Sansui AU-X1 (1979) | Ultra-High Speed

 

Can it surpass the pinnacle of separate amplifiers? The AU-X1 super integrated amplifier was born from a straightforward approach. If you were to create the ideal amplifier, the theme would likely remain unchanged from the past and present: "Straight wire with gain is best." Without compromising the purity of the program source, for the purpose of pure amplification, Sansui believe that each part of the amplifier must be permeated with a straight idea, and so they created the AU-X1. For example, from the MC head amplifier to the power amplifier, all components are configured with full push-pull, all DC amplifiers. Furthermore, the signal path is simplified by enabling direct transmission from the equalizer amplifier to the power amplifier over the shortest possible distance, resulting in an exemplary construction for high-fidelity playback. The power amplifier section takes the dynamic characteristics of the amplifier one step further, by combining a diamond differential circuit with the newly developed linear high-speed element LAPT. Furthermore, the power supply section that supports these must naturally be strengthened. With completely separate left and right channels for all stages, the power stage, pre-drive stage, flat amplifier, equalizer, and MC head amplifier, all are powered by independent power supplies, using two transformers: a large-capacity toroidal transformer of over 600Ω and an 8601W EI transformer. The AU-X1 features a total of eight power supply systems. Combined with a gigantic 80,000m² electrolytic capacitor, this powerful power supply section remains unfazed by any peak input or continuous large input, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving the amplifier's dynamic characteristics. The AU-X1's weight of 27.7 kg is a symbol of the comprehensiveness of its power supply section. The AU-X1 approaches the ideal amplifier. We are confident in calling it "a super integrated amplifier that can comfortably drive world-renowned instruments such as the JBL4343."

Specifications:

Effective output (5 hz to 20 khz, THD 0.007%) 160W + 160W (8 Ω) 220W + 220W (4 Ω)

Total harmonic distortion factor (5 Hz to 20 kHz) 0.007% or Less (8 Ω)

Output Bandwidth (IHF, THD 0.02%): 5 Hz ~ 70 kHz (8 Ω)

Frequency Response (1W) DC ~ 500 kHz (+ 0 dB, -3dB)

Rise Time / Fall Time 0.5 μ sec

Slew rate: ± 260 V / μ sec

Total harmonic distortion factor MC (1 kHz, Rec Out) : 0.005% or less

External dimensions: Width 480x Height 195x Depth 450 mm

Weight: 27.7kg

Original sale price in Germany: 2800 DM

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PIONEER CT-720 (1979) | 3 Head System - Metal Tape

 

The CT-720 introduced in 1979 uses Pioneer's unique recording/playback combination head, which uses Sendust alloy as the core material. This improves wear resistance, distortion characteristics at high inputs, frequency response, and signal-to-noise ratio, while also providing an extremely smooth head touch. Furthermore, this Sendust alloy head is resistant to deterioration of characteristics due to the adhesion of magnetic powder or dust, or magnetization. This results in smooth frequency response (20-19,000Hz-METAL) and a high signal-to-noise ratio (over 69dB with Dolby ON), bringing out the full potential of metal tape with its wide dynamic range. The CT-720 is equipped with a high-precision two-motor mechanism, with a constant-speed drive motor for driving the capstan and a separate motor for the reel drive. For the constant-speed drive, an electronically controlled DC servo motor with a built-in generator is used. This motor detects and corrects even the slightest change in rotation speed using the frequency generated by the generator, ensuring accurate and stable rotation at all times. Furthermore, by combining a capstan that has been processed to micron-order accuracy using Pioneer's precision processing technology with a large flywheel that has excellent dynamic balance, it achieved an excellent rotational fluctuation of less than 0.04% (WRMS). The reel drive uses a DC high-torque motor with strong rotational torque and minimal ripple, enabling stable tape fast-forward and rewind operations while also providing extremely high reliability and durability. Another unique feature is the 2-color FL level meter. The level meter features a high-precision FL level meter that eliminates overshoot and undershoot even for high-level recordings. It covers a wide range of -20 to +8 dB, making it easy to handle even metal tapes capable of high-level recording. Its easy-to-read two-color display illuminates blue for levels below 0 dB and orange for levels above 0 dB. Furthermore, the FL level meter can be switched between an average meter that indicates the average value of the input signal and a peak meter that quickly indicates instantaneous pulse components. This allows for reliable level monitoring for a wide range of program sources, including music with sharp attack times like piano solos, ensuring the best performance of not only metal tapes but also various other tapes, ensuring high-quality recordings. One aspect of cassette decks that is surprisingly often overlooked is the pursuit of ease of use. The CT-720 employs a full-open loading system that allows for quicker and more reliable loading and replacement of cassette tapes, as well as checking the tape's running status and label. The head is located at the front, making cleaning and maintenance of the head and capstan easy. The tape running switching mechanism also employs an electronic direct change footbush operation button. Moreover, this operation button is extremely rational from an ergonomic standpoint. The buttons are arranged in a convenient manner, eliminating the risk of misoperation and enhancing reliability. The operation buttons can be preset, so you can link them with the timer to record voice messages and play alarms. Equipped with a monitor switch, by switching the switch to SOURCEŁTAPE you can instantly check the recording quality by ear. The bias fine adjustment knob allows you to adjust the optimum bias value, which varies slightly from tape to tape, while monitoring by ear. The 4-stage tape selector (METAL/CrO, Fe-Cr/STD) allows recording and playback to take full advantage of the characteristics of the tape being used. 

