, as the skin material. This is a Diatone unique diaphragm. The midrange unit and tweeter unit use a 50mm and a 23mm reinforced diffusion boronized dome diaphragm. All wiring in the system was done with extra-thick linear crystal oxygen-free conductors, and the wiring was done by crimping with gold-plated sleeves (metal fittings) without soldering. The capacitors used in the network were also specially made with high-quality parts, such as large MP capacitors. The DK-10000 was an optional loudspeaker stand. 

Technical Data:

Type: 3-way speaker, sealed bookshelf type

Bass: 27cm aramid honeycomb curved cone type

Midrange: 50mm boron D.U.D dome type

Treble: 23mm boron D.U.D dome type

Nominal impedance: 6Ω

Frequency range: 35-60,000Hz

Output sound pressure level: 90dB/W/m

Maximum allowable input: 180W (EIAJ)

Rated input: 60W (EIAJ)

Crossover frequency: 600Hz, 5000Hz

External dimensions: Width 360 x Height 625 x Depth 290mm

Weight: 27kg

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ROTEL RX-1603 (1976) | Quality Uncompromised

 

The Rotel RX-1603 from 1976 is the biggest receiver they ever made. It is a High-performance receiver with outstanding reception characteristics and a sinus DIN power of 2 x 250 W at 4 ohms (180 watts per channel, min. RMS, both channels driven into 8 ohms, from 20-20KHz with no more than 0.1% total harmonic distortion). It features connectors for 3 pairs of loudspeakers, two turnover frequencies for bass and treble, subsonic, low and high filters, 2 phono input, 2 tape input with copy function...and many more. The RX-1603 is actually a two-box construction that allows the power amplifier section to be separated allowing the two parts to be stacked thus reducing the depht of the unit. Size (WxHxD) 600x180x535mm | Weight: 33kg  

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Technics RS-M45 (1979) | Metal Tape Compatible

 

The RS-M45 from Technics introduced in 1979 delivers an extraordinary combination of style, performance, and faithful audio reproduction. This deck is equipped to take full advantage of the new metal tape formulation. The specially designed Technics' record/playback and erase heads can handle the very high magnetic coercivity and retentivity of metal tape. Because of these features, the deck can translate metal tape into a very wide dynamic range with a flat, extended high-range frequency response. As a listener, you will enjoy a cassette deck which produces a precise, clear sound. Of course, metal tape handling capability is accompanied by high performance in other areas, including motor design, amplifier circuitry, and head design. Everyone knows what Technics direct drive does for performance and accuracy in our turntables (As of 1979, 73 of the top 100 radio stations that used turntables used Technics direct-drive turntables). FG servo DC direct-drive capstan motor and equally impressive solenoid controls are part of the the RS-M45. And to put minimal strain on you, there's the optional RP-9645 remote control unit. With it, all transport functions, as well as record mute, can be operated from your chair. Just as special are the RS-M45's fluorescent VU meters with auto-reset peak-hold. They're fast, electronic and highly accurate. You'll also like Dolby NR and a S/N ratio of 68 dB. And if the SX record and playback heads make CrO2 tape sound great (20 Hz-18 kHz), wait until you hear the increased frequency response (20 Hz-20 kHz) and extended dynamic range of metal. 

Technical specifications:

Motors: 2-motor system (Direct Drive Capstan)

Heads: 2-head system SX (Sendust Extra)

Wow and Flutter: 0,035% WRMS

Frequency response:

20-20.000Hz Metal

20-18.000Hz Chrome/FeCr

20-17.000Hz Normal

Dimansions (WxHxD): 43x9,8x34,5cm

Weight: 6,1kg

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KYOCERA DA-910 (1984) | Better Sound Based on Ceramics

 

The Kyocera (Kyoto Ceramic) DA-910 Remote Control Compact Disc Player stops vibration in its track. How? With ceramics technology-Kyocera's innovative method of ensuring steady laser tracking-immune to vibrations. The bottom line: total purity of sound. Why ceramics? They're rigid and inert, so they provide uncommon stability and resistance to mechanical vibrations from audio feedback. They're non-ferrous, so there are no chassis eddy currents to cause electrical hum. The handsome ceramic-compound resin base of the DA-910 CD player is actually the chassis-supporting and housing all components and isolating vibration. Resonance from the cabinetry is almost non-existent. But Kyocera doesn't stop there. Digital audio's technical requirements demand un-precedented circuit capability so we use fine ceramics throughout to further conquer vibration. For example, all discrete hi tolerance audio components and the 3rd order Besselle analog filters are ceramic encased. There are other material differences. In-stead of an ordinary laminated E frame, Kyocera use a solid ferrite cutlass core power transformer to cut eddy currents, minimize flux leakage and improve voltage regulation. And instead of ferrous metals, Kyocera use 100% aluminum and zinc chassis construction including a diecast laser head and a precision disc drive mechanism.

