DENON Series 6.5 (2000) | Lifestyle Concept

 

The Series 6.5 represents the continuation of Denon’s highly successful lifestyle concept, redefining the upper end of the mini component category from the ground up. Combining luxury, outstanding sound quality, and compact design, the System 6.5 delivers a unique high-end audio experience in an elegant, space-saving format. Each component features its own dedicated power supply along with individual inputs and outputs, ensuring optimal performance and system flexibility. When connected together, the components provide full remote control convenience, advanced automatic operation, and synchronized system functions. Visually, the refined titanium-look front panels and gold-accented controls create a sophisticated bi-color design that blends harmoniously into any interior environment.

The PMA-6.5 integrated amplifier delivers 2 x 45 watts into 4 ohms and features discrete power amplifier stages for both channels, ensuring powerful, dynamic sound with excellent channel separation. Equipped with bass and treble controls, six audio inputs, two audio outputs, automatic source switching, an MM phono equalizer stage, headphone output, user-friendly remote control capability, and a built-in power supply, it offers versatile connectivity and audiophile performance in a compact chassis. (250x112x376 mm | 5,9kg) Matching loudspeakers: SC-10B

The TU-6.5 FM stereo/MW tuner with RDS (Radio Data System) and RadioText provides 30 station presets for FM and MW, automatic station memory, fast manual tuning, convenient timer functions, and an integrated power supply, making it a feature-rich and easy-to-use radio solution for demanding listeners. (250x98x313 mm | 2,6kg)

The DCD-6.5 CD player incorporates Denon’s LAMBDA Super Linear Converter technology and 8x oversampling digital filter for precise digital-to-analog conversion and detailed sound reproduction. Additional features include 20-track programming, random play, auto-edit function, optical digital output, and a built-in power supply, ensuring high-quality CD playback with advanced functionality. (250x112x350mm | 3,7 kg)

Completing the system, the DRR-6.5 cassette deck features a horizontal loading mechanism with drawer design, auto-reverse operation, Dolby B/C noise reduction with HX-Pro, one-touch CD-SRS synchronized recording from CD, versatile editing and playback functions, automatic tape type selection, and its own built-in power supply, delivering convenience and reliable analog recording performance. (250x98x314 mm | 3,6 kg)

The Denon Series 6.5 system stands as a premium compact hi-fi solution, combining refined aesthetics, advanced technology, and true high-fidelity sound for discerning music enthusiasts. Total suggested retail price in Germany (amplifier+tuner+cd+cassette deck+loudspeakers) 3146 DM.

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YAMAHA CA-2010 (1978) | Real Life Rated™

 

The Yamaha CA-2010 integrated amplifier was engineered as a true high-end alternative to separate preamp and power amp combinations, delivering reference-level performance within a single, meticulously constructed chassis. Designed for serious audiophiles, it features a built-in moving coil head amplifier—activated via a front-panel switch—eliminating the need for external step-up transformers while preserving the transparent highs and extended frequency response demanded by low-output MC cartridges. For moving magnet users, a 3-position phono impedance selector ensures optimal cartridge matching and maximum vinyl performance. The precision preamplifier section offers bass and treble controls calibrated in accurate 12 dB steps, with dual turnover frequencies for enhanced tonal flexibility, while completely independent Input and Output selectors allow recording one source while listening to another. The illuminated twin power meters can be switched to REC OUT millivolt readings for precise tape deck level monitoring, ensuring clean, distortion-free recordings. Rated at 120 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms with no more than 0.03% THD from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the CA-2010 also offers switchable DC operation for tighter bass response and front-panel selectable pure Class A mode delivering 30 watts RMS per channel with an ultra-low 0.005% THD across the same bandwidth. Yamaha’s Real Life Rated™ philosophy measured total performance from phono input to speaker output, introducing the Noise-Distortion Clearance Range (NDCR) standard, which guarantees no more than 0.1% combined noise and distortion from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at any output level between 0.1 watts and full rated power. Fast-rise, peak-delay meters track transient bursts from 1 mW to 316 W (8 ohms), underscoring the amplifier’s dynamic authority. Rooted in Yamaha’s long-standing musical instrument heritage, the CA-2010 delivers exceptional tonal accuracy, clarity, and natural musicality, making it one of the most respected and collectible vintage integrated amplifiers of its era.