Specifications:

Recording head: Sendust head x 1

Playhead: Sendust head x 1

Erasing head: Special alloy head x 1

Constant speed drive motor: Electronically controlled DC motor (built-in generator) x 1

Fast forward/rewind motor: DC high torque motor

Wow & Flutter: 0.04% or less (WRMS)

Frequency response: 

(LH tape, -20dB recording) 20 to 17,000Hz 

(Ferrichrome tape, -20dB recording) 20 to 18,000Hz 

(Chrome tape, -20dB recording) 20 to 18,000Hz 

(Metal tape, -20dB recording) 20 to 19,000Hz 

Power supply AC100V, 50/60Hz

External dimensions: 420 (W) x 187 (H) x 368.5 (D) mm

Weight: 9.2 kg

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A&D DP-9000 (1988) | Advanced Audio

 

While utilizing advanced digital technology, A&D strives for perfection as a tool for listening to music. The DP-9000, a prestige CD player, epitomizes the philosophy behind A&D's digital audio equipment. From powerful energy to delicate, minute signals, the purity and information content of digital sources are faithfully extracted and transformed into crystal-clear, natural music. This represents a new milestone in high-purity digital sound reproduction. The first thing you'll notice about the DP-9000 is the incredibly rigid mechanism hidden within. The chassis that forms the body is a massive U-shaped structure made of die-cast aluminum, molded into a single unit, even down to the sides. Furthermore, the bottom of the chassis features a honeycomb structure for added strength. The top panel is made of 3.2mm thick copper-plated steel. The pickup mechanism, from tray to motor, is also constructed of sturdy die-cast aluminum and directly mounted to the chassis. Unwanted vibrations that corrupt the music signal are completely shut out. And of course, mutual interference between the digital and analog sections is thoroughly eliminated, from the power supply to the construction. The power supply uses separate transformers for digital and analog, with a toroidal core transformer for the analog section to ensure high sound quality. The analog circuit board is tightly shielded in a copper-plated steel case. The purity of the required performance is maximized, and unnecessary factors are thoroughly eliminated to get to the essence. You can be sure that you will be able to feel A&D's commitment to manufacturing in the purest sound quality.

The DP-9000 features optical and coaxial digital direct outputs, enabling development into a digital link system that transmits digital signals with high purity. The D/A conversion section employs a 4x oversampling, 18-bit precision, 266th-order digital filter. With carefully selected mature digital components to prioritize sound quality. The output amplifier, located at the final stage of the analog circuit, is a discrete DC amplifier equipped with a DC servo, eliminating coupling capacitors. This uncompromising approach achieves the pinnacle of potential. The components used are carefully selected for their physical characteristics and audibility, including: a vertically mounted, disc-sized stabilized clamper to suppress unwanted disc vibrations; an A-servo system with anti-shock and anti-defect features; a large, centralized display that can be turned off while remaining partially visible; and a variety of CD player-specific playback functions, including program selection, direct selection, and repeat play.

