TEAC P-2/D-2 (1989) | Esoteric CD

 

This is the P-2/D-2 CD Drive & Multi-D/A Converter system from Teac (also available as one of a early Esoteric branded model). Housing the drive and the D/A converter stage in separate components, optimized for their respective functions, ensures the highest possible performance. The P-2 is a CD drive with V.R.D.S. While the CD is usually held only in the spindle area, this drive's advanced V.R.D.S. (Vibration-Free Rigid Disc-Clamping System) uses a suspended, CD-sized platter made of die-cast zinc alloy that stabilizes the CD across its entire surface. The surface is slightly concave so that the disc sits flat when pressed down onto the platter from below. This suppresses unwanted vibrations and knocking movements that could interfere with tracking precision. The device is designed so that the disc is automatically centered when clamped. This prevents overreactions from the tracking servo that could degrade sound quality. The P-2 drive is designed to minimize the need for servo corrections. While the V.R.D.S. system reduces the activity of the tracking servo to the unavoidable minimum, it must still intervene in the event of any CD defects and ensure correct playback. To prevent signal interference in this case as well, the P-2 drive uses the TEAC-exclusive CN servo, which filters out potentially destabilizing elements from the servo signal using a low-pass filter and also helps to protect the optical system from the transmission of interference vibrations. To ensure that external vibrations do not compromise the improvements provided by the highly stable V.R.D.S. drive, it rests on a solid die-cast base within a robust chassis made of 1.6 mm thick sheet steel with a maximum 18 mm thick aluminum front plate. This gives the P-2 solid durability and high density for clean suppression of footfall noise and ensures optimal tracking under all conditions. Disc Drawer - The 8 mm thick aluminum drawer glides smoothly and silently on six precision-machined ball bearings. The opening and closing speeds are separately adjustable via side controls. The drawer features a gold-plated trim strip at the front with an inlaid silver emblem and is coated with Nextel, a robust, high-viscosity material that protects records from scratches. The P-2 is also coated externally with Nextel, giving the drive a high-class appearance. The D-2's TEAC-exclusive ZD-II circuit improves the linearity of the D/A conversion process and helps to better protect the analog output signal from noise and distortion. The well-established original circuit, the "ZD," utilizes the "dithering" technique long used in digital studio recording. Before D/A conversion, "dither" (digital random noise) is added to the digital signal, which is later subtracted to improve bit homogeneity (linearity) across the entire 18-bit range (262,144 levels). The D/A conversion error is spread out instead of concentrating on specific signal levels, as it would without dithering. The D-2's new "ZD-II" goes a step further by shifting the dither signal into the ultrasonic range, outside the range of human hearing This allows for a significantly better reproduction of delicate small signals and through the "Distortion Shaping"- The effect is a drastic reduction in distortion. The D-2 converter uses a 45-bit digital filter with eightfold oversampling, which minimizes the "rounding errors" that occur during digital processing. A newly developed noise shaper adapts the 45 bits to the 18-bit format. Small signals below 18 bits are not rounded, so the resolution extends below the noise floor. Thanks to these improvements, the converter offers unprecedented sensitivity and clarity with low-level signals. Specifications: Size (W/H/D) 225x134x490mm (P-2) 225x134x485mm (D-2) | Weight 13kg (P-2) 11kg D-2) | Original sale price in Germany 6.000 + 6980 DM

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Alpage AL-80 (1981) | Optical Peak Meter

 

The Alpage (Alpine) cassette deck from 1981 features Dolby B & C noise reduction and a 3-Head system for excellent recording and playback performance. Using separate heads for recording and playback offers two distinct advantages: improved recording and playback performance, and the ease of monitoring the newly recorded signal. Combined record/playback heads on 2-Head systems must accept a compromise between the optimum air gaps for recording and playback, but with three heads, the record head can have a wide air gap (5µm) and the playback head a narrow air gap (1µm), each optimized for its own function. Dual Noise Reduction Dolby B & C The AL-80 features both systems: Dolby B and the brand new Dolby C. This allows compatibility with all Dolby B-encoded tapes, while also allowing you to take advantage of the improved Noise Reduction effects of Dolby C for your own recordings. A built-in generator outputs a 400Hz test signal that allows for precise calibration of recording levels. Especially when using Dolby C noise reduction, precise level adjustment allows for optimal recording results. There is also a 4-Digit Digital Counter with Multiple Memory, for Tape or Time. This very practical counter works as a standard tape counter, or as a real-time counter. The counting is done electronically rather than mechanically, and it has four digits that provide seven times the accuracy of three-digit counters. Other Features: Super-sensitive optical peak meters, Automatic Playback and Rewind, Fine Pre-Fuel Adjustment, Switchable MPX Filter, Output Level Control, Optional Wired or Wireless Remote Controls, Optional Rack Mount Kit, Mono Microphone Recording on Both Channels, Illuminated Cassette Slot. Specifications: 3-head system Ferrite head | Motor: 1 belt drive| Wow and Flutter 0,035% | Frequency response 20-21.000Hz Metal (TDK MA) | Dimensions (W/H/D) 435x120x300mm | 5,6kg | Original sale price in Germany 1200 DM

