OTTO SX-P1 (1976) | Porous Metal

 

Otto (Orthophonic Transistorized Technical Operation) was a brand name used by Sanyo for the Japanese market. The SX-P1 was introduced at the Internatinal Exhibition held in Osaka in 1976 and it received the highest award. At that time, various manufacturers were competing with each other by releasing large, powerful speaker systems priced at around 130,000 yen. There was a lineup of powerful loudspeakers such as Sony's SS-G7, Sansui's SP-G300, and Onkyo's Scepter 10. Among them, Sanyo Electric, which was working hard under the OTTO brand at the time, released the SX-P1. The biggest feature of the SX-P1 was the woofer unit. It was a 30cm diameter cone woofer that used a metal diaphragm called a "porous metal cone." This "porous metal cone" was made by foaming nickel material, then gluing 20μ aluminum foil to the inside, and molding the whole into a cone shape. It achieved high rigidity and sound speed that only metal can provide, and the foaming gave it a sufficiently low Q value comparable to that of a paper cone, achieving excellent characteristics as a diaphragm. It was driven by a large ferrite magnet with a diameter of 156 mm and a weight of 1.4 kg, with a high magnetic flux density of 11,000 gauss, which aimed for low distortion. This woofer was also sold as a standalone unit as the ASX-1 (35,000 yen). The squawker was equipped with a 67mm diameter dome-type unit that used a newly developed 50μ thick three-layer diaphragm made of pure aluminum with 80% alumina on both sides. The tweeter was equipped with a ring-type unit that used a 30μ thick ultra-lightweight 6mm wide ring-structure diaphragm made of hard aluminum. The diaphragm itself was ultra-lightweight at 0.06g, and the V-shaped ring structure had the advantage that the width from the driving point of the voice coil to the edge was narrow, making it less likely to cause split vibration. As mentioned above, from the woofer to the tweeter , it was composed of metal diaphragm units. The cabinet itself was an elaborate one with an ebony veneer finish, and the woofer baffle was as thick as 80 mm. The total weight of the system was 51 kg. The export version was sold as Fisher STE 1200. There was even a Soviet copy of this loudspeaker, the Elektronika 100AC-060.

Specifications:

3-way bass reflex system

Woofer: 30cm diameter, uni-cone type (porous metal cone)

Midrange: 67mm diameter, hard-dome type (oxidized aluminum dome)

Tweeter: 38mm diameter, ring type

Rated input: 100W (200W peak)

Output level: 93db/1m

Frequency range: 25-35.000Hz

Dimensions (WxHxD): 450x910x430mm

Weight: 51kg

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AIWA CDS-999 (1987) | Prior - DAT dimension

In order to reproduce the high quality sound that DAT brings to the fullest extent, the entire system is made into a digital component - CDS-999. The top-of-the-line DAT component. The sound far exceeds expectations. The 150W+150W high power amplifier is amazing. Everyone realizes that the power of the amplifier affects the sound quality, especially when the volume is turned up. Ample high power of 150W+150W for playing high quality digital sources. The adoption of a low noise O.P. amplifier that cuts power supply noise reproduces a pure sound with a signal-to-noise ratio of over 100dB. It drives digital sources clearly and dynamically. For even higher performance, it is also equipped with a DAT/CD direct switch. The large capacity toroidal transformer and two-system REC OUT selector will impress any enthusiast. Of course, it also has a built-in surround circuit that allows you to fully experience the sense of realism. The electric volume that can be freely controlled by the remote control is also a fresh idea.

The 3-Head !!!, fully independent dual deck design is amazing. A completely independent dual deck with a 3-head quick reverse deck, which is synonymous with high-end single decks, and an amorphous head quick reverse deck, each functioning independently. Furthermore, both decks are independently equipped with Dolby HX Pro, which is effective for recording digital sources with a wide dynamic range. Furthermore, independent dual Dolby B/C is also adopted, which enables cross Dolby dubbing. A thorough dual configuration with dual electronic counters, dual bias fine adjustment, etc. A level indicator with peak hold, blank skip mechanism, etc.

