Category Archives HiFi Systems

1979 Pioneer Fluoroscan Component HiFi

November 12, 2014 · admin

1979 Pioneer Fluoroscan Component HiFi

Includes matching Amplifier, Turntable, Tuner, Cassette Deck and Vintage Timber speakers with Japanese Foster Drivers.

Pioneer SA-608 Amplifier
Pioneer TX-608 Tuner
Pioneer CT-600 Cassette Deck
Pioneer PL-514X Turntable

From the Golden Era of Audio Pioneer’s Fluoroscan Components were introduced in the late 70s and were Pioneer’s interpretation of the future. While they have futuristic digital displays up front these items are all analog technology behind the scenes.

Pioneer SA-608 Amplifier – 0.02% THD!!

“High power Amplifier with DC Configuration for Superlative Phase Characteristics”

The Pioneer SA Amplifier series had benefited from the final years of the Receiver Wars inheriting more power and lower distortion than the previous range. The SA-608 featured 45 Watts Per Channel at 8ohms with 20 to 20,000Hz with 0.02% THD and stunning fluoroscan output meters and function display.

To achieve this the SA-608 contains a 2-stage differential amplifier with current mirror load, all-stage direct-coupled pure complementary DC amplifier. DC Amplifiers eliminate eliminates the frequency response in the negative feedback loop and enhances the phase characteristics to a surprising degree while also greatly reducing distortion. DC Drift is dealt with by the introduction of dual transistors featuring minimal temperature drift into the first stage, and a stable negative feedback process into the differential amplifier circuit.

This amplifier also includes Phono Equalizer Circuit with Low-noise IC with a RIAA deviation of +_0.3dB and 180mV overload level, Subsonic Filter, Loudness, Tone Switch, Function Indictors, A+B Speakers and plenty of inputs with Phono, Tuner, AUX, Tape 1, Tape 2.

This amplifier produces very clean and punchy power with stunning looks and smooth analogue controls.

The speakers are 3-way with horn tweeters and 12″ inch bass driver in a sealed cabinet, all drivers are Japanese Foster brand. The cabinets themselves are heavy and real timber veneer that looks excellent after an oil. These speakers have a natural sound and still produce plenty of bass and the horn’s ensure that the high’s are not missed but not overpowering.

Specifications
Power output: 45 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%
Damping factor: 30
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 78dB (MM), 100dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line)
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Semiconductors: 7 x IC, 23 x transistors, 17 x diodes
Dimensions: 451 x 151 x 271mm
Weight: 8.3kg
Year: 1979

Pioneer TX-608 Tuner

Specifications
Type: Mono/Stereo Tuner
Tuning Bands: FM, MW
Tuning Scale: Analogue
Sensitivity: 1.9uV (FM), 300uV (MW)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 74dB (FM), 50dB (MW)
Distortion: 0.15% (FM)
Selectivity: 60dB (FM), 35dB (MW)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 15kHz (FM)
Output: 650mV (FM)
Semiconductors: 3 x IC, 1 x FET, 8 x transistors, 15 x diodes
Dimensions: 451 x 151 x 284mm
Weight: 5.3kg

Pioneer CT-600 Cassette

Specifications
Type: 2-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 4.75 cm/s
Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase
Motor: electronically controlled DC
Tape Type: type I, FeCr, Cr02
Noise Reduction: B
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 16kHz (Cr02 tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 68dB (dolby B)
Wow and Flutter: 0.05%
Total Harmonic Distortion: 1.2%
Input: 50mV (line), 0.3mV (mic)
Output: 0.45V (line)
Semiconductors: 30 x transistors, 16 x diodes, 5 x IC
Dimensions: 420 x 143 x 290mm
Weight: 5.7kg

Pioneer PL-514X Turntable

Specifications
Type: auto-return turntable
Drive method: belt drive
Motor: 4-pole synchronous
Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
Wow and flutter: 0.055% WRMS
Signal to noise ratio: 65dB
Platter: 320mm aluminium alloy die-cast
Tonearm: static balance type, pipe arm (s-shaped)
Effective length: 221mm
Overhang: 15.5mm
Usable cartridge weight: 4 to 10g
Dimensions: 440 x 365 x 140mm
Weight: 7.5kg

Pioneer CX-7000 – the Cassette Receiver HiFi

November 12, 2014 · admin

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1976 – 1977 Pioneer & Technics HiFi Combination!