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PIONEER S-HE10 (1992) | High-Sensitivity Bookshelf Speakers

 

The Pioneer S-HE10 is a rare example of a high-efficiency bookshelf speaker engineered with the philosophy of professional monitor design. Built around advanced wavefront control and compression horn technology, it prioritizes realism, speed, and precise sound imaging over raw sound pressure. Rather than chasing volume, Pioneer focused on sensitivity and efficiency—key attributes of a true electro-acoustic transducer. The result is a speaker capable of reproducing the finest musical nuances, from a performer’s breathing to the natural decay of a concert hall, with remarkable clarity and presence. At the heart of the high-frequency system is a rear-type compression driver, the same principle used in TAD and EXCLUSIVE reference models. A precision titanium diaphragm works with an equal-length phase plug to ensure excellent phase coherence and extended high-frequency response. The newly developed oval wave horn, integrally molded with the front duct and angled at 10 degrees, directs sound inward toward the listening position. This design improves center image focus while offering wide horizontal dispersion, creating a stable soundstage and a generous listening area. The die-cast aluminum horn ensures exceptional rigidity and eliminates horn-induced coloration. The S-HE10 takes wavefront control to a higher level by optimizing: Time alignment between woofer and tweeter, Directivity matching across frequencies, Electrical phase coherence, Baffle geometry to reduce diffraction. By shaping the wavefront closer to a point source, the speaker achieves natural sound propagation, accurate image placement, and a convincing three-dimensional sound field. The woofer employs a newly developed ALCC (Alginate Composite Cone) diaphragm. Using alginate fiber derived from seaweed as a binder, Pioneer achieved superior bonding between high-strength polyarylate fibers and pulp. Compared to conventional paper cones, the ALCC diaphragm offers higher rigidity, greater internal damping, and lower mass. With an impressive sensitivity of 98 dB/W/m, the woofer delivers fast transients, excellent dynamics, and finely textured mid-bass reproduction. A magnetically shielded double-magnet circuit produces a high magnetic flux density of 14,300 gauss, ensuring strong diaphragm control and high efficiency. The T-shaped pole piece creates symmetrical magnetic flux, maintaining linearity even at high excursion levels. The S-HE10 features a generous 72-liter enclosure, enhancing low-frequency depth and authority. Its left/right symmetrical construction ensures precise stereo imaging, while rounded baffle edges minimize diffraction effects. The cabinet is built from high-density particle board and finished in an elegant dark reddish-brown quince tone, combining acoustic performance with understated luxury. Large, precision-machined speaker terminals support banana plug connections, ensuring reliable, low-resistance signal transfer. Specifications: Type: Phase-inverting bookshelf | Speaker type: Woofer: 25cm cone type x 2, Tweeter: 3cm compression driver + slant angle oval wave horn | Impedance: 6 ohm | Frequency response: 35-30,000Hz | Output SPL: 98 dB/W (1m) | Crossover frequency: 2,000 Hz | Maximum input: 120W (EIAJ) | Dimensions: 380 (W) x 680 (H) x 410 (D) mm | Weight: 28.1kg

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Panasonic CQ-TX5500D (2002)

 

The Panasonic CQ-TX5500D is 2-DIN car audio head unit with CD player, FM/AM tuner, CD/MD changer control. It is equipped with a 45W x 4ch power amplifier for high-quality sound. With a beautiful face plate design with a rich texture and machined aluminium knobs combine luxury with ease of use. Additionally this is a car audio product that uses military-grade compact vacuum tubes. The vacuum tubes help to smooth out the harsh, rough sound quality that is characteristic of digital audio. This is a masterpiece that makes you feel that way. 