The CD player uses a newly developed linear motor, achieving high-speed access. In addition, it is equipped with a 4x oversampling digital filter for high sound quality without compromising phase characteristics. It is not only pursuing the best sound quality, but also high levels of operability. It has CBRS (CD Backskip Recording System) for perfect cassette recording and an auto blank system that is effective for dubbing to DAT. Other features include a timer program play that wakes you up in the programmed song order, and a 20-song random program mechanism with program accumulation function. Its functions are versatile and versatile, including a 20-song music calendar and index search.

The tuner is of course a synthesizer type. It is an audio multiplex type for FM/AM/TV (UHF/VHF). Eight stations can be preset for each, so you can select a station with one touch. It also has a built-in timer with two programs per day (EVERY/ONCE) and Sleep timer.

The large 4-way speaker system incorporates a woofer, squawker, tweeter, and super tweeter. It has the ability to reproduce a wide digital range from deep bass to treble. The 27cm diameter woofer uses an aluminum die-cast frame with low resonance and a newly developed high-rigidity amorphous silica fiber cloth diaphragm that improves bass reproduction. The speaker size is not only larger, but also heavyweight at 12kg (each). This helps improve sound quality. Of course, it is a round baffle system that enhances the sense of sound positioning.

Others:

●36cm midi size, full-fledged component system with wooden sides. ●All components are connected via pin cords with independent power sources. ●Full system remote control that can be operated from the listening position.

Amplifier: Maximum practical output: 150W+150W (60) Signal-to-noise ratio: CD and other 100dB

Tuner: Type: Quartz PLL synthesizer; Usable sensitivity: AM 300V/m, FM 15.3dBF, TV (VHF) 20dBF, TV (UHF) 30dBF; Usable selectivity: FM 52dB (±200 kHz)

Deck Head configuration: 1. Recording/playback LC-OFC winding amorphous, 2. Combination DX erasure double gap ferrite Wow and flutter: 0.065 (WRMS)/0.1 (W-PEAK) Frequency response: (-20VU) Metal 10Hz~20kHz Chrome 10Hz~19kHz Normal 10Hz~17kHz Signal to noise ratio: 73dB (Metal, Dolby C-ON)

CD player ● Frequency response: 2Hz~20kHz D range: 90dB ● Harmonic distortion: 0.005% (1kHz)

Speaker: Cabinet type: 4-way bass reflex type Speaker configuration: 27cm woofer, 8cm squawker, 5cm tweeter, 2.5cm super tweeter Frequency range: 35Hz~25kHz Impedance/output sound pressure level: 6ohm/91dB/w-m Maximum input/crossover: 150W/800Hz, 4kHz

Center unit dimensions/weight: 360(W)×419.8(H)×325(D)mm/20.4kg 

Speaker unit (single unit) dimensions/weight: 325(W)×575(H)×275(D)mm/12kg

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YAMAHA CX-1, MX-1 (1992) | Top-ART Series

 

Top-ART Series - Total Purity Audio Reproduction Technology

CX-1

Preamplifier with 7 Inputs

Exceptionally Pure Sound Quality

Short and Direct Signal Paths

Pure Direct Switch with LED Indicator

Gold-Plated PCB Wiring

Quality Components and Extremely High-Quality Construction

Gold-Plated Brass RCA Jacks

High-Precision 4-Way Volume Control

Solid Aluminum Rotary Knobs

Sturdy Aluminum Front and Side Panels

Vibration- and Resonance-Resistant Cabinet

Exclusive 20 dB Amplifier with Pure Capacitive Feedback Circuitry

High-Precision Two-Stage Phono Preamplifier

Phono MM/MC Selector

Remote Motorized Input Selection and Volume Control with LED Indicator

Remote Mains Power On for MX-1/MX-2

Yamaha system remote control

MX-1

Stereo Power Amplifier

High performance and large power reserves ensure exceptional sound quality

Direct symmetrical arrangement for optimal signal purity

Two output relays for loss-free signal transmission

Elaborate gold-plated circuit board wiring

Quality components and extremely high-quality construction

Two powerful mains transformers

Low-noise high-performance transistors

Large filter capacitors (36,000 µF x 2 + 33,000 µF x 2)