Main Specifications: Pickup: 3-beam laser pickup; Wow and flutter: Below measurable limits; Total harmonic distortion: 0.0025% or less (EIAJ); Frequency response: 2Hz-20kHz ±0.3dB; Dynamic range: 97dB or more (EIAJ); Signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB or more (EIAJ); Dimensions and weight: 460(W) x 112(H) x 330(D) mm, 13.6 kg

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CORAL CX-77 (1976) | High Linear Sound

CORAL CX-77, Naturally beautiful, High Linear Sound from 1976. Proper balance among tweeter, squawker, and woofer is crucial when assembling a good speaker system. Cone paper, the heart of the woofer, must possess high Young's modulus and be fully flexible. The woofer in the CX-77 speaker system features Coral's own specially developed micro-crystal cone paper, the surface of which is coated with fine hollow crystal grains 0.1mm in diameter and with a specific gravity of 0.3. Thus partial vibration has been greatly enhanced, refining the transient characteristics of the lower and bass ranges. The rest of it, too the free edge with full linearity, diecasting frame absolutely without resonance, powerful magnetic circuit help all contribute to some of the richest, most listenable low frequency sounds available. The tweeter flawlessly reproduce the delicate high-range sound properties of every musical instrument. Coral's is a hard dome-type super-tweeter that uses a diaphragm of 18-micron-thick ultra-thin Super Duralmin having a crossover frequency of 7,000Hz. The expanded high-range frequency response of 40,000Hz easily reproduces everything within the normal audible frequency of 20,000Hz with outstanding directivity. The sound quality is amazing. There is also an attenuator that enables continuous variation of the mid- and high-frequency ranges independently. The x-over network is a Low-loss design employing a Mylar film capacitor and a coil featuring a high permeability reluctance ferrite core, which refuses to cause linear distortion even under large input. The design brings out the maximum transient characteristics of each speaker. CORAL, having developed its own exclusive method for molding highly rigid titanium speaker domes, is now able to provide the audiophile with the most superb mid-range speakers ever. The voice coil in these speakers features CCAW winding and flawlessly maintains optimum balance of mass, extending the high range limit and largely improving transient characteristics. The aluminum bobbin boasts large input resistivity, and a spacious back cavity easily expands the frequency response of the lower range to efficiently cover everything from 700Hz to 7,000Hz. Clear, faithful sound. What more could one ask? The higher the performance of the speakers, the more important the quality of their enclosure becomes. The CX-77 system uses a bass-reflex enclosure, which features a highly condensed multi-layer particle board, eliminating unwanted vibration. The side, baffle and back boards are strongly reinforced. The speakers are symmetrically mounted to achieve optimum directivity. Beautifully finished with UVD coating, the CX-77 system enclosure symbolizes the perfection of the system.

SPECIFICATIONS

Enclosure: Bass-reflex type 

Speakers: 30cm woofer, 5cm titanium dome squawker, 2cm hard dome tweeter

Frequency response: 30-40,000Hz

Crossover frequency 700Hz, 7,000Hz

Output sound pressure level. 94dB

Program source input......... 80W

Impedance. 8 Ohms

Dimensions 390mm(W) x 650mm(H) x 320mm(D)

Weight 22kg

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Sony’s 1990 ES line: A bold blend of technology and timeless design

