SONY Placido (1992) | Placido Liberty

 

Stylish, Silver, Sony. This is the Placido Hi-Fi system from Sony, part of their Liberty series from 1992. The CD player of this system uses a pulse D/A converter to reduce distortion, reproducing the smooth sound that only CDs can provide. A wide variety of play modes allow you to control CDs in a variety of ways. Editing from CD to tape is also easy. The tuner system, equipped with a timer function is integrated with the CD player. Placido's cassette deck uses Laser Amorphous Head and Dolby HX Pro circuit. The Auto Tape Selector automatically detects various tape positions using a microcomputer. It also features Silent & Quick Action, which reduces mechanical noise and ensures quiet operation. It also features a linear electronic counter, which lets you see the progress of the tape and the remaining time at a glance. The amplifier section is responsible for the majority of the Placido's sound creation. In pursuit of high sound quality, a new non-magnetic material is used for the top and bottom boards, creating a sturdy "sandwich structure." This board has high rigidity and specific gravity, making it resistant to external vibrations, improving the acoustic characteristics of the amplifier. In addition, a new "bass synth method" has been adopted for the function to boost the bass, which is completely different from conventional methods. A portion of the low-frequency range is sampled from the input signal, and half the frequency is created and amplified, creating a deep sound similar to that obtained from a superwoofer. Placido speakers are two-way with a dome tweeter and 16cm woofer, and are AV magnetic shielding-compatible, in-line format. What's more, the tweeter diaphragm is made of biocellulose. It is extremely thin, light, and made of extremely fine fibers, yet is hard, and the sound propagation speed is about three times faster than that of regular paper. The Pre-programmed remote control that can also operate other companies' and other models of AV equipment. Frequently used operation buttons are located in the center. Detailed operation keys are hidden inside the cover. The basic system was the LBT-VF1 while the LBT-VF3 has added a Dolby Surround unit, the SDP-VF1.

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ONKYO Icon Series Amplifier (2025)

 

Onkyo has unveiled at CES 2025 in Las Vegas an all-new amplifier series, the Icon Series. The Ikon Series consists of the P-80 network pre-amplifer, M-80 power amplifier, and A-50 integrated amplifier. The amplifier includes the likes of Onkyo’s own Dynamic Intermodulation Distortion Reduction Circuitry (DIDRC), which aims to “improve the sound of analogue recordings and stabilises audio signals with positive and negative signal symmetry to reproduce minute signals such as those of MC cartridges, even when amplified.” The series also features the Dirac Live Room Correction circuit. This enables users to optimise audio performance for their listening space while additional highlights include high-performance 32-bit/768kHz AK4452 DACs in the P-80 and A-50 models. The Onkyo Icon P-80 Network Preamplifier features a dedicated phono stage (for MM and MC cartridges), HDMI ARC, and wireless connectivity like AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Bluetooth. Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, and is Roon Ready are also included in a premium housing featuring aluminium front panel. The Icon M-80 Power Amplifier has a power rating of 200W at 4 ohms and 150W at 8 ohms and its a symmetrical Class AB design. The Onkyo Icon A-50 Integrated Amplifier has a power output of 180W at 4 ohms and 140W at 8 ohms. It also features HDMI ARC, Dirac Live Room Correction, and a built-in phono stage. The Onkyo Icon Series will be available later in 2025. The P-80 Network Preamplifier and M-80 Power Amplifier are priced at $1,999 each, while the A-50 Integrated Amplifier is priced at $1,499.

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Nakamichi 730 Receiver (1978)

 

There's music in the air everywhere. Imagine having it all at your fingertips. Imagine encountering a stereo receiver (...in 1978) light-years ahead in styling, operation and performance. You've never seen anything quite like it before- its timeless elegance immediately commands your attention. You extend your hand. An effortless touch brings the entire system to life. There are no buttons to push, levers to flip, nor knobs to turn. The receiver, instead, responds to your every command at the briefest touch of its fingertip sensors. Its awesome performance, finally, leads you to conclude that it is the product of an infinitely advanced intelligence. You'd be surprised, then, to learn that the 730 Receiver is available on earth at a Nakamichi dealer. It can even be remote controlled with the additional RM-730 remote control set. Power output: 105 Watts per channel at 8 ohms. Dimensions (WxHxD) 500x90x370mm. Weight 17,2kg.

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