Technics SL-P999 (1988)

This CD player was released by Technics in 1988. Technics would later transition to MASH 1-bit technology, but this was the last generation of multi-bit players to pursue high performance. It offered excellent cost performance and refinement, making it a truly impressive machine. The SL-P999's greatest feature was its D/A conversion section, which was the most advanced of any multi-bit player at the time. While its predecessor, the SL-P990, had a 4-DAC, 18-bit conversion system, the SL-P999 went even further, featuring a 4-DAC, linear 20-bit system. This 4-DAC, linear 20-bit system featured four D/A converters: one for the positive signal and one for the negative signal, for both the left and right channels. These four D/A converters individually converted each component to analog and then combined them in a differential amplifier. The high-precision control of the high-performance 4DAC processor LSI distinguished between positive and negative signals and switched between them, combining only the portions with good linearity, essentially eliminating the problem of so-called zero-crossing distortion caused by steps at the zero-crossing points. The digital filter was equipped with a 20-bit, 8x oversampling digital filter, allowing the use of a low-order analog low-pass filter. As a result, the adverse effects of the elements and semiconductors that make up the low-pass filter were minimized. The "4DAC Linear 20-Bit System" not only eliminated zero-crossing distortion, but also achieved constant 20-bit operation regardless of the input level, which, combined with the 20-bit high resolution of the 8x oversampling digital filter, improved the reproduction of very small signals. The power supply featured a "discrete low-noise active servo power supply." This separated and stabilized the power supplies for the servo and digital circuits, which have large current fluctuations, and the analog circuits, including the DAC, which are sensitive to power supply voltage fluctuations. This achieved low noise, low impedance, and high ripple rejection for the audio power supply, and faithfully fed back even minute fluctuations in the power supply voltage, minimizing power supply voltage fluctuations caused by DAC operation. This resulted in an extremely stable power supply for the DAC, allowing the DAC and audio circuitry to perform to their full potential. To combat vibrations from the servo system that could adversely affect sound quality, the chassis was designed to be resonance-free and vibration-free. To counter external vibrations, a multi-layered base made of different materials, including a metal chassis base and a TNRC (Technics Non-Resonance Compound) base, was used. It achieved high vibration resistance by converting vibrations into thermal energy. The legs were equipped with large insulators to block vibrations, and the optical deck was double-floated from the chassis using a multi-insulator configuration, achieving significant vibration damping.It was equipped with a variety of functions, including song selection. A large shuttle search dial on the front panel allowed for shuttle search at four speeds, from 1/8x to 76x, in both forward and reverse directions. Original sale price in Germany 1.600 DM

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