If you're a true audiophile, you know that the early 1990s were a golden era for home HiFi systems. Sony, a pioneer in audio innovation, made waves with its Elevated Standard (ES) line — and today we take a closer look at three stunning components that defined top-tier home audio: the TC-WR97ES cassette deck, the CDP-C87ES 5-disc CD player, and the powerful STR-GX90ES FM stereo receiver. At the top of the stack is the TC-WR97ES, a dual-well cassette deck that brings professional-level features into your living room. With Quick Reverse, HX Pro, Dolby B/C NR, and bias fine-tuning, this deck wasn’t just built to play tapes — it was made to preserve fidelity. The brushed aluminum faceplate, gold-plated outputs, and full logic transport underline its audiophile pedigree. Whether you're recording mixtapes from vinyl or playing back your favorite cassettes, this deck delivers rich, warm analog sound that digital can't replicate. Next up, the CDP-C87ES is more than just a CD changer — it’s a precision-engineered digital marvel. Featuring a 6th-generation advanced digital servo system and high-quality linear converters, it treats your CD collection with the respect it deserves. The player’s classical fidelity is ideal for long listening sessions with zero compromise. At the base, the STR-GX90ES stereo receiver acts as the command center. With high-current power delivery, massive toroidal transformer, and precision attenuators, this unit delivers dynamic, crystal-clear audio whether you're listening to FM, phono, or CD. This receiver wasn’t just about power — it also included source direct paths, dual speaker outputs, and premium signal processing. Wrapped in wood side panels and heavy shielding, it’s an audio statement piece as much as a functional amplifier. Over 30 years later, these components hold up remarkably well — not only in design but in sonic performance. Built like tanks, engineered with passion, and styled with class, the Sony ES 1990 lineup is a reminder of when audio gear was made to last a lifetime. Whether you're rediscovering these classics or collecting them for your vintage setup, one thing is clear: Sony’s ES Series remains an icon of high-end home audio.

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Step Into the Ultimate Vintage Audio Experience – Welcome to 1001 HiFi: The Stereo Museum

 

Have you ever dreamed of walking into a room filled with timeless audio treasures — brushed aluminum faceplates, glowing VU meters, precision dials, and warm analog sound? The photo above is not a fantasy, but a glimpse inside the incredible collection of 1001 HiFi – The Stereo Museum, your online destination for the most legendary vintage audio gear ever made. At 1001HiFi.com, we don’t just showcase stereo equipment — we celebrate audio history. From rare cassette decks to iconic amplifiers, tuners, turntables, and CD players from the golden era of hi-fi (1970s to 1990s), our virtual museum brings you closer to the machines that defined a generation of sound.

🎧 What you’ll discover:

• Detailed overviews of classic stereo components from Sony, Technics, Pioneer, Marantz, Akai, and many more

• High-resolution photos and specs of real working gear

• A growing archive for collectors, enthusiasts, and audio lovers worldwide

📸 As seen in the image, the museum space is packed floor to ceiling with legendary models — carefully restored and proudly presented for all to admire. It’s a nostalgic trip for anyone who grew up with hi-fi sound and a revelation for those just discovering analog audio.

👉 Visit now: www.1001hifi.com
Rediscover the soul of stereo. Because great sound is forever.

Pioneer SX-3600 Review (1980) – Quartz Precision with Vintage Soul

 

Released in 1980, the Pioneer SX-3600 blends analog charm with digital precision through its quartz-lock FM tuner. This sleek stereo receiver delivers 30 watts per channel, making it a solid choice for entry-level Hi-Fi enthusiasts. With its signature blue-lit dial, woodgrain cabinet, and sharp silver faceplate, the SX-3600 offers both visual appeal and dependable performance. In this review, we explore its technical highlights, sound character, and why it remains a favorite among collectors today. 

The SX-3600 was a FM/AM STEREO RECEIVER with a continuous power output of 30 watts per channel, min. at 8 ohms from 20 hertz to 20,000 hertz with no more than 0.05% total harmonic distortion. Other features include: FM Usable Sensitivity: Mono; 11.2dBf (2.0µV) | FM Capture Ratio: 1.0dB | FM Alternate Channel Selectivity: 60dB FM S/N Ratio: 78dB (mono, at 65dBf), 72dB (stereo, at 85dBf) | FM Stereo Separation: 40dB (1kHz), 35dB (30-15,000Hz) | FM Spurious Response Ratio: 65dB AM Suppression Ratio: 55dB Dimensions: (WxHxD) 450x142x306mm | Weight: 8,2kg | Walnut-like metal top and walnut grained vinyl side panels are used in the construction of this cabinet. Original sale price: $275.00