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MITSUBISHI E-404 (1984) | Hearing is Believing

What separates the Mitsubishi E-404 from conventional systems isn't the fact that it includes a digital audio disc player, or a linear-tracking programmable turntable, or a dual-transport cassette recorder, or, for that matter, a digitally-synthesized tuner/receiver with graphic equalizer. No, what makes this system unlike any other is a full-function wireless remote control, providing total access, total control of an astonishing number of operations, all from the comfort of your easy chair. The E-404's detachable control panel, called appropriately enough the System Commander, integrates the convenience of infrared remote control with the intelligence of micro-processor technology. (The result is not unlike having a computer run your stereo for you.) With the System Commander cradled conveniently in your lap, you can select a "program" of up to 9 cuts from the phonograph. Or you can punch in a 9-selection program from a pre-recorded audio cassette. And from the compact disc, you can choose a program of another 9 selections. From any of these sources, you can pick your selections to play in any sequence you wish-last cut first, first last, whatever. You can even arrange to have a program of up to 9 selections recorded on a blank cassette, each cut evenly spaced for professional sounding results. Though the possibilities presented by the E-404 may at first seem overwhelming, its operation is, in fact, quite simple. Selections are entered via the System Commander touchpad. When a command is given, the function requested is visually displayed on the tuner/receiver, accompanied by an affirmative "beep" response (if a mistake is made, two "beeps" are sounded). Once the E-404 has been programmed, playback is fully automatic, randomly selecting the cuts you've chosen from the source you've chosen-be it phono, cassette, or compact disc. Hearing is Believing. If you're impressed by what the E-404 can do, you'll be equally impressed by how it does it. The E-404 is designed to interface with a personal computer. It even offers a self-test program that lets you know if every function is performing properly. The AM/FM stereo receiver, delivering 35 watts minimum RMS per channel, offers auto search with 18 station presets. The compact disc player employs a three-beam optical pickup (in place of the conventional single beam) ensuring stable, error-free tracking. Its speakers are three-way bookshelf type capable of frequency response from 40 to 25,000 Hz. The E-404's twin cassette decks feature Dolby® B noise reduction with logic-controlled transport and cassette-to-cassette dubbing at double speed.

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YAMAHA 101M (1982)

 

The Yamaha 101M represents the ultimate expression of Yamaha’s high-power amplifier design and is widely regarded as one of the most formidable Japanese reference amplifiers ever produced. Built with no compromise, it delivers a massive 500W + 500W into 8Ω and up to 750W + 750W into 4Ω, with mono BTL operation capable of an astonishing 1.5kW. Designed for professional use (as Yamaha PC5002M) and reference Hi-Fi use, the 101M features a fully dual-mono architecture, an enormous power supply (immense 300,000μF reservoir capacitance) with separate left and right channel mains plug, and exceptional build quality, all housed in a rugged 61 kg aluminum chassis. Beyond its sheer power, the Yamaha 101M is celebrated for its clean, authoritative, and highly controlled sound. Yamaha’s advanced distortion-cancellation circuitry achieves an ultra-low 0.003% THD, allowing the amplifier to remain transparent and composed even at extreme output levels. With balanced and unbalanced inputs, subsonic filtering, and a large precision peak power meter, the 101M offers both visual impact and serious performance. Rare, iconic, and unmistakably professional, the Yamaha 101M remains one of the most desirable vintage high-power amplifiers for collectors and demanding audiophiles alike. Specifications: Continuous power 500W + 500W at 8 Ohm 0,003% and 1.500W in mono bridged operation | Total harmonic distortion 0,002% | Frequency response: 10-100.000Hz | Dimensions (W/H/D) 482x264x441mm | Weight 61 kg | Original sale price in Germany aprox. 11.000 DM

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PIONEER CT-90R (1983) | 3-Head System with Auto-Reverse