A beautiful looking and sounding system from the Golden Era of Audio with components produced between 1976 and 1978.

This system features:

Pioneer CX-7000 Cassette Receiver
Pioneer PL-514A Turntable
Technics High Sensitivity Speakers

1977 Pioneer CX-7000 Cassette Receiver

This is an Extremely RARE Vintage Pioneer Cassette Receiver highly popular with cassette enthusiasts and features warm but punchy sound. Now typically all-in-one combinations items are not generally real High Fidelity or even good quality items.

But not this Bad Boy!

Why? It was built between 1976 and 1977 when Pioneer’s quality and performance were at their peak and virtually unrivaled. During this period the legendary SX-##50 series was being produced and a lot of that engineering went into this item, and some of the hardware as well. Featured on it’s front panel are 3 of the large tuner knobs used on the SX receivers of the period!! I love the VU meters on this system, combined with the big knobs I think it is a gorgeous and unique piece.

The first thing to note when opening up this one is that it is comprised of separate multiple boards and components! The Tuner, Amplifier, Cassette and Power boards have all been kept separate (Cheap ‘n Nasties tend to have everything built into a single board).

Secondly the amplifier and power supply in this unit are also very decent for it’s class. A heavy transformer is coupled to two generous 6,700uf filter caps, giving this unit plenty of headroom and dynamic power for it’s rating. In fact some highly regarded Sansui’s like the Sansui 5050 Receiver had almost identical power caps (6,800uf) to power an amplifier that was producing 33 Watts RMS per channel!

The CX-7000’s amplifier is rated at 25 Watts RMS per channel with 0.3% THD, real watts! This approximates it very closely to Pioneer’s SA-6500 component amplifier, which was only slightly up-speced to this unit. This unit enough low-end and power to comfortably host a party!

The tuner section is excellent as is most Pioneers from this era. The cassette deck section incorporates a DC servo motor and an ‘ultra-precision’ capstan and a large fly-wheel. It also features an auto-stop mechanism, Dolby Noise Reduction, chrome tape support and an illuminated cassette bay. And I have to mention once again the build quality and weight of this item, it is just so excellent!

This unit had been down at my holiday house and was effortlessly powering a pair of 100 Watt RMS Jensen’s. A friend of mine put on some of his favourite Dub-Step tracks and was gob-smacked at the sound!

Specifications

Power output: 25W per channel
Total harmonic distortion: no more than 0.3%
Damping factor: 40
Frequency response: 30 to 15,000Hz
Hum and noise: 90dB
Dimensions: 430 x 220 x 357mm
Weight: 13.2kg

1979 Pioneer PL-514A Turntable

This was one of Pioneer’s most popular turntable series for both newbies and audiophiles during this period. The Motor was tuned to a stable AC frequency as opposed to voltage to achieve low wow-and-flutter of only +_0.06%. It also featured a very high quality tone arm and auto-return/auto-shutoff system with anti-skate and oil-dampened cueing system. – Classic design and performance!

Technics SB-440 3-Way Speakers (1976-77)

These rare and legendary looking speakers were part of Technic’s 1976 to 1977 High Sensitivity Speaker Range and featured a 3-way bass reflex design with multi-linear horn and a cone tweeter. The horn is an extremely heavy component in its own right and made of cast iron?

Power Handling: 50 watts
Impedance: 8 ohms
Frequency response: 35Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 93dB
Crossover Frequencies: 1.5kHz / 7kHz
Dimensions:358 x 595 x 317 mm (Width x Height x Depth)
Weight:17.4 kg
Year:1976 – 1977

1973 Sansui 555A HiFi Component System

November 11, 2014 · admin

Superb Early 70s Sansui Components – Amplifier, Turntable, Cassette*, Analog Effects Unit, 2-Way Radiator Speakers
*Cassette from 1976 Catalogue

This is an absolutely rare and gorgeous combination of vintage Sansui components from the decade when Sansui was at it’s finest. 1970s Sansui gear is highly prized and is renown for its smooth analog timbre. While virtually all the gear produced by Sansui throughout the 1970s was of very high quality, it is their early 70s items that demonstrate exceptional build quality right through their product offering.