Two solid aluminum heat sinks for efficient heat dissipation

Gold-plated brass RCA jacks

Logical circuit design for maximum channel separation and low distortion

Vibration- and resonance-resistant housing

Heavy and robust metal housing

Extra-large vibration-damping feet

Designed for high performance and optimal sound quality

Linear damping factor [350 (at 82, 20-20,000 Hz)]

Designed for high power and low distortion

High pulse power/stable operation even at low impedances [8/4/2 Ω: 280/460/630 W per channel]

HCA (Hyperbolic Conversion Amplification) circuit

APS power supply

2x200W (8ohm)

438x116x486mm

24 kg

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Technics RS-M68 (1979) | Silver Edition

 

The RS-M68 from Technics is a auto-reverse cassette deck equipped with a 4-track SX head (Sendust Extra) that provides equal performance for both tape directions, both during recording and playback. It features: Automatic reversal during recording and playback, memory for playback and stop plus automatic restart after rewinding. It is equipped wit a frequency-generated servo motor with double flywheels and double capstan shafts. Electronic FL level meters with two-color bars and separate 3-position controls for bias and EQ provide perfect tuning and maximum utilization of the tapes. There is also Dolby noise reduction, separate output level control and timer "stand by" function.

Specifications:

Head configuration: 4 channel SX SENDUST HEAD

Erase : Two double-gap Sendust ferrite heads

Motor: Digital FG servo motor

Frequency characteristic

Normal : 20 Hz to 16 kHz

XA : 20 Hz to 18 kHz

Wow and flutter 0.07%WRMS

External dimensions: Width 450x Height 164.5x Depth 352 mm

Weight Approx. 10.9 kg

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harman/kardon HD7600 (1991) | 3D Bit Stream

 

The most remarkable breakthrough in digital technology since the introduction of compact disc players. That's 3D Bit Stream. Exclusively from Harman Kardon. 3D Bit Stream turns digital data into musical experience at 33,868,800 times per second. (100 times faster than conventional CD players.) The 3D Bit Stream CD players offer unsurpassed linearity, low-level accuracy, and freedom from phase irregularities. Or, quite simply, 3D Bit Stream lets the music flow. From the delicate sound of a classical Spanish guitar to the driving rhythm of a bass, 3D Bit Stream captures all the dynamics, dimension, and drama of a live performance. Harman Kardon has a history of firsts: from the world's first high fidelity receiver. The first cassette deck to incorporate Dolby*. That's Harman Kardon. Pioneering technology for people who love music. Discover more harman/kardon CD player in the 1001 Hi-Fi Collection here.

PIONEER CS-3000A (1973) | World of Wider Bandwidth

 