KYOCERA DA-910 Specifications

Frequency response: 5Hz-20kHz (±0.5dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 95dB (I kHz)

Dynamic range: More than 95dB (1 kHz)

Harmonic distortion: Less than 0.005% (1 kHz. 0dB)

Wow and flutter: Unmeasurable (dependent on precision of crystal oscillator)

Channel separation: More than 90dB (I kHz)

Dimensions: 430 (W) x 140 (H) x 330 (D)mm 

Weight: 9.5 kg

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ONKYO Radian F7 (1988) | Multi Program Compo

 

The Onkyo Radian F7 consists of the following components: PL-99X fully automatic turntable, PT-F77 TV-FM stereo tuner, PA-F77 stereo integrated amplifier, PE-F77 graphic equalizer, PC-WF77 stereo double cassette deck, DX-F77 compact disc player and PS-F77 loudspeakers.

Main features: The CD triple file allows the CD player to store three pieces of information for each favorite disc. The contents are: a character file that displays your favorite characters (alphabet + numbers + symbols), a memory selection file that programs and plays your favorite song order, and a graphic equalizer pattern file that lets you specify your favorite sound arrangement. It's a new way to enjoy compact discs. The CD player is a High-performance model using optical digital transmission that transmits music via optical signals to the D/A converter built into the amplifier. The cassette deck is equipped with two real time counters that digitally display the elapsed time and remaining time on the tape in minutes and seconds. Time information for Tape 1 and Tape 2 is displayed independently. Editing from CD to tape and from tape to tape has been greatly improved in accuracy. This is a double REC double reverse deck with two recording/playback reverse mechanisms. It can record to two tapes at once, record to tape 1/2 simultaneously, record continuously for 3 hours using two C-90s, and record continuously from tape 1 to tape 2 on both sides. The REC level volume allows you to manually set the recording level, making it possible to accommodate advanced recording techniques. Other functions include: ● Dolby B/C NR 15-track skip selection ● Fully automatic tape selector that automatically detects tape grade (Normal/High/Metal) ● A separate program can be recorded on tape 1/2 while you are away ● Synchronized recording with CD player possible. The tuner/timer is a FM/AM/TV audio multiplex digital tuner. It has a dual display that shows the time and station separately. The PE-F77 is a multi-functional graphic equalizer equipped with four spectrum analyzers. Display 2 can select and display four positions: source, effect, rec, and rear. ●Remote control compatible ●10 patterns stored in memory (5 programs, 5 user sets) ●Peak hold ON/OFF ●Flat switch, reverse switch ●Compatible with CD graphic equalizer pattern files. System remote control included as standard. The amplifier has a built-in D/A converter that converts digital signals into music. In addition to optical digital signals from CD players, it also supports digital input from DAT decks and BS tuners. It also automatically selects the sampling frequency depending on the source, such as 32kHz, 44.1kHz, or 48kHz. By simply adding rear speakers, you can enjoy surround sound with a sense of realism. Moreover, the dynamic surround circuit enhances the surround effect even with just the front speakers. The power is 80W+80W (EIAJ). The loudspeakers are 3-way system. The 27cm woofer is made of advanced high-rigidity material, cross carbon. It directly reproduces the powerful bass contained in the digital source. In addition, the squawker that reproduces the midrange is a delta olefin refined 10 cm unit that brings out the natural vocals, and the treble is a 5cm cone unit. The speaker system is magnetically shielded to reduce the impact on CRTs, etc. Maximum depth 355 (record player), Height of each combo: Record player = 104mm, Tuner = 71.5mm, Amplifier = 129.5mm, Graphic equalizer = 122mm, Cassette deck = 122.5mm, CD player = 124.

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DENON PMA-950 (1980)

 

Specifications

Rated output: 80W+80W (20Hz-20kHz 8ohm)

Total harmonioc distortion: 0.004%

Power bandwidth: 5Hz-100kHz

Dimensions: 470x140x410mm (WxHxD)

Weighjt: 14,5kg

Original price: 1998DM Germany

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