SHARP GF-9595 (1979)

The Sharp GF-9595 is a portable radio recorder with APLD (Auto Program Locate Device), synthesizer tuner, and quartz clock. It offers both mains and battery operation. 2 x 7/6 watts music/sine wave output. Built-in phono preamplifier. Two built-in 2-way speakers with 16 cm woofer and horn tweeter. Electronic PLL synthesizer tuner with LW, MW, FM/FM stereo. Other features include: DIN dubbing connection, LED level meter, Slider control for recording, full auto-stop, Switchable ALC (Automatic Level Control). Switchable LCD display for frequency/time and timer functions. Built-in ...Read More

SHARP GF-808/GF-555 (1979) – World First Dual Cassette Boombox

 

The Sharp GF-808/GF-555 is one of the most iconic portable stereo systems of the late 1970s early 1980s, combining innovative dual cassette technology (World First Dual Cassette "Boombox"), impressive sound quality, and advanced recording features in a single portable unit. Sold in several international versions including the original Japanese market GF-808 and the later international market GF-555E, GF-555X, and GF-555H, it became famous for introducing convenient tape-to-tape dubbing, continuous playback, and Sharp's revolutionary APLD (Auto Program Locate Device), allowing users to instantly locate any song on a cassette without manual searching. Unlike conventional portable cassette recorders of its era, the GF-555 incorporated two precision cassette transports, enabling effortless tape copying, seamless continuous playback for up to two hours, and sophisticated tape editing using dedicated pause and editor functions. Recording enthusiasts could also...Discover More

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SHARP VC-FX61 (1989)

 

The VC-F61 from Sharp, introduced in 1989 achieves a horizontal resolution of over 400 lines in S-VHS video mde. It achieves sharp, high-definition images approaching those of broadcast-grade 1-inch video. The unit and remote control feature jog shuttles, and a flying erase head that allows for easy editing of recorded footage frame by frame. List of features include: S-VHS video, 145x high-speed FF/REW, Movie sync terminal, Y/C separation comb filter, HiFi Stereo audio, jog shuttle, digital auto tracking, flying erase head, On-screen display, insert dubbing, Tape remaining time display, 36x speed video search. Size (W/H/D) 430x407x106mm | Weight 8,7kg | Original sale price in Japan: 162.900 Yen.

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SHARP QT-93CV (1988) | CD Video Crystaltron

 

The Sharp QT-93CV is a deep bass twin cassette system that lets you enjoy CDV, the "CD with images." This was the first time that the CD/CDV feature was included in a boombox. High image quality that faithfully brings out the beauty of CDV. With a horizontal resolution of over 400 lines and a signal-to-noise ratio of over 40dB, it delivers high-density, low-noise images. It employs a high-precision objective lens with an aperture ratio of 0.53 and a high-performance pickup equipped with a photodetector with a built-in buffer amplifier that significantly reduces the effects of external noise. Dual play system where you can choose the starting part. You can start playback from either the video or audio part. You can also play only one of the parts. On-screen functionality. The disc's playback content is displayed...Read More Here    

SHARP VC-S700 (1990) | 9-Head S-VHS Hi-Fi

 

Equipped with a 19-micron "Amorphous 9 Head" rotating head the S700 records high-quality images of long programs such as satellite broadcasts. Amorphous 9-head is an innovative imaging system developed by Sharp. It inherits the amorphous 9 head system from the S-800 for. By adopting a unique head, the image quality in 3x mode has been improved. Standard mode image quality is beautiful, and 3x mode image quality is almost as good as the previous standard mode. This allows for long recording times with high image quality. Amorphous is a material that maximizes the potential of Super VHS (S-VHS) tape. Amorphous is vapor-deposited onto ferrite, which has excellent playback characteristics. This material is used in triple-mode, which reduces head output. It demonstrates its capabilities by increasing recording and playback output and reducing signal noise (Y-S/N and C-S/N), resulting in clearer images. The ideal head width for recording and playback in 3x mode is 19 microns. Sharp's technology has made this possible. Two of these 19 micron amorphous heads have been added to create an amorphous 9-head video. Crosstalk has been reduced, and edge noise and color flicker have been reduced, resulting in high image quality in 3x mode that approaches that of the conventional standard mode. By switching the heads, even during slow/still mode, clean images with little noise are achieved. Standard mode, 3x mode, special playback, etc. The ideal head mechanism switches to the head best suited to each application. Sharp's unique amorphous 19-micron head produces high image quality. (Featured in the VC-S800 and VC-S700) An auto head cleaner maintains high image quality. Simply insert a tape and the head and drum are automatically cleaned, maintaining beautiful image and sound quality. 3-line logical comb filter: Accurate Y/C separation reduces color bleeding, dot interference, and color fading. Twin convex drum: Convex (protrusions) are installed at the beginning and end of the tape where it contacts the drum to suppress tape vibration and stabilize the tape's running, thereby reducing image shaking. External dimensions and weight: 430 x 106 x 407 mm 7.4kg