At the heart of this setup is Sansui’s AU-555A Stereo DC amplifier. This entire series of amplifiers is a favorite with audiophiles the world over renown for their great tonal qualities. It offers bass, treble and mid-range tone controls, high-pass & low-pass filters and loudness. Among its other features it also includes other high end features such as dual turntable inputs (great for parties) and plethora of other input and recording options.

Inside is an extensive amount of shielding that in other brands would only appear in the very top models. A highly musical amplifier with enough power for most entertainment spaces and plenty of headroom. This unit is an as close to mint condition as I have ever seen for a 40+ year old amplifier and it even has some of the original protective packaging still on the fascia, what your seeing isn’t imperfections but the original protective packaging!! Stunning!

Another 555A Enthusiast on YouTube

The Sansui RA-500 Effects Unit offers an amazing acoustic experience featuring all analog technology thanks to a liquid capacitor. It’s gorgeous **Double Rainbow** display can be enjoyed whether your using the unit or not! This unit can be used to add effects to recordings. Again this unit is in superb near mint condition and is a favorite of both collectors and audio professionals in search of analog effects.

The Sansui SR-1050C is a professional 2-speed manual turntable with a 4-pole hysteresis synchronous motor, belt protection, auto/lift stop mechanism, feather touch cueing control with an induced magnet cartridge and a statically balanced tonearm and a lovely orange power indicator light. Some purists favor the pure manual movement of this model however the SR-2050C was also offered by Sansui that was identical to this one but also featured auto-return. This unit I enjoyed with it’s original cartridge and found it very musical and warm, and such a perfect match with the 555A.

Personally I think this is one of the most attractive turntables ever produced by Sansui featuring a gorgeous genuine wood veneer plinth and tinted dustcover with its metal ‘bonnet’ style stand. Condition wise there are light marks on the dustcover and the some scratches on the steel ring on the rubber platter but otherwise the unit is in superb condition.

The only component not from 1973 is the 1976 Sansui SC-2002 cassette deck. With it’s black aluminum fascia and silver knobs it is a great aesthetic match to the rest of the system. It demonstrates Sansui’s continued dedication to quality throughout the 1970s and it’s build quality is tremendous and it weighs a ton!

It featured large illuminated stereo VU meters as well as an illuminated cassette compartment usually only seen in high-end models. Other features included Dolby noise reduction, independent capstan drive, electronic servo DC motor and a responsive well-dampened VU. This unit has some signs of wear but still looks gorgeous!!

To complete this system are the stunning Sansui SP-70 2-Way speakers from the only series within Sansui’s range from the 1970s to feature metal dome tweeters! Also featured are the unique 8” inch woofer incorporating an aluminum radiator for, as Sansui puts it, “unlimited stereo pleasure!”. It’s important to note that this radiator is not just a passive dust-cover that a part of conventional woofers. If you ever come across a pair where the center dome of the woofer is depressed you can be guaranteed it will adversely effect it’s performance.

The build quality of these speakers is astounding, they are very heavy and clad in a genuine walnut veneer (not vinyl like many late 70s speakers that are now peeling) and feature the signature Sansui lattice grilles. The attention to detail is evident in all aspects of this speaker with even the rear tonal control panel that sports a heavy high quality knob featuring a spun aluminum finish. These speakers are in excellent condition.

Vintage Sony Receiver Component System Circa 1974

November 11, 2014 · admin

In it’s long history Sony have produced some iconic consumer electronic designs and have introduced some truly revolutionary products like the Sony Walkman. Their HiFi components during the Golden Era were certainly unique and Sony did not ‘borrow’ their designs as so many other manufacturers did in the 1970s.

This gorgeous composite system comprises early-to-mid 70s Sony components with Realistic Nova 6 speakers.

Now I know what your thinking, what I am doing paring a gorgeous Sony Receiver with Radio Shack brand speakers? Well before you commit me to the asylum know this, the Radio Shack ‘Realistic’ brand is an absolute fave amongst vintage audiophiles, and these Nova 6 speakers demonstrate so many reasons why.