The original CS-3000 was introduced by Pioneer in 1971. It was highly praised for its excellent mid and high-range reproduction, but bass reproduction was said to be a weak point of the CS-3000. To solve this problem Pioneer introduced the CS-3000A with an improved woofer. The newly developed woofer had the same 30cm diameter, but the magnet was equipped with a large 200mm diameter ferrite magnet. The center pole was covered with a pure copper cap, just like the CS-3000, to suppress distortion caused by the nonlinearity of magnetic materials. The frame had a sturdy structure made of die-cast aluminum, eliminating resonance. This cone paper was newly developed for the CS-3000A, and the center cap was made of the same material as the cone paper, with wavy bumps to increase its strength. The cone edge was made of foamed urethane, just like the CS-3000. The cone neck inside the center cap had a new mechanism that used a special open-cell foam. It suppressed nonlinear distortion caused by air circulation inside the cap, and also acted as a mechanical filter to prevent abnormal sounds caused by concentrated compliance in the neck. The damper had a symmetrically arranged double damper structure, which improved the linearity and reliability of the suspension. The voice coil was edgewise wound with aluminum ribbon wire, just like the CS-3000, and the aluminum foil ribbon, heat-curing epoxy resin, and short winding effect improved the heat dissipation effect and improved input resistance. As described above, the CS-3000A is a model that strengthens the bass section of the CS-3000, and is a powerful unit that realizes stronger bass reproduction capabilities to match the excellent mid- and high-range sounds. The midrange was equipped with a 6.5 cm diameter dome-shaped unit. The 6.5 cm diameter dome-shaped diaphragm made of duralumin kept the amplitude small, reduced IM distortion, and ensured low-frequency reproduction capability up to 700 Hz. The tweeter was a 2.0cm diameter dome type. It was a combination of a duralumin dome with a diameter of 20mm and a thickness of 30μ, a double-layered urethane foam edge, and an edgewise wound voice coil with aluminum ribbon wire. The network was equipped with a 700 Hz and 6000 Hz crossover with an attenuation of 12 dB/oct. The feature of this network is that the impedance rise at the f.o of the midrange and tweeter was corrected by a compensation circuit, and the impedance of each speaker was made flat, which resulted in a straightforward cutoff characteristic and improved phase characteristics. The level control was performed by simultaneous switching of the coil step-down and compensation resistor, and the midrange could be switched in four steps of 2 dB, and the high range could be switched in five steps of 2 dB. The enclosure was a completely sealed type (air suspension type) and used a combination of 25 mm thick hard particle board and lauan plywood. Instead of the conventional rod-shaped reinforcement, the internal reinforcement was a flat plate with four small holes, which reinforced the front, back, left and right sides while preventing standing waves. In addition, 800g of glass wool was built in, providing effective internal treatment. The enclosure baffle surface was flat, and the grill net was also designed to prevent deterioration of the playback characteristics. The surface was finished with Brazilian rosewood, giving it a high-class feel. The CS-3000A could be single, bi or tri amplified.

Specifications:

3-way Infinite Baffle

30cm Bass

6,5 Dome midrange

2,5 Dome tweeter

Frequency range: 30-20.000Hz

Power rating 100W

Impedance 8ohm

Size (WxHxD): 360x630x327mm

Weight: 33kg 

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Technics High Grade Components (1976)

 

Pictured High Grade Compnents from Technics are:

(Top to bottom, left to right)

SB-7000 "Linear Phase" 3-Way Speaker System

SE-9600 Stereo Power Amplifier

SH-9090 Universal Frequency Equalizer (mono)

SP-10MKII/205C-11H/EPA-100/SH-10B Turntable/Cartridge/Tonearm/Turntable base

TE-903 Audio Timer

RS-690U Tape Transport

SU-9600 Stereo Control Center

RS-1500U 2-Track Reel to Reel Recorder

SH-830 Audio Rack

RS-690U Stereo Record/Reproduce Amplifier

SH-9090 Universal Frequency Equalizer (mono)

ST-9700 FM Stereo Tuner

SL-1350/205C-11S Direct Drive Automatic Player System/Cartridge

SB-7000 "Linear Phase" 3-Way Speaker System

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SANSUI AU-alpha907NRA (1998)

 

A flagship model that will create history in sound. The pinnacle of integrated amplifiers, the "907" models have changed throughout the years. Now here is the AU-alpha907NRA. Equipped with the Ultimate Q-X balanced circuit, which brings together the best of Sansui's original technology. The current margin of the driver stage has been doubled to Class A operation, and the circuit itself has achieved outstanding dynamic characteristics and wide range and high speed in all transmission and amplification processes. The final stage has been changed to a single drive balanced push-pull configuration, and is equipped with a NM-LAPT with Pc (collector loss) of 200W, which is suitable for high power amplification, which was used in the power amplifier B-2302. The powerful power supply section uses a high-performance power transformer with a total weight of 13kg. By sealing a high-density filler inside the four-layer shield, vibration during operation has been suppressed and the stable current supply capacity has been greatly improved. The capacitors, film capacitors, and resistors are of the highest standard, developed for Sansui's VINTAGE series, and are used in an ideal combination. The speakers are connected to terminals made of OFC alloy and 24-carat hardened gold plated by WBT of Germany, which has little signal loss. Banana plugs are also supported. The pure copper elliptical insulators made of genuine leather, which provide excellent vibration damping properties, and the volume knob machined from solid aluminum are all carefully considered to maintain the purity of the sound. The music signal is transmitted and amplified with high purity by connecting it from input to output in the shortest possible distance. The signal connected to the three direct inputs is sent directly to the power amplifier section without passing through the preamplifier circuit. In addition, a balanced input terminal is also provided, allowing you to create an ideal balanced operating environment for the entire system. A new heat sink with an elliptical hole on which the power board equipped with the isolated mechanical feedback steel plate and the Ultimate X-Balance circuit is assembled. In the 907NRA, the power transformer, the largest source of vibration, is mounted floating from the chassis. This isolates the power supply system from vibrations and eliminates mechanical interference. In addition, the heat sink, which acts as a resonating plate when mounted directly on the power transistor, has been thoroughly redesigned to effectively disperse the resonating effect. Combined with the reinforced twin mono construction that structurally controls the vibrations of the power supply and signal systems and the isolated mechanical feedback that effectively blocks the transmission route of vibration, this complete vibration countermeasure realizes ideal sound field performance. Good Design Award winning product.