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SHARP XL-1000 (2001)

 

Pure Elegance, this is the XL-1000H compact audio system from Sharp, introduced in 2001. It features a top loading CD player (1-bit D/A converter) with motorized door, AM-FM tuner with 30 presets and a 2x10W amplifier section. The amplifier section has bass and treble controls while at the back there is provision for...

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SHARP SM-SX100 (1999) | Revolutionary Digital Amplification

 

Introduced in 1999, the Sharp 1-Bit Amplifier marked a breakthrough in high-end audio by redefining how sound is amplified. At a time when bulky analog amplifiers dominated the market, Sharp introduced a slim, precision-engineered digital amplifier based on its own original 1-bit delta-sigma modulation technology. Unlike conventional analog designs, Sharp’s 1-bit amplifier converts analog audio into a high-speed 1-bit digital signal, sampled 2.8 million times per second—equivalent to 64× the resolution of CD audio. Each moment of sound is encoded as a simple “1” or “0,” capturing even the smallest dynamic changes. The signal is then amplified digitally and reconstructed via a low-pass filter, delivering exceptional clarity, low noise, and minimal distortion. Despite its digital processing, the amplifier is widely praised for its natural, realistic sound, astonishing listeners with its ability to reproduce music with remarkable detail and musicality. Audio engineers and enthusiasts alike recognized it as a pioneering implementation of delta-sigma amplification in a full-scale high-end amplifier. The amplifier features a slim aluminum chassis with a refined hairline finish, supported by distinctive peacock-green spike feet that reduce vibration and resonance. A solid aluminum volume knob adds both tactile precision and visual authority. Even decades later, the design remains timeless, reflecting Sharp’s meticulous engineering philosophy. The success of Sharp’s 1-bit amplifier (notably the SM-SX100) proved that digital amplification could rival—and surpass—traditional analog designs. Its efficiency and compactness later allowed 1-bit technology to be adopted across a wide range of high-quality audio devices and consumer electronics, cementing its place in audio history. Specifications: Rated output 100W+100W (8ohm) | Frequency response 5Hz to 100kHz | Dimensions (W/H/D) 472x89x462mm | Weight 18,5kg

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SHARP/OPTONICA RT-X1 (1981) | PCM Elcaset

The Tokyo Audio Fair from 1981 offered a lot of PCM sound. A lot of the equipment was presented as about to start production soon and some of them were already being manufactured in small series. The closest thing was PCM sound on tape. Truth is that PCM sound on video tape was already a reality. In that case, the Japanese manufacturers have managed to agree on a standard for the data format for consumer electronics, and this was the "14bit standard" (an important thing to remember for the future development of CD). With 14-bit quantization, you get about 85 dB quantization noise (error signal), which corresponds to 0.006% distortion at full output. However, note that the errors of the stages are constant regardless of the output. This means that the distortion gradually increases with reduced signals to finally amount to 100%. In the context of this technological buzz one of the manufacturers at the forefront of Digital audio development was Sharp with it's high-end brand, Optonica. However their proposition, a PCM tape recorder based on the recently introduced ELCASET ended up as nothing but a prototype model. This was the Sharp-Optonica PCM cassette deck RT-X1 from 1981. The picture you see is a colorized (using various Digital and manual picture enhancement methods) version created by 1001hifi using as source black and white photos from various hifi magazine show reports from 1981.