Firstly they are made of genuine walnut veneer cabinetry and feature gorgeous lattice grilles and are very heavy for their size.

Acoustically they image beautifully, are incredibly musical and just have a superb velvety timbre with an amazingly deep bass response even at low volumes – down to 30Hz.

These 2-way speakers sport an 8″ woofer and 3″ tweeter with an adjustable crossover allows you to adjust the treble response to suit.

So that said, lets talk Sony! At the heart of this setup is the Sony STR-6046A Receiver in absolutely beautiful condition. It was a 20 WPC RMS Receiver with an original 1974 RRP was $249.95USD which translates to over $1,200.00 USD in 2015.

Finished in a gorgeous real timber veneer, this unit has enough power for moderate listening levels that would suit apartments and most average size living areas. It features some luxurious options that were typically only found in high-end units such as illuminated input displays and dual mic inputs.

What strikes me most about this Sony is its tremendous quality, and this translates into what you feel when you touch this unit, it has solid knobs with a decent resistance to them, illuminated input dials and it’s timber veneer just glows. And it’s sound doesn’t disappoint either with it’s effortless silky tones with warmth and character.

The TC-134 SD cassette deck is one is one of the highly popular studio-style decks, and is in superb condition and features Ferrite & Ferrite Heads, supports normal and Cr02 tapes, Dolby NR, analog needles and fully automatic stop mechanisms, twin MIC inputs and recording volume sliders.

This was one of Sony’s high end tape decks of the day and this is evident in it’s build quality, it’s original 1973 RRP of $240USD would place it over $1200USD in 2015 money. It has more than the average number of belts (I think at least 5!) which I replaced.

The rare and beautiful Sony PS-5100 will satisfy audiophiles whilst being noob friendly 😉

It is a 2-Speed, belt-driven turntable fitted with an S shaped tonearm and has many important features which contribute to the faithful reproduction of your records.

These include a statically balanced tonearm compatible with an induced magnet cartridge and an effective anti-skating compensator.

The platter is made of die-cast aluminum alloy, driven by a belt from a 4-pole hysteresis synchronous motor to help reduce wow and flutter.

Finally, the PS5100 is provided with an arm lifter to prevent stylus and record damage, and an auto-return and auto-reject mechanism permitting semi-automatic operation.

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Specifications:

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Sony STR-6046A Receiver
Inputs: 1 x Phono MM; 2 x Tape; 1 x AUX; 1 x Mic (Stereo inputs) Inp. Sensitivity High Level: 250 mV
Outputs: PRE OUT REC OUT REC/PB
Equalizer Tone Controls: Bass; Treble
Filters: HIGH
Loudness: YES
Power Amplifier Speaker Outputs: 2 x 2 Speakers A,B, A+B; Phones
Continuous power 8Ω: 22 + 22 Watts
Dynamic Power 8Ω: 28 + 28 Watts
Frequency Response: 30-40,000 HZ
Harmonic Distortion: 0.8 % at rated output
Harmonic Distortion: 0.3 (Mono, 400 Hz); 0.8 (Stereo) % at rated output

Physical Characteristics
Dimensions in Inches: 17 x 5.7 x 13.6 (w) x (h) x (d)
Dimensions in mm: 434 x 144 x 345 (w) x (h) x (d)
Weight in lbs: 19.8 lbs
Weight in Kg: 9 Kg

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Sony TC-134-SD Cassette Deck

Tape speed : 4,8cm/s
Flutter & wow : < 0,2% ± 0,3% (DIN 45511)
FF & Rew time : 120s (C60)
THD : 2,5%
Bias frequency : 85Khz
Frequency response : 30Hz…15Khz (Type I) 30Hz…17Khz (Type II) 40Hz…11Khz (Type I, DIN 45511) 40Hz…13Khz (Type II, DIN 45511)
S/N ratio : 49dB (Dolby off) Inputs : -72dB (0,2mV) (MIC) -22dB (0,06V) (RCA line) < 10kOhm (DIN line)
Outputs : 0,775V (0dB) (RCA line) 50kOhm (DIN line) 8 Ohm (headphones)
Power Consumption : 18W
Dimensions : 41,2 x 11,5 x 22,3cm
Weight :4.5kg