Main specifications 

Power amplifier section 160W+160W (8oHm) 

Total harmonic distortion (at effective output): 0.003% 

Damping factor: 150 

Frequency response (1W): DC~300kHz

External dimensions: 462 (W) x 165 (H) x 448(D)mm 

Weight: 33.0kg

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PIONEER CT-600M (1979) | Pioneer Music Select System

From now on, you can bring out the best sound of Metal tape together with a variety of functions. Taking advantage of the high density recording capabilities of metal tape, enables recording and playback with a substantially wider dynamic range. The appeal of metal tape is that it can record high-density data. Its residual magnetic flux density and coercive force are twice as high (four times the energy product) as previous tapes. This has improved the maximum output level and input resistance characteristics in one go, enabling high-level recording with plenty of room. The CT-600M has a high maximum magnetic flux density for the recording and playback heads. It uses a newly developed sendust alloy that is stable and has little head saturation or distortion at high input. This results in a wide dynamic range in the high frequencies, with well-extended frequency characteristics from 20 to 19,000Hz (metal tape) and a highly transparent signal-to-noise ratio of 69dB (Dolby ON), resulting in a dynamic playback sound. The erase head also uses a special ferrite with a double gap structure that provides a high erasure rate. Please take note of the large vertical level meter. It is designed to cover a high level of +8dB, which is unthinkable for ordinary cassette decks. This allows the deck to be played back with a high quality sound, even when played back with metal tape. It also comes equipped with a peak indicator that shows the peak level in five steps (0, +2, +4, +6, +8dB). It has a multi-functional design that allows you to enjoy a variety of tape play, including an automatic cueing mechanism. When you want to skip the song you are listening to and move on to the next song, or when you want to listen to the intro again, the device automatically detects the beginning of the song and starts playing (PMS). It is equipped with just about every function imaginable, including program/memory play, LINE/MIC mixing cue and review, output level control, answering machine standby function, and a Dolby system using a newly developed IC. It uses a three-stage tape selector (CrO2 automatically switches in the STD position). 

Specifications:

Motor/High torque DC servo motor

Frequency response:

LH tape: 20-15,000Hz

chrome tape, ferri-Chrome tape: 20-17,000Hz

Metal tape: 20-19,000Hz

Wow%Flutter: 0.045% (WRMS)

External dimensions: 420 (W) x 143 (H) x 316 (D) mm 

Weight: 7.5kg

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SONY CDP-XA55ES (1998) | Current Pulse D/A

 