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SHARP VC-D100X (1987) | Stunning Hi-Fi Quality

 

Stunning high-quality images stimulate your creativity. Equipped with S-VHS, this digital high-fidelity video editor lets you edit videos and more. S-VHS (Super VHS) delivers stunning image clarity with a horizontal resolution exceeding 400 lines, approaching broadcast-grade quality. By raising the carrier frequency to 7.0 MHz and expanding the FM bandwidth, S-VHS achieves superior detail and reduced noise compared to standard VHS. Equipped with the SX-4 four-head system, S-VHS ensures smooth playback, precise jog-shuttle editing, and stable forward/reverse motion control. The Flying Erase Head allows professional-grade, seamless edits without image degradation. Creative playback options include Color Art, Painting, and Strobe effects for visual variety. High-fidelity sound recording with a dynamic range over 90 dB brings true Hi-Fi quality to your videos. Additional features include insert and dubbing functions, frame-accurate editing, multi-display outputs, and remote control operation—all housed in a premium, user-friendly design. It also feature a motorized slide-out control panel and a tilt panel jog-shuttle control. All this was available from Sharp in 1987...in Japan.

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OPTONICA RT-3838 (1977) | electronic tape processor

 

The RT-3838H/HB is not a cassette deck in the traditional sense, but rather a tape processor, i.e., a cassette deck with a quartz time base for switching fully automatic, pre-programmable control sequences such as APLD, Counter Memory, etc. All information is displayed on the LCD screen. Separate bias and equalization switches for all tape types. Frequency response 30-16,000 Hz. Front panel black or metallic. The Optonica RT-3838 by Sharp is a combination of cassette tape deck and pre-programmable controller with multiple functions. 24-hour quartz clock with LCD display, which can be illuminated even when the unit is switched off. Clock operation even when the power cord is unplugged, as standard AA batteries are used as a buffer. Quartz clock display format can be switched to 12 or 24 hours. Zero start, i.e., clock synchronization to the nearest full hour. Timer for automatic switching on and off during recording and playback. Tape counter can be switched to real-time counter APLD search for locating up to 20 tracks with subsequent fully automatic playback switching. Memory rewind. Counter memory, i.e., entering any counter reading for subsequent playback control. Direct memory, i.e., saving the current counter reading. Memory combination for using memory rewind and direct memory as an automatic repeat function. All programmable control operations are carried out via a microprocessor, which, together with the LCD display, forms a single unit. EDIT button for inserting blank spaces. Pneumatically damped cassette compartment. Output level control. Ultra-hard permalloy combination head. Separate tape type switches. 2-motor Quartz control mechanism. Also known as RT-388, RT-3150, RT-3151 and RT-6501 with minor differences.

Specifications:

2-motor transport

Hard permalloy head

Wow & flutter: 0,05% WRMS

Frequency response:

30-15.000Hz Normal tape

30-16.000Hz Chrome tape

30-17.000Hz FeCr tape

Size (W/H/D) 467x146x354mm

Weight: 10.2kg

Original sale price in Germany 998 DM

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SHARP SC-8000 (1979) | Computer Controlled

 

The computer that revolutionized tape decks is now about to revolutionize stereo systems. With Sharp's SC-8000. The world's most complete music center. With computer control of the most dazzling collection of features and functions of any other system on the market. Sharp's SC-8000 is a computerized receiver/cassette deck that you can actually program to suit your musical preferences. Take control of your music with Sharp's exclusive computer. The mastermind of the system is Sharp's famous computer, built right into the deck. It controls Sharp's exclusive Auto Program Locate Device. With it you can program the SC-8000 to skip ahead or back to any song you prefer (up to 19 songs) and play or replay them automatically. You can even set any point on the cassette as the "beginning." Specs and features that will impress your ears-and your friends. Electronic Tape and Second Counting tell you how much tape or time you have left. And a built-in digital quartz clock displays timed-programming operations and acts as a timing device. Allowing you to program the SC-8000 for automatic record-ing from any source at any pre-selected time and then switch itself off. Sharp's SC-8000 also insures that you won't miss any of the highs, lows or anything in between. The deck touts a low 0.06% wow and flutter, frequency response of 40-14,000Hz (±3dB) for ferrichrome tape and 62dB signal-to-noise ratio (Dolby on). Sharp completes the ultimate music center. The SC-8000 is available as a total music system with the addition of a highly reliable belt-driven automatic turntable with a low mass "S" shaped tonearm and two Sharp Tri-Bass Accelerator speakers. So you can bring all this wonderful music vibrantly to life. 