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Sony PS-5100 Turntable

Arm Length: 295 mm (11 5/8 inches), overall 216.5 mm (18 17/32 inches), pivot to stylus Overhang: 16.5 mm (21/32 inches)
Stylus force adjustment range: 0 to 3 g, 0.5 g increments
Anti Skating force compensation range: 0 to 3 g, 0.5 g increments
Cartridge weight range: 4 g to 12 g
Shell head weight: 10.5 g
Cartridge (VM-26G) Type: Stereo induced magnet (IM)
Output voltage: 4 mV at 1kHz. 5 cm/sec.
Load impedance: 50 k ohms
Frequency response: 15 Hz to 22 kHz
Channel separation: 25 dB at 1 kHz
Channel balance: 1 dB at 1 kHz
Optimum stylus force: 2 g Stylus:
Conical 0.5 mil diamond (SONY ND-132G)
Weight: 6.8 g

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Realistic Nova 6 Speakers

8″ Suspension Woofer 3″ Tweeter
Frequency Range: 30 Hz to 20,000 khz L-C Crossover Network
55 Watts Max Power Input @ 8 ohms
3-way cross over switch
Solid Walnut Veneer Cabinetry
Lattice work grille
Vertical or Horizontal placement option
19 1/4″ (h) x 11 1/2″ (w) x 9 7/8″ (d)

Sansui 1976 – 1978 Component HiFi

November 11, 2014 · admin

Sansui System

1976-1978 Sansui Component HiFi System

Going against the trend throughout the late 60s and 70s Sansui produced mainly black aluminum fascias during this period. This system comprises of a 1976 Tuner and Amplifier and the 1978 components comprise the turntable and speakers.

Being an entry level level high fidelity component system provides it provides ample power suitable for apartments and average size lounge-rooms for performances at moderate volume levels. I found this quite a fun system that I enjoyed listening to a lot.

Components:

1976 AU-2900 Amplifier

1976 TU-3900 Tuner
1978 SR-232 Turntable
1978 SP-X3300 2-Way Speakers

AU-2900 Amplifier

The Sansui AU 2900 is an integrated stereo amplifier with ample power (17 watts, both channels into 8 ohms, at 1000Hz) and dramatically low-distortion, clean tone characterise the most moderately-priced of the AU Series.

It’s design is also based on the true complementary OCL power circuit, with dual-transistor differential amp in the initial stage.

Dual plus/minus power supply for all major circuits gives you interference-free, stable tonal quality at all reproduction levels.

Features:

Low-noise phono equaliser
Stepped tone controls
Outputs for 2 sets of speaker systems
Complete range of controls, high filter and loudness switches, source selectors and input/output terminals

Specifications
Power output: 15 watts per channel RMS into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.3%
Damping factor: 50
Signal to noise ratio: 90dB (line)
Channel separation: 57dB (MM)
Dimensions: 400 x 120 x 240mm
Weight: 5.7kg
Year: 1976

AU-2900 Tuner

Specifications

FM Section

Tuning Range: 88 to 108 MHz

Sensitivity: 2,0 μV (IHF); 1,1 μV

Total Harmonic Distortion: less than 0,3% (Mono); 0,4% (Stereo)

Signal-to-noise Ratio: better than 70 dB

Selectivity: better than 60 dB

Capture ratio: less than 2,0 dB

Image Frequency Rejection: better than 55 dB at 98 MHz

IF Rejection: better than 80 dB at 98 MHz

Spurious Response Rejection: better tham 70 dB at 98 MHz

Spurious Radiation: less than 34 dB

Stereo Separation: better than 40 dB at 1 kHz

Frequency Response: 30 to 15,000 Hz

Antenna Input Impedance: 300 Ω (balanced); 75 Ω (unbalanced)

