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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marantz SC-6/SM-6 (1979) | ESOTEC Series

 

The Esotec SC-6 inherits all the qualities that established the reputation of the famous Marantz "Model 7" as well as the philosophy that traditionally inspired the design of monitor amplifiers: to offer full listening control possibilities for any musical source. The SC-6 has been equipped with a high-quality preamplifier for moving coil cartridges, a cartridge load selector, independent right and left tone controls, etc. Developed according to the most sophisticated Marantz Hi-Fi criteria, it offers only the best: very low transient intermodulation (TIM) construction, direct-coupled design, all push-pull circuits, and above all, the pursuit of the lowest distortion rate and the highest signal-to-noise ratio. The results of laboratory and listening tests were conclusive: THD less than 0.005%, TIM less than 0.003%, and signal-to-noise ratio greater than 86 dB. The SM-6 can be switch to work in Class A or Class AB operation. The action of a class A amplifier generates a significant amount of heat. The transistors must be kept at normal temperature. Consequently, the heat dissipation required to protect the power amplifier must be very efficient. For the SM-6, a new thermodynamic process developed for NASA, the "heat pipe," was used (a system one hundred times more efficient than the traditional process). Power output: 2x30W in Class A and 2x120W in Class AB. Designed in U.S.A. - Produced in Japan. Original sale price in Germany: SC-6 2000 DM, SM-6 3000 DM.

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Clarion MD-8181A (1977) | My Studio

 

Dual cassette editing deck. It can handle continuous recording and playback with two deck mechanisms, and triple mixing with LINE/TAPE/MIC. Place it in the middle of your audio system. Cassettes are not only good for recording. It's fun to make use of them, combine them, and mix them together to create your own world of sound - so, is your heart happy during this summer of youth? 

Technical data:

Wow and flutter: 0.08% (WRMS) 

Signal-to-noise ratio: 53dB 

Frequency response: 20-17,000Hz (chrome tape)

External dimensions: Width 460 x Height 160 x Depth 247 mm 

Weight: 7.5 kg

Original Sale Price: aprox. 1300 DM

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marantz Tt 1000 (1979) | ESOTEC Series

 

The Tt 1000 Resonance-Free Direct-Drive turntable system, was first presented by marantz at the Japan Audio fair in october 1979. Its housing is formed from a triple layer of alternating glass and aluminum. These materials of different masses, arranged to form a unique structure, transform vibrational energy into heat, thus eliminating any transmission of vibrations. The structure of the TT 1000 is as follows: 15mm of high-density glass + 8mm of aluminum + 15mm of high-density glass. After testing all types of materials used, Marantz chose glass to equip the TT 1000's platter mat. Much better than a thick rubber mat. For example, glass eliminates any possibility of vibration. The glass platter mat offers increased precision in tracking the record's trace: sound details, respect for harmonics, sonic planes, etc. All these essential factors have been improved. One of the problems posed by using a turntable is the absorption of external vibrations. The Esotec solution is the use of a sound-isolating type air suspension with high absorption capacity. The isolators are equipped with a height adjustment system to keep the turntable perfectly horizontal. The TT 1000's power supply is not incorporated into the turntable itself but located in a separate housing to avoid any risk of AC interference. Another Marantz exclusive for the TT 1000 is a very high torque direct drive motor. Based on a Micro Seiki design it was initially offered with a rebadged CF-1 Micro Seiki tonearm.

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Fisher Audio/Video Hi-Fi (1986) | Golden Jubilee Series

 

The Golden Jubilee Series was the 50th Anniversary hi-fi stereo system from Fisher, introduced in 1986. All these components were actually designed and built by Sanyo of Japan. The heart of this system is the CA-891 amplifier that featured parametric equalizer, electronic volume control and remote control (REM-891). All the components of the system could be used independently in any system however when used together they could receive remote control signal from the amplifier via remote control cable. The cassette recorder was the CR-W891, a twin auto-reverse model. The tuner was the FM-891 stereo synthesizer tuner with 20 station preset system. For the "Digital and Analog section" there was the AD-890 single disc compact disc player and the MT-890 random access linear tracking turntable. The graphic equalizer was the 2x9 band EQ-876 with spectrum analyzer. For the video section the FVH-P840K Hi-Fi stereo VHS video recorder could be added. Original sale price (without video recorder) was aprox. 6998 DM with rack and speakers. 

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BLAUPUNKT X-240 (1979)

 

BLAUPUNKT is mostly remembered (by non Europeans) for their car audio components but they also had a range of home Hi-Fi systems such as this remote-controlled Pre-Power  amplifier from 1979. The adopted slimline design was following the design trends of the moment. The power amplifier is labeled as "Produced in Japan Exclusively to Blaupunkt Specification" while the pre-amplifier and tuner have a Made in Germany sticker at the bottom. This must be the reason why there is a slight difference in shade between the Japan and German made front panels. The whole system can be remote controlled, unfortunately here at 1001 Hi-Fi we don't have the original remote control, but it can be used with a compatible universal remote. This system was awarded in 1980 by the Stuttgart Design Center. The pushbutton control system with LED status display adds a nice visual touch to the unit and makes possible the remote control operation but unfortunately, these buttons do not age well making operation difficult. In the pictures you can see the following components: 

XT-240 Tuner-Clock-Timer combo witch also acts as remote receiver, so the whole system can be remote controlled. The tuner has 29 random station memory, manual / automatic tuning and direct frequency input.

XPA-240 Preamplifier. Bass, treble, balance and volume are electronically controlled while between the pushbuttons there is a user adjustable preset control. Each time you turn the unit on the preset setting are activated so when you turn the system on you don't have to worry that you have left the volume turned up. If you make changes to bass, treble, balance or volume you can always revert to the preset settings with a touch on the "NORM" button.

​MA-240 Power amplifier. Inside there are two STK modules mounted on a "Heat pipe" cooling system that gives a total power of 2 x 120-Watt music (2 x 65 W sinus). You can connect up to four loudspeakers to the amplifier and there is a nice LED power meter to display momentary power readings. Unlike many people think, the four-loudspeaker output is not for a "surround" sound in one room. This solution was a "multiroom" solution for those who wanted their favorite music to be available in two different rooms.

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