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ONKYO TA-6711 (1997) | Integra High-Performance

 

The Onkyo TA-6711 from 1997 was one of the last "high-performance" cassette recorders ever manufactured. It was a high-performance 3-head cassette deck engineered for those seeking true professional recording quality in a home audio component. Its precision three-motor transport incorporated a regulated dual-capstan drive with full electronic logic control, maintaining optimal tape tension and ensuring constant head-to-tape contact across the entire cassette for exceptional speed stability, reduced wow and flutter, and superior sonic accuracy. The advanced linear-glide loading mechanism, combined with a dedicated cassette stabilizer, secured the tape firmly in place while minimizing vibration and mechanical resonance. Separate record and playback heads, each optimized for its specific function, along with a dedicated erase head, allow real-time monitoring and enhanced recording precision, while high-grade PC-OCC head cabling preserves signal purity. A discrete ultra-low-impedance linear switching power supply, partnered with a high-quality shielded AEI transformer, reduces electromagnetic interference and safeguards audio integrity. Onkyo’s fully automatic Accubias system automatically calibrates recording parameters to match the selected tape formulation, with manual adjustment available for fine-tuning to personal preference. Additional features include Dolby HX Pro headroom extension, Dolby B and C noise reduction, independent level and balance controls, CD synchronized recording, automatic tape type selection, switchable MPX filter, real-time tape counter, forward and reverse music search, a large 5-segment FL display with dual 24-segment peak level meters and peak memory, front-mounted microphone inputs for left and right channels, and a resonance-resistant stamped steel chassis, making the TA-6711 a highly capable and audiophile-grade vintage cassette deck. Specifications: 3-head system, Hard Permalloy | 2+1 Motor mechanism | Wow & Flutter 0,045% WRMS | Frequency response 20-20.000 Hz Metal tape | Dimensions (W/H/D) 435x131x370mm | Weight 7,2kg

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AKAI GX-4000DB (1981)

 

The story of THE 4000 series from Akai dates back to 1975 which in turn was an upgraded version of a model introduced in the mid 60s. THE 4000 model range is probably the most recognisable basic open reel deck in history. After countless revisions and upgrades the final version GX-4000D remained in production until the mid 80s. One of this versions was the GX-4000DB shown here that included Dolby noise reduction. Technical Data: 4 track, 2 channel stereo/mono system | Reel capacity up to 18cm | Wow & Flutter 0,08% WRMS | Frequency response 30-24.000 Hz at 19cm/s | Heads 3-head GX | Motor: 1-motor belt drive | Dimensions (W/H/D) 440x315x230mm | Weight: 13,2kg

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Early 70s 4000 diagram 

DUAL CS 627 Q (1981)

 

The Dual CS 627 Q is a fully automatic, Quartz-PLL direct-drive turntable introduced in June 1981, representing Dual’s advanced engineering direction of the early 1980s. Available in elegant Satin Metallic finish, the CS 627 Q was housed in the company’s specially developed HDC (High Damping Compound) plinth, designed to minimize structural resonance and external vibration. Four integrated, height-adjustable shock-absorbing feet further enhance isolation and stability. At its core lies the electronically controlled EDS 502 direct-drive motor, governed by Quartz PLL speed stabilization for exceptional rotational accuracy. When Quartz lock is disengaged, the turntable offers a generous ±11% variable pitch control, allowing precise speed adjustment. The CS 627 Q was factory-equipped with the Ortofon TKS 55 E cartridge featuring an elliptical stylus, mounted in Dual’s newly developed U.L.M. (Ultra Low Mass) tonearm system. This ultra-light arm design minimizes....

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SABA HiFi-350 (1981)

 

The result of state-of-the-art technology: the SABA HiFi Series 350. Introduced in 1981 it promised a new benchmark in HiFi technology – inside and out. At just 35 cm wide, the four components deliver precision performance, perfectly matched to each other. Its dimensions (smaller) and qualities (better) were made possible by a new technology: The HIGH-SPEED-CONTROL B power amplifier circuit.

The technology of the individual components:

Integrated Amplifier MI 350: 2 x 50 W music power (2 x 35 W RMS). Output power readable via a five-LED chain. Input for turntables with moving magnet or moving coil cartridges. Connection options for 2 tape recorders or 2 cassette recorders (also combined) and 2 speaker groups. Tuner MT 350: Three wavebands (FM, MW, L) and quartz synthesizer tuning for pure sound and quartz-accurate station storage. Manual and electronic station search. 7 (dual-assignable) station buttons. Cassette deck CD 350: For metal, chrome, and standard tapes. Soft-touch controlled transport; a light touch is all it takes to perform the desired function. Automatic scan for easier location of specific recordings. Fluorescent indicator for monitoring the recording level. Tape counter with memory function, mute function, and Dolby noise reduction. CSP 350 turntable: Tangential tonearm, fully automatic, and direct drive. Pitch control fine adjustment and luminous strobe indicator. All functions operable with the dust cover closed. Finish: nickel silver. Dimensions: Tuner: 35 x 6.5 x 24 cm Amplifier: 35 x 6.5 x 24 cm Cassette deck: 35 x 12.5 x 24 cm Turntable: 35 x 15.5 x 35.5 cm (W x H x D). The TU-35 (white) and TU-355 (wood) racks were sold separately while the matching loudspeakers were the B-3500.