FM Antenna Attenuator: -20 dB

AM Section

Tuning Range: 535 to 1,605 kHz

Sensitivity (Bar antenna): 53 dB/m at 1,000 kHz

Selectivity (±10 kHz): better than 30 dB at 1,000 kHz

IF Rejection: better than 80 dB/m at 1,000 kHz

Output Level

Output: 775 mV at FM 100% modulation

Dolby: 250 mV at FM 100% modulation

General

AC Outlet: unswitched Max. 150 watts

Semiconductors: 13 Transistors; 1 Zener Diode; 1 FET; 3 ICs; 2 LEDs; 6 Diodes

Power requirement: 100, 120, 220, 240 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption Rated: 5 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D): 400 x 120 x 240 mm (15¾ x 4¾ x 9½ inch)

Weight: 5,0 kg (11 lbs) Net

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SR-232 Turntable

Specifications

Type: two-speed, belt-driven, automatic return
Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
Platter: 308mm aluminium alloy die-cast
Motor: 4-pole synchronous
Wow and flutter: less than 0.07%
Signal to noise ratio: better than 50dB
Rumble: better than -58dB
Tonearm: statically balanced, s-shaped, tubular tonearm
Effective length: 215mm
Overhang: 10mm
Cartridge weight: 4 to 8g
Cartridge: SC-60 induced magnet or SV-43 dual magnet type
Dimensions: 430 x 145 x 356mm
Weight: 5kg
Year: 1978

SP-X3300 Speakers

Specifications

2-Way Bookshelf Speaker System
8 ohms
30 Watts Max Input
Made in Japan

Pioneer SA-6500II 1975/77 HiFi Component System

November 11, 2014 · admin

1977 Pioneer Component HiFi

People Magazines: The Greatest Mustaches of the 70s

The 1970s was a decade for outrageous styles, big mustaches and big sound. It was a decade that saw major audio manufacturers competing almost solely on sound quality and power and it produced some of the finest sounding (and loudest) consumer amplifiers for a more discerning and cashed up consumer.

Today at a regular HiFi store like JB HiFi generally the higher end Receivers they stock retail for around $800.00 but in 1977 this price point was where the entry level high-fidelity gear started, like Pioneer receiver the SX-450 that retailed for over $800.00 inflation adjusted dollars. And BTW the SX-450 does sound better than then those new ones!

In order to get the equivalent sound today you need to spend big $$$ on boutique audiophile gear. And that’s why you should consider a 70s component system like this one!

This system comprises high-quality Pioneer components from their 1975-77 range. A far cry from their budget ‘Rondo’ gear designed for impoverished nations like Australia, the Pioneer componentry from this era were awesome performers and were well regarded by audiophiles and critics. This particular system comprises components from from Pioneer’s entry to mid-level of their high-fidelity range.

This combination works beautifully together and I have matched with vintage 3-Way 4-Speaker ITS Pro Speaker System featuring Japanese Foster Drivers in sealed cabinets.

With a 5 Watt RMS per channel increase in power over the previous model Pioneer’s SA-6500II DC Amplifier produces 30 Watts RMS Per Channel minimum output @8 ohms. Plenty of power to be the life of the party in the average living room space! This is a superb sounding amplifier with that still possesses a warm sound and with plenty of headroom providing dynamic bass response thanks to a large power supply coupled with twin 6,800uf capacitors for it’s class. The power indicator has been upgraded to LED to provide for long life function. This unit is in excellent functional condition with smooth controls and clean sound.

“The Pioneer SA-6500 is a low distortion, high power, stereo integrated amplifier with wide dynamic range equalizer. Combining advanced circuits with a new design concept provides no-nonsense musical performance at a pleasing price. Precision CR tone circuit, a high performance equalizer amplifier for wide dynamic range, and simple to use basic features make the popularly priced SA-6500 even more appealing as a worthwhile investment in advanced Hi-Fi electronics.”

Specifications

Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)Frequency response: 10Hz to 40kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.1%
Damping factor: 30
Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 72dB (MM), 93dB (line)
Output: 150mV (line)
Semiconductors: 2 x IC, 25 x transistors, 16 x diodes
Dimensions: 380 x 139 x 308mm
Weight: 7.6kg

Pioneer Tuner’s are well respected in the audiophile community and the Pioneer TX-5500II Stereo Tuner is a great performer and features an attractive silver backed display with a warm glow lit by incandescent bulbs. The Stereo Indicator bulb in this unit has been upgraded to LED to provide for a long life.

