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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