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SONY STR-7800SD (1977) | LEC Transistor

The STR-7800SD introduced by Sony in 1977 seems to be a rather rare unit that was aparently only distributed to the U.S. market. According to a Sony advert from 1977: "Even before you switch on the STR-7800SD receiver, it'll be receiving. Receiving oohs and aahs." It continues by saying: "...it is the finest receiver ever designed by Sony." The 7800 puts you on the receiving end of the most tomorrow-looking technology available in 1977. The 7800 brings power to the power-hungry, and can even make the mild-mannered lust for power. Rated at 125 watts per channel, it's powerful enough to drive any speakers-satisfy any need. The 125 watts, minimum RMS at 8 ohms, is from 20 to 20kHz-with no more than 0.07% Total Harmonic Distortion. How this combination of power and low distortion was achieved, is an example of Sony's engineering muscle. Starting with the toroidal transformer. A more efficient structure, it fully exploits the high-performance power amp. As do two over-sized capacitors, each 22,000uF. So the feeling of power throughout the frequency range is unmistakable. You'll receive tuning that'll leave you swooning. FM circuitry found usually in separates appears in the 7800. Pardon for the initials, but MOS FET's are used in the FM RF amplification. The result: good linearity, low noise and high sensitivity. For FM Dolby listeners, a complete FM Dolby noise reduction system is available, to minimize noise and overload distortion. A Multipath switch and meter indicate optimum antenna orientation, thereby reducing distortion. An LED dial pointer doubles in length when an FM signal is received for easy tuning. You'll receive a pre-amp that's pre-eminent. High marks for Sony's Low Emitter Concentration (LEC) transistor. Designed, made by, and exclusive to Sony. It guarantees low noise, and a wide dynamic range. It also keeps RIAA equalization to within ±0.5dB. You'll receive power. And the means to control it. The pre-amp section also gives you the control you need to keep all that power in line. A presence switch is a special present: it lets you equalize the mid-range. Importantly, the 7800 was built with a Professional Attenuator Main Volume Control. It eliminates gang error between channels. Some input on the inputs: Phono 1, Phono 2, External Adaptor, Auxilliary, two tape decks - and tape-to-tape dubbing facilities. Specifications: Continuous power: 2x125W (RMS, both channels, 20-20.000Hz, 0,07%) | THD: 0,07% | Dimensions (W/H/D) 490x170x515 mm | Weight 22,8kg | Original sale price 700 US-$

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Technics RS-B900 (1991) | G-Series

 

The Technics RS-B900 is a stereo cassette deck with a closed-loop dual capstan system and three heads. The mechanism employs a closed-loop dual capstan system, with a high-torque Quartz controlled DD motor providing excellent rotational precision and stable running performance. The recording amplifier employs Technics' proprietary discrete linear magnetfield Class AA, consisting of a voltage-controlled amplifier and a current-supply amplifier, significantly improving the magnetic field waveform response. The playback system is equipped with a phase correction circuit to ensure a more faithful waveform response. A CD direct line input terminal is also provided to record CDs without compromising their dynamic range. The mounting frame supporting the transport system effectively combines two different materials, die-cast zinc and die-cast aluminum, for superior vibration resistance. In addition, power-assisted cassette loading securely holds the highly rigid, glass-fiber-reinforced cassette holder in place, while cassette half stabilizers suppress vibration of the half itself caused by tape movement. The internal structure features a T.N.R.C. base with excellent vibration damping properties and an anti-vibration top panel, reducing external and internal vibrations. A separate block structure prevents mutual interference. This structure separates the power supplies for the mechanism control system and the audio system, and further divides the audio system into five blocks: playback equalizer, playback noise reduction, recording noise reduction, recording equalizer, and headphones, preventing signal interference from adversely affecting sound quality. Beat noise is reduced by incorporating a BS bias that drives the bias at a high oscillation frequency of over 200 kHz. The RS-B900 also features APRS (Advanced Precise Rec Level System) functionality. When a signal is input while in record pause mode and the APRS button is turned on, the maximum input signal value is held and displayed on the meter. Adjusting the Rec-Level to match this displayed maximum value will cause the hold indicator on the meter to move accordingly, allowing you to set the appropriate recording level. The level meter features a switchable range, allowing you to change the level display in 1dB steps. A built-in recording calibration oscillator allows you to adjust the recording level and bias for each left and right channel. In addition to Dolby B/C, the noise reduction system also includes dbx, which provides excellent noise reduction. The recording/playback combination head uses an amorphous head with PC-OCC windings. Dolby HX-PRO is included for improved high-frequency recording characteristics. A linear electronic counter is included, allowing memory stop and memory repeat functions. An MPX filter is included. An auto tape/source monitor is included. A wireless remote control is included. While this model is based on the RS-B965 it was actually only made to order for Japanese market customers. Specifications: 3-Head System, Amorphous heads | Quartz Direct Drive Dual Capstan in a 2+1 motor mechanism | Wow & Flutter 0,03% WRMS | Dimensions (W/H/D) 483x141x290 mm | Weight 7,5kg | Original sale price in Japan ¥100,000