Specifications

Type: Mono/Stereo Tuner
Tuning Bands: FM, MW
Tuning Scale: Analogue
Sensitivity: 1.9uV (FM), 300uV (MW)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 68dB (FM), 50dB (MW)
Distortion: 0.6% (FM)
Selectivity: 60dB (FM), 35dB (MW)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 15kHz (FM)
Output: 650mV (FM), 150mV (MW)
Semiconductors: 1 x FET, 3 x IC, 6 x transistors, 6 x diodes
Dimensions: 380 x 124 x 269mm
Weight: 3.5kg

Pioneer CT-F4040 Cassette Deck – is a quality deck from the 70s and weighs a hefty 7.2Kg unlike the cheap feather-weight decks of the 80s. It also has a unique convex sliding cassette cover which is a nice design touch!

“The Pioneer CT-F4040 is a full auto stop, stereo cassette deck with unique vertical cassette holder and oil-damped, sliding compartment door. The compartment is illuminated for easy view of the cassette at all times and features a special marker line to warn of tape end. Other features include an electronically controlled DC servomotor and electronic muting for silent mode change, hard Permalloy solid recording/playback head, Ferrite erase head, tape selector, switch for standard LH tape, Cr02 and Ferrichrome, and a Dolby indicator light.”

Specifications

Type: 2-head, single compact cassette deck Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 4.75 cm/s   Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase
Motor: electronically controlled DC   Tape Type: type I, FeCr, Cr02
Noise Reduction: B   Frequency Response: 40Hz to 15kHz  (Cr02 tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 62dB  (dolby B)   Wow and Flutter: 0.08%
Input: 60mV (line), 0.2mV (mic)   Output: 0.45V (line)
Dimensions: 380 x 150 x 316mm   Weight: 7.2kg

Pioneer PL-155A Turntable – classic belt drive turntable with auto return/auto cut and wood base in silver laminate which was all the rage in the later 70s.

Specifications

Motor: 4-pole synchronous
Drive method: belt
Speeds: 33 and 45rpm
Platter: 300mm aluminium alloy diecast
Tonearm: static balance type, s-type arm

ITS Pro Speakers

Manufactured by Miranda HiFi, an Australian retailer from the 1970s, these speakers featured Japanese Foster drivers and sealed cabinets for a more natural sound. I love the look and sound of these speakers with their 12″ inch drivers with their mid-range and tweeter arrangement.

3-Way 4 Speaker System

Japanese Foster Drivers

Closed Speaker System to provide more natural sound

1974-1978 Sony Component HiFi

May 27, 2013 · admin

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Inflation Adjusted RRP: >$2,500.00 USD*
*(not all units RRP known)

Founded in 1946 Sony corporation have remained as market leaders in the innovative design of high quality personal and professional electronic devices.

Sony has never been a company to imitate competitors and rather developed their own distinct and elegant designs, some of which have even been ‘borrowed’ by Apple.

This vintage Sony HiFi component system that comprises the following components;

Sony TA-1066 Amplifier (1975)
Sony ST-5066 Tuner (1975)
Sony SS-630 40 Watt 3-Way Speakers (~1975)
Sony TC-131SD Cassette Deck (1974)
Sony PS-212 Direct Drive Turntable (1978)

Sony’s TA series of amplifiers were originally introduced in the 1960’s and were the first Japanese stereo amplifiers to utilise all silicon transistors.

The 1973 TA-1066 and ST-5066 stereo amplifier and tuner combination are a fine example of Sony design and technical innovation featuring a distinctive linear slider potentiometers that were not commonly seen on Japanese stereo components of this vintage.

The ST-5066 AM and FM Stereo tuner display is gorgeous yet uncomplicated design and its design style matches the amplifier. The units are both made in matching wood enclosures.

Sony’s design and style is at its best when it is subtle and understated. What I appreciate in this model is the use a green lighting on both the tuner and for the the single bulb on the amplifier.

The ST-5066 AM and FM Stereo Tuner display is gorgeous yet uncomplicated and its push button controls match the amplifier. The units both come in matching wood enclosures.

