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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