The Pioneer CT-90R is a flagship auto-reverse cassette deck designed for effortless, high-quality recording and playback. Featuring a precision 3-head configuration with exclusive ribbon Sendust heads, it delivers wide dynamic range, extended high-frequency response, and excellent signal-to-noise performance...and what an unusual deck this is. While at a first glance it looks like a simple auto-reverse deck, digging deeper reveals some hidden features. Hidden inside first we find 3-motors, 3 individual Direct Drive motors for capstan and separate Direct Drive motors for the reels. On top of this, the head configuration is a 3-head system but without monitoring function. The separate and rotating record+playback heads are simply there for optimised tape calibration. Its advanced Auto-BLE system automatically calibrates bias, recording level, and equalization in just eight seconds, optimizing performance for any tape type or brand. Ultra-fast IC/LED tape-end sensing enables seamless auto-reverse operation in only 0.5 seconds, ensuring uninterrupted music on both sides of the cassette. The CT-90R employs a sophisticated three direct-drive motor transport with coreless DC servo Hall motors for exceptionally low wow and flutter. Computer-Aided Convenience (C.A.C.) functions such as Blank Search, Index Scan, Blank Skip & Reverse, Music Repeat, and a real-time digital tape counter make operation intuitive and precise. Equipped with Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction, the Pioneer CT-90R offers clean, low-noise recordings and playback, combining cutting-edge 1980s technology with legendary Pioneer engineering. Specifications: wow & flutter 0,03% (WRMS) | Frequency response 20-20.000Hz | Dimensions (W/H/D) 420x120x355mm | Weight 7,2kg | Original sale price in Germany 1500 DM.

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Nakamichi CD-Player-2 (1991) | MusicBank System

 

This high-end CD player features a unique Music Bank system that allows continuous playback of up to 7 CDs (6 stored internally plus 1 on the tray), combining the convenience of a multi-disc changer with the smooth operation and low noise of a single CD player. Unlike traditional magazine systems, it eliminates mechanical noise and awkward disc handling. Designed for audiophile sound quality, it uses a magnetic disc stabilizer to reduce vibration, an 8× oversampling digital filter, and a linear-phase Bessel analog filter. The advanced EL 20-bit D/A converter dramatically improves low-level signal accuracy, delivering greater detail, clarity, and musical realism. A high-stability servo system ensures reliable playback even with scratched discs, while a shortened signal path and isolated digital/analog power supplies minimize noise and distortion. Additional features include full random and repeat modes, delete play, CD-sync recording compatibility with Nakamichi decks, digital output, motorized volume control for line and headphone outputs, 8 cm CD support, and a wireless remote control. Later when Akai, Nakamichi and Sansui became part of the Grande Holding company this music bank system was adopted for other models as well such as the AKAI CD-M1200 that can be seen here and here. Technical Data: Capacity: 6+1 CDs | Converter: 2x 20 Bit 8-fold oversampling | Converter: 2 x PCM1700P - SM5840CP | Transport: KSS-150A / KSS-210A | Frequency response: 5 - 20,000 Hz | Dynamic range: > 100 dB | Signal-to-noise ratio: > 105 dB | Distortion factor: 0,0035% | Dimensions: 430 x 100 x 375 mm (WxHxD) | Weight: 8 kg | Original sale price in Germany: 1998 DM

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Technics SB-AFP100 (1988)

 

The Technics SB-AFP100 from 1988 is a high-end flat panel loudspeaker positioned in the upper middle class of Technics’ AFP series. It features an advanced twin-cabinet design developed through extensive computer simulation and over 80 prototype tests, allowing deep and powerful low-frequency reproduction from an ultra-slim enclosure. Its innovative sealed-and-open cabinet structure lowers resonance frequency while maintaining high sound pressure and phase coherence. Large AFP flat diaphragms radiate low frequencies as planar wavefronts, minimizing room reflections and distance-related attenuation. The system uses four large flat woofers and multiple midrange and tweeter units with multi-layer diaphragms made from foamed mica and chitin, a natural polymer known for high rigidity and excellent internal damping. Advanced 4-point drive technology with multiple voice coils suppresses resonance and delivers wide-band performance. High frequencies are reproduced by diamond-coated flat tweeters using CVD technology. Ultra-pure LC-OFC internal wiring, fully separated crossover circuits, an extremely thin computer-optimized cabinet, mirror-black finish, and heavy gold-plated terminals complete this technically ambitious and visually striking Technics loudspeaker. Specifications: 4-Way / 10-Speaker / Sealed and Open Combined System / Floor Type | Units Used: Low Band : 30cmx80cm Flat Typex4, Medium and low band : 13cmx32cm flat x2, For Middle and High Area : 8 cm Flat Type x2 | For High Frequency : 2.7 cm Flat Type x2 | Playback frequency band 35 Hz to 40 kHz -10dB | Crossover frequency 180 Hz, 500 Hz, 3 khz | Output sound pressure level 92dB/W/m | Allowable input 700W(MUSIC) 300W(DIN) | External dimensions Width 1,120x Height 2,250x Depth 940 mm (With Stand Legs) | Weight 170 kg (With Stand Legs) | Original sale price in Germany 45.000 DM

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