The XA-55ES was the last CD player in the ES series equipped with a variable digital filter and enhanced power supply. In this model the pickup is fixed to a solid base and the disk moves on the mechanical base, so that vibration of the pickup is sharply reduced and the current required for servo operation is relatively slow to compensate for disk distortion and eccentricity. In addition, the CDP-XA55ES uses a zinc die-cast base for fixing the optical pickup to reduce the resonance of the base itself and improve the reading accuracy. The CDP-XA55ES also uses a BSL motor for rotating the disc, which has less rotational unevenness. It is equipped with a 24-bit variable (VC) digital filter that can change the cutoff characteristics and subtly control the atmosphere of music. The new 24-bit filter improves the processing power and reproduces higher definition sound quality. In addition to the conventional standard position, five types of positions are available: clear, plain, fine, and silky. You can select the optimal position according to your audio equipment, room environment, and song. The XA55ES is a High-quality design using "current pulse D/A converter" and "triple R core transformer" The "Current Pulse D/A Converter" has a stable and clean current source, and is not affected by voltage noise from the calculation circuit, allowing it to reproduce expressive low frequencies. In addition, the iron core of the transformer is seamlessly shaped, and the cross section is made into a circular donut shape, greatly reducing magnetic flux leakage and vibration, and adopting an "R-core transformer" that realizes a clean current supply. By installing independent transformers for the analog circuit, digital circuit, and mechanism drive system, a highly pure power supply is supplied. The transformer for the mechanism drive system, which supplies a large amount of power, is stored in a dedicated shield. Mutual interference between each block is minimized. Size (WxHxD) 430x125x375mm | Weight 13,2kg | Original sale price in Germany 2600 DM.

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Technics SL-6 (1982)

 

No conventional turntable delivers the accuracy and control of this one: Technics SL-6 Programmable Linear Tracking Turntable. The problem with a conventional turntable tonearm is that it arcs across the record surface. So it is capable of true accuracy at only two points in its arc. Where the stylus is precisely aligned with the record groove. The Technics SL-6 Linear Tracking Turntable goes beyond that. It actually duplicates the straight-line motion of the cutting arm that originally mastered the record. This enables the Technics SL-6 to deliver true accuracy at every point on the record. First note to last. There is none of the tracking error, skating force error or distortion that accompanies a traditional tonearm. And the SL-6 ensures this accuracy with some outstanding technological advances. Including a microcomputer-controlled system that constantly monitors the stylus-to-groove angle and automatically makes corrections. But linear tracking is just the beginning. There's the precise control you get with the Technics random access programmable microcomputer. At the touch of a button, you can set the SL-6 to play any selections you want, in any order. You can even repeat or skip selections. There are still more features that help the Technics SL-6 perform so impeccably. A precision direct-drive motor. Sensors that automatically select the correct playing speed. Technics' patented P-Mount plug-in cartridge (EPC-P23 MM) system delivers optimum tonearm/cartridge compatibility along with simplified cartridge installation. And all of this technology has been neatly placed in a turntable about the size of a record jacket. Accuracy, control and musical pleasure beyond the conventional. Dimensions (WxHxD) 315x88x315mm | Weight: 4,7kg | Original sale price 699 DM in Germany. 

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Technics SD-CD700 (1987) | Intelligent Component System CD700

 

A perfect companion to video - AV full remote control system. The SD-CD700 is a CD player, amplifier, tuner, and deck sold as a single unit. Speaker system SB-CD700 x 2, Fully automatic player SL-J11R. Extra components: Stereo Graphic Equalizer SH-E7, component telephone SH-TL7, Surround full-range speaker system SB-S30 x 2. Maximum external dimensions of CD700 with record player and equalizer - Main body: Width 315 x Height (approx.) 550 x Maximum depth 327 mm, Speaker (1 piece)/Width 260 x Height 448 x Depth 220 mm. The SD-CD700 is a high-performance component system, equipped with a high quality CD player with super clean digital filter and FF-1 laser pickup with excellent signal reading capability as standard. Equipped with various functions such as 20-song random program selection, repeat play of all songs/programmed songs, skip play, etc. High performance amplifier with 50W+50W high output and 0.009% low distortion. Powerful 23cm 3-way speaker. Lightweight, highly rigid MPP cone and powerful double magnet structure reproduce the pure sound of CD to the fullest. Equipped with a double reverse deck for recording/playback. Continuous recording and double-speed editing are possible. Dolby NR is also built in. Tape editing without waste is also possible. CD editing is also possible. Compatible with component telephone (sold separately) that allows you to record voicemail, mix calls, and record phone calls when combined with a component equipped with a TV audio multiplex tuner with program timer.

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