Sharp Live CD-U10 (1989)

 

The Sharp Live CD-U10 introduced in 1989 is a high-grade component system equipped with DSP (Digital Sound Processing) circuit, a 4-channel amplifier with a total output of 100W, and an AV selector together with a twin auto-reverse cassette recorder and CD player. The CD-U10 system consists of two main components, the amplifier and CD player, and the cassette deck and tuner-timer. The 4-channel surround amplifier has a total output of 100W (front 40W+40W, rear 10W+10W EIAJ) and reproduces the rich presence of a concert hall or live music venue. The surround mode has 14 pre-programmed types (7 types for 2CH and 4CH) and a total of 18 types of Dolby sound fields are available, including 3-mode user memory that can store your own sound field settings, and Dolby. The 14 pre-programmed types can be easily controlled with the new surround jog mechanism. This AV-compatible system also features two systems (including video switching) for the VTR and the VDP/BS tuner. In addition, the digital signal transmission circuit uses an advanced optical transmission (optical isolator) circuit. By electrically isolating the digital circuit from the analog circuit, distortion and digital noise are suppressed, reducing deterioration of sound quality. A pioneering method from Sharp uses a coaxial drive to rotate two paralell loaded tapes. The Twin Cam W mechanism realizes high quality sound editing with little rotation error. Equipped with a manual recording level system with nine independent steps for left and right channel and a peak level meter. It also features Dolby B-NR, which reduces tape hiss noise and enables high-quality playback and recording, and an FL digital counter that is convenient for editing. The tuner section features TV audio multiplex, FM, AM, with 30 preset stations. The matching loudspeaker is a compact, high-performance, two-way, three-speaker system that reproduces pure, dynamic CD sound. It uses a twin-drive system that places two identical 12cm woofers above and below a 5cm tweeter. Sound energy from low to high frequencies is reproduced around the tweeter, achieving a sound with excellent sound spread and positioning. It creates a natural, free-flowing, and immersive sound field. The 12cm woofer also has good response, and together with the effect of the bass reflex duct on the back, it produces crisp bass sounds. There is also a 74-key remote control that uses 10-key direct song/channel selection, allowing you to select CDs, programs, and even one-touch tuner recall. In addition to turning the power on/off, you can also control the volume up/down, one-touch muting, surround mode, front/rear, and left/right sound field balance, all at your fingertips, without having to move your listening position. Various types of audio furniture was also available such as the KA-U10 stands.

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OPTONICA RP-114H (1982) | Both Sides Play Linear Tracking

 

The RP-114H was introduced in 1982 by Sharp under their Optonica brand name. This is a vertical standing highly sophisticated turntable. The incorporated technology lets you play both sides of the disc automatically and there is also a CD like track skip function for enhanced comfort. To achieve this the RP-114 is equipped with not one but two Linear Tracking tonearm. There were two versions available, the RP-104 that had a special connector to be used with the Optonica 104 System. The RP-114 could be used individually with any system featuring RCA connectors but no disc-tape synchro function. Size (WxHxD) 370x372x161mm | Original sale price 498 DM in Germany.

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SHARP SD-G7 (1990) | Active Servo Technology & DAT

 

The SD-G7 is a unique mini Hi-Fi component system from Sharp introduced in 1991, a next generation combo. Compact size component with both DAT and CD and by utilizing Sharp's original small DAT mechanism, LS, and high-density double-sided mounting technology for a four-layer board, the unit is as small as 215mm wide and 304mm high. This is a two-piece system with one components housing the DAT/CD while the other the amplifier/tuner/cassette unit, allowing for free layout. Place it on a bookshelf or bedside table and enjoy digital sound the way you want. Easy and clear recording from CD to DAT/cassette with 3 modes of direct editing. Equipped with a direct dubbing function that allows one-touch recording from CD to DAT, CD to cassette, and DAT to cassette tape. The combo has a variety of linked play possibilities, such as a "Sync Start ID" function that allows you to match the track numbers on the CD and the DAT, and automatically writes an end ID when CD recording is complete. There is also an auto restart function that, when recording from a DAT to a cassette tape, will return to the beginning of the track that was being played at the time and start editing again when the cassette tape switches from side A to side B. DAT's functionality is also one of its major features. For example, when digitally recording from satellite broadcasting, the auto start ID function detects non-signal sections and automatically writes track numbers, making it easy to select tracks after recording. There are also repeat check functions that allow you to add or change the position of the start ID after recording, renumbering functions that automatically rearrange track numbers even if you start recording again from the middle of a recorded tape, and a narration function that allows you to add a narration to a track after recording from satellite broadcasting. 