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The Matrix 800 (1990)

 

The Matrix 800 introduced by B&W in 1990 is a unique speaker. Its unique construction features woofer enclosures located on top and bottom while the midrange/tweeter enclosure is vertically sandwiched between the two woofer modules. These three cabinets rest on a flat base made of heavy-gauge cast alloy filled with non-resonant Fibrecrete. The cabinets are connected with a rear-mounted steel coupling bridge. The speakers are mirror images of one another. The visual design is the work of longtime collaborator/designer, Kenneth Grange. The bass drivers are made from a material named Cobex while the midrange uses kevlar cone, both already used in the 801 speakers. Original sale price: $18,000/pair (rosewood veneer), $15,000/pair (English walnut, black ash veneers, or painted "satin-black" finish)

Specification:

3-way bass reflex, floorstanding speaker

Woofer: 2x 300 mm high-power polymer cone

Midrange driver: 2x 126 mm Kevlar cone

Tweeter: 1x 32 mm ferrofluid-cooled, metal dome

Recommended amplifier power: 150 - 800 W

Efficiency: 93 dB (2.83 V, 1 m)

Frequency response: 23 - 20,000 (±2 dB)

Impedance: 4 Ohm (minimum 3.0 Ohm)

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SONY Sound Sensor do! 767 (1980)

 

The Sound Sensor do! 767 is a Hi-Fi system from 1980 featuring complete remote control function with reverb and microphone mixing. The components are as follows:

C-767RM Direct Drive turntable PS-636

C-767RM stereo tuner with FM/AM preset ST-636

C-767RM 60W/ch amplifier with volume preset TA-636

C-767RM 3-way lodspeaker with 28cm woofer and ribbon tweeter

PT-79R RM-79 remote unit with timer

ST-79 TV tuner

TC-U60 cassette deck

SU-677 rack

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JVC AX-Z1010TN (1989) | Super DIGIFINE

 

The AX-Z1010TN features JVCs' improved Digital Pure-A Type II that lest you enjoy genuine class-A sound from digital programs without sacrificing power, efficiency or performance. The built-in digital processing circuit is of the latest design: the 8-times oversampling digital filter ensures accurate phase response and lower noise, while the quadruple full-time linear 18-bit combination DAC provides low conversion error, precision and high linearity independent of level. JVCs' exclusive K2 Interface removes ripple and jitter from the signal going to the DAC to prevent the audible effects those anomalies can cause - grainy, metallic sound for instance. The AX-Z1010TN is made for superb analog sound, too. The new Opt Super-A Circuit improves linearity to achieve still lower crossover distortion and still silkier and smoother sound. Also for improved digital performance, the AX-Z1010TN is engineered to drive low impedances even as low as 2 ohms. And to make this entire package easy to operate, the amp comes with a remote control (RM-SA1010U). Main features: 2x100W, 8 ohms, 20Hz to 20kHz. with 0.004% T.H.D. | K2 Interface for highly musical reproduction | Digital Pure-A Type II for class-A low-distortion sound from digital programs | 8-times oversampling digital filter for smooth, precise response | Quadruple full-time linear 18-bit combination DAC for superior low-level linearity | Opt Super-A with Gm Driver for low-distortion class-A sound and better in-use performance from analog programs | Connections for 3 digital components: one optical input, one coaxial input, and coaxial input/output | "DAC DIRECT" for direct D/A converter-to-amp connection | Separate layout for digital and analog circuits to reduce interference | Circuit layout for shortest signal path to ensure "pure" signal transmission | High-gain phono equalizer for MM/MC cartridges | Bass control | Remote control with volume control and speaker switching | Connections for 2 pairs of speakers | Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x173x459mm | Weight 16,8kg | Original sale price in Germany 1899 DM

Discover a vast collection of vintage audio gear, classic hi-fi equipment at 1001 HiFi — the ultimate resource for vintage audio enthusiasts and classic stereo collectors.