The TA-1066 Amplifier has undergone a comprehensive service and all lamps and indicators are working. Rated at 18-22 Vintage Watts RMS per channel (depending on which source you read) this systems provides a powerful yet velvety sound that we have come to expect from quality 1970s equipment.

The TC-131SD cassette deck comes from the Sony’s 1973/74 Catalog and is in the popular studio deck style. From the era when cassettes were seen as a serious HiFi items and the build quality of this unit is a testament to 1970s Japanese engineering. Its original MSRP of $240.00 USD today would be around $1241.00USD adjusted for inflation.

This unit has been serviced and new belts fitted as well. It featured Dolby Noise Reduction, independent left/right recording potentiometers and analog VU meters, volume limiter, 4-track/2-channel playback/recording, Chrome tape support, F&F heads and more. You will be pleasantly surprised at just how good a cassette can sound! This unit is in vintage condition and while structurally sound it does have some marks, and there is a small ding in the wood veneer at the rear of the unit, being at the back however this is not noticeable, and overall the unit still looks good.

Sony’s PS-212 1978 Semi-Automatic BSL Direct Drive turntable features distinctive styling and fantastic build-quality with adjustable speed and pitch controls, a strobe light…it is a great example of high quality 1970s Sony engineering. This unit is in vintage condition and does have some marks on the perspex and body, though not that many. There is some wear across the brand/model faceplate but this is due to the turntables design and virtually all these models have the same marks from wear here. Overall the unit looks really good.

This system is completed by two beautiful Sony SS-630 3-Way 40-Watt 8ohm bookshelf speakers from circa 1975 and finished in attractive wood grain enclosures and cloth grilles.

Overall these units are fairly clean for there age but are in vintage condition with a few scratches showing and a minor indentation on the top edge of the tuner.

TA-1066 Stereo Amplifier Specifications:

RMS Power: 18Watts per channel @ 8 ohms
THD: <0.8%
Power Bandwidth: 10Hz – 40kHz (8 ohms, IHF)
Dimensions: 410mm (W) x 120mm (H) x 280mm (D)
16 1/8″ (W) x 4 11/16″ (H) x 11 1/16″ (D)
Weight: 6 kg / 13 lb 4 oz
PHONO Input: 2.5 mV, 50 k ohms

Inputs:

PHONO
TUNER
AUXILARY
TAPE 1
TAPE 2
REC/PB

Sanyo DCA 200 Amplifier & FMT 200K Tuner Combo

April 11, 2013 · admin

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Have I mentioned I am a fan of 1970s Sanyo gear?

1970s Component HiFi amplifier,tuner, turntable & cassette combination refinished in iPod white with original speakers, all in great condition!

Give your lounge room some 70s flare! As I have mentioned in other posts, Sanyo purchased Fisher (the company that invented HiFi) in the 1970s and produced some truly amazing gear during that decade. This little unit is rated at 15 Watts per channel at 8ohms and easily hold it own against similar units of the same vintage produced by Pioneer and Sansui. It styling is crisp and minimalist and fits the small profile HiFi’s that were very popular in the 1970s with all the major manufactures. The performance of this unit would suit most modest size lounge-rooms or bedrooms.

This unit has inputs for a record player, tuner,
auxiliary and two tape inputs (1x RCA and 1x DIN) and 1 microphone and outputs for two sets of speakers and a headphone jack. What surprised me was the clarity even at volume that this unit was capable of producing. It has plenty of low-end for it’s power range and would easily fill the average lounge-room with smooth 1970s analogue sound.

The Tuner display has great styling with a white back-lit display and orange illuminated tuner indicator and the cases have been re-finished in iPod white. With the addition of an iPod dock this unit looks and sounds fantastic and puts to shame most of the designer docks available on the market today.

These units are in amazing condition even include their original floor standing speakers finished in wood laminate or veneer with brown grills and a unique inset strip at the front. The speakers are in very good shape with only a couple of minor marks (with the exception of the bottom of the speakers which is usual). One speaker is missing a plastic tap for the speaker wire mechanism (see pictures) but does not effect the operation of the mechanism. The grills on these units are not removable. The iPod, dock and record player in the pictures below are not included with the unit.