Sony TA-1ES

 High-Resolution Audio

High-Resolution Audio takes your digital music to another level. By converting analogue music to digital at a higher rate than CDs – 24-bit/192 kHz, as opposed to the 16-bit/44.1 kHz rate of CDs – High-Resolution Audio is able to deliver better than CD quality sound, so you can get closer to the original studio recording. 

FET input buffer

The amplifier has been fitted with a FET input buffer and discrete circuit for the pre-amp. This reduces the effects of distortion while enhancing the sound quality of High-Resolution Audio.

 Optimum gain volume control

We’ve combined the electronic volume with a discrete buffer amp – co-developed with Sony – to enhance the overall sound quality by reducing the gain error experienced by conventional amps.

Simplified power amp circuitry

By including fewer transistors and eliminating the emitter resistor and coil & capacitor needed in the amp’s final stage circuitry, we’ve reduced the distortion that affects the quality of your music. This means the amp can deliver a higher power output, so you can push up the volume and enjoy great, undistorted, High-Resolution Audio.

 Make a secure connection

Poor component connections can have a significant impact on overall sound quality. The new screw-type terminals and deluxe quality shaved pin, 18mm pitch jack ensure a tight, secure fit between the amp and your components, reducing the chances of sound degradation.

Smart BIAS

The built-in smart BIAS system controls the amp’s BIAS based on the volume position. In doing so, the amp is able to utilise a field that experiences good transistor linearity without generating heat, so the sound quality always remains true.

Independent HP-AMP

To reflect the growing popularity of premium-quality headphones, this amp includes a specialised discrete amp with gain optimised to match headphone impedance.

 Main features of the amplifier

This power amplifier achieves dynamic output by using a single push-pull amplifier.

The power amplifying stage, which determines sound quality, consists of a single pair of transistors, successfully eliminating the emitter resistance used by conventional amplifiers to suppress overheating. The transistor output drives the speaker directly, reproducing sound with less undesired character.

Frame beam base chassis (FBB chassis).

A frame beam base chassis has been developed for the stereo amplifier. By combining a conventional frame beam chassis with a transformer  base, providing high accuracy and stiffness, the frame is more stabilized, reproducing better sound with less overall distortion.

A preamplifier constructed of completely discrete  stages.

This amplifier employs a relay for signal switching to eliminate sound loss, and discrete circuits for entire stages to optimize and upgrade the circuits.

 Newly-designed large speaker terminals.

The terminals of this amplifier minimize sound quality deterioration. Y-lugs and speaker wires can be tied securely.

Discrete amplifier for exclusive use with headphones.

This amplifier has a discrete amplifier used exclusively to drive  headphones. The impedance can be switched among LOW, MID, or HI to match that of the headphones

Specifications

Amplifier section

Rated Power Output:  80 W + 80 W; 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0.09 % 8 Ω (Measured under the following conditions:)

Power Requirements:  230 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz

Supported Impedance of speakers:  4 Ω  or higher

Distortion:  0.008 %;  1kHz 10W 8ohms

Frequency Response:  10 Hz to 100 kHz ±3 dB (8 Ω)

Input (UNBALANCED)

Sensitivity:  150 mV

Impedance:  47 kohms

S/N ratio:  96 dB (Input short, A, 20 kHz LPF)

Input (BALANCED)

Impedance: 20 k Ω / 20 k Ω

S/N ratio: 96 dB (Input short, A, 20 kHz LPF)

Headphones Amplifier Section

Supported Impedance

LOW:  from 8 ohms to less than 50 Ω

MID:  from 50 ohms to less than 300 Ω  (+10 dB against LOW)

HI:  300 Ω  or higher (+16 dB against LOW)

Distortion:  0.1 % or less (20 Hz to 20 kHz)

LOW (8 Ω load impedance) :  500 mW + 500 mW

MID (150 Ω load impedance) :  500 mW + 500 mW

HI (300 Ω load impedance) :  250 mW + 250 mW

Frequency response:  10 Hz to 100 kHz +0.5/–3 dB (at LOW mode 8 ohms load impedance)

General

Power Requirements:  230 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  300 W

Power Consumption (during standby mode):  0.4 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 mm × 130 mm × 420 mm (including projecting parts and controls)

Mass (Approx.):  18.0 kg