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Victor (JVC) Mezzo Prezio micro (1990)

This is an amazing micro Hi-Fi system introduced in 1990. It was known as the Victor Mezzo Prezio in Japan and JVC Super Digifine micro Worldwide. The components of this system are: FX-105 (FX-V1TN) Computer-Controlled Digital Synthesizer tuner with 40 random preset memory, 16-character alphanumeric display for station names and frequencies, remote control card with numeric keypad - TD-105 (TD-V1TN) 3-Head Dual Capstan Computer-Controlled cassette deck with Dolby B-C HX Pro, fluorescent digital peak display and remote control card - EX-105 (EX-V1TN) Digital Processing Control Amplifier with Dolby Pro Logic Surround, Digital Acoustics Processor, Input 6-audio and 5-video, on-screen display, dot-matrix fluorescent display, 2 unified A/V remote control cards - ME-105 (ME-V1TN) Dynamic Super-A Power Amplifier, 2x80W 4ohm + 50W centre channel + 2x30W rear, discrete 5-channel amplifier, automatic 2/5 channel operation - SX-105TN 2-Way 3-Speaker bass reflex loudspeakers with two 12cm "metal cone" woofers and 2,5cm Titanium dome tweeter.

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Sony TA-F80 Integrated Amplifier (1978) | Pulse Power Hi-Fi Classic

 

Released in 1978, the Sony TA-F80 integrated amplifier showcased Sony’s most advanced audio engineering of the era, combining a pulse power supply, radical internal construction, and a distinctly futuristic design. The TA-F80’s defining achievement was its unique signal-flow-optimized construction. Components were positioned strictly according to the signal path, minimizing the distance between input and output terminals while eliminating signal crossover. This resulted in an exceptionally clean and direct signal route. The preamplifier and power amplifier sections were fully separated, with the preamplifier mounted on the front panel and the power amplifier housed in a shielded enclosure behind it. Volume and function switches were mounted directly on the preamplifier board, eliminating unnecessary wiring and reducing signal degradation. Even the input terminals were positioned behind the front panel, directly connected to the preamplifier board—an unconventional but highly effective layout. The power amplifier employed Sony’s in-house developed Hi-fT high-frequency power transistors, designed with fine linear patterns to dramatically reduce transient intermodulation distortion (TIM). These transistors combined the characteristics of multiple small high-speed devices into a single output element, delivering wide bandwidth, stability at high power, and excellent transient response. Unlike conventional designs where power transistors are placed far apart for heat dissipation, the TA-F80 positioned them directly along the signal path on the circuit board. Heat was transferred via high-efficiency heat pipes, offering thermal conductivity hundreds of times greater than solid metal rods. This minimized high-current wiring, reduced magnetic field interference, and further lowered distortion. The TA-F80 featured a high-gain DC power amplifier, eliminating the need for a conventional flat amplifier stage. In DIRECT mode, DC transmission was possible from Tuner, AUX, and Tape inputs all the way to the speaker outputs, significantly improving low-frequency phase accuracy. The RIAA equalizer amplifier used a molded, three-dimensional wiring structure instead of a printed circuit board, minimizing lead length and suppressing mechanical capacitor resonance. Premium components were used throughout, including non-inductive polystyrene capacitors and high-stability tantalum metal-film resistors. Cartridge load impedance was adjustable from 100–400 pF / 100 Ω to 100 kΩ, and a dedicated MC head amplifier was included. Parallel low-noise LEC transistors combined with a high-performance IC achieved an impressive equivalent input noise of –152 dB/V and a signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB, with selectable impedance from 3 Ω to 40 Ω. Power was supplied by Sony’s signature pulse power supply, which rectified AC directly without a conventional power transformer. The resulting current was converted into a 20 kHz square wave, transformed via a compact high-frequency transformer, and rectified again. This design delivered the same capacity as a large conventional transformer while maintaining extremely high efficiency. A pulse-width-controlled voltage regulator ensured outstanding stability, with voltage fluctuation under 1% from 0 to 120 W. The pulse rectification method virtually eliminated ripple, hum, and power-supply noise. The TA-F80 also introduced a newly developed high-precision volume control, offering exceptional tracking accuracy and excellent square-wave response. Additional features included a 20-step LED level display and a peak power meter with direct readings from 0.008 W to 130 W. Specifications: 2x120W 8ohm | Frequency response 5-30.000Hz | Distortion: 0,007% | Dimensions (W/H/D) 43x16x41 cm | Weight 8,6kg | Original sale price in Germany 2.400 DM

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