Also incorporated is the Active servo technology that produces powerful bass from small speakers. Sharp has jointly developed Active Servo Technology with Yamaha Corporation, which produces richer, deep bass sounds from a small speaker. The combination of the Helmholtz resonator principle and negative impedance drive circuit technology has made it possible to reproduce powerful deep bass sounds. The "air woofer" uses the air in the port on the front of the speaker as a diaphragm, so there is no limit to amplitude like with conventional speakers, and the amplitude is not reduced, so even though it is a small speaker, it has the same sound quality as a large speaker. To fully utilize the benefits of Active Servo Technology, the woofer uses a high-stroke, highly rigid mica-reinforced olefin diaphragm. The tweeter is a 2.5cm dome type that reproduces detailed high frequencies clearly. It reproduces the high-quality sound of DAT and CD in a realistic manner. A high-performance digital amplifier that accepts optical digital input and also has an electronic equalizer. Equipped with optical digital input and coaxial type digital input terminals, it is compatible with digital sources that are indispensable for AV life, as well as satellite broadcasting A mode (32KHz)/B mode (48KHz). The maximum practical output is 130W (65W+65W). It also has a built-in Dynamic X-BASS circuit that enhances the dynamism of the bass with high power. The included multi-function remote control allows you to control the power ON/OFF, volume, graphic equalizer, surround, dynamic X-BASS, direct selection, and most other functions including DAT, CD, tuner, amplifier, and cassette. 

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OPTONICA RP-9100 (1981) | Microprocessor Controlled Turntable

 

Brand: OPTONICA by SHARP

Model: RP-9100 (RP-9705)

Year: 1981

The RP-9100 is a Direct Drive Stereo Turntable with Quartz Double-Locked Motor, APMS (Automatic Programmable Music Selector) and Remote Control. This revolutionary turntable combines maximum audio fidelity with unprecedented operational versatility. Performance is optimum with a quartz double-locked servo system, Mono Torque DC coreless platter motor, direct drive, separate arm motor and J-shaped tonearm. APMS (Automatic Programmable Music Selector) then sets the listener free to program song playback order, while a full-function remote control unit and auto record size-speed selector maximize convenience. Extra advanced features include a special sensor arm, a digital speed accuracy display and soft-touch front-panel controls. It was available in silver or brown while the US market version was called RP-9705.

Technical data:

Type: 2-speed Fully Automatic with APMS

Motor: Quartz Direct-Drive 

Platter: 31cm diameter, Aluminum Die-Cast

Wow & Flutter: 0.028% WRMS

Signal-to-noise ratio: 68dB (DIN-B)

Frequency response: 10-35,000Hz Crtridge: MC, XL-333E

Tonearm: Statically balanced, tubular with APMS Sensor 

Effective tonearm length (total length): 227mm 

Dimensions: 480x135x440 (WxHxD)

Weight: 11kg

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SHARP DX-500H (1984) | Crystal-Clear Sound

 

Brand: SHARP

Model: DX-500H(S)

Year: 1984

A masterpiece of advanced digital audio design, the Sharp DX-500 compact disc digital audio player. Remarkable music precision and stunning operational sophistication are combined in one streamlined unit. A DC servo amplifier is used for the analogue part of the audio system and an aluminium die cast chassis is used for the mechanism to ensure high quality sound and stable playback. The pick-up of the player requires pinpoint precision to read each tiny signal accurately. The DX-500H is equipped with advanced, high-performance semiconductor laser diode technology sourced from Toshiba. Size (WxHxD) 330x104x345mm | Weight 8.5kg 

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