Sony ST-J 88B tuner

The Sony ST-J88B is a quartz-locked frequency synthesized FM stereo tuner that just happens to be one of the very finest FM tuners we seen in years. It is probably the precursor of what to expect in the next generation of precision FM tuners, for the ST-J88B is, in fact, the next generation. The sound quality is exceptional, low frequency overload characteristics for more then 100% transmitter modulation usually a problem in synthesized tuners, is similiarly exceptional. Dual IF selectivity-normal (wide) and narrow is provided. Unlike the usual dual selectivity which is fair (wide) and very good (narrow), this tuner's selectivity is very good and outstanding; in the narrow mode we received full band of signals on alternate spacing, hearing many signals we did not even know existed (they are generally buried under alternate channel interference). The frequency readout is a digital display, tuning is in standard USA increments of 200 kHz. Seven memories are provided which remember the frequency, desired selectivity, muting on or aff, and auto stereo or mono mode.  Labels for every frequency which can be slipped behind the bezel above each memory selector, are provided. Other features include a signal strength indicator directly calibrated in dBf (received signal strength). There is no tuning device because the frequency synthesizer is always precisely on the station frequency. There are three tuning modes: Automatic - the FM band is scanned until a signal is received.  Manual - frequency can be changed rapidly or stepped on channel at a time. Memory - pressing one of seven buttons selects a preprogrammed frequency and all its operating conditions. The memories are non-volatile 9remembers programming) as long as the power cord is connected.

Specifications:

Input Level (for Full Limiting):  3,0 µV

Mono Hi-Fi Sensitivity (60 dB quieting):  9 µV

Stereo Hi-Fi Sensitivity (55 dB quieting):  65 µV

Stereo Frequency Response Range:  30 to 15,000 Hz

Stereo Frequency Response Limits:  0/ - 0,5 dB

Distortion - Normal Selectivity at Standard test:

Mono :  0,08% T.H.D.

Stereo :  0,08% T.H.D.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (at Standard test level):  80 dB

Midband Stereo Separation:

Normal Selectivity :  40 dB

Narrow Selectivity :  50 dB

Alternate Channel Rejection (Selectivity):  very good

Maximum Variable Output:  3,5 volts (level at 100% modulation)

Maximum Fixed Output Level :  0,68 volts (at 100% modulation)

Alternate Channel Reject on Narrow Selectivity:  Outstanding

Mono Distortion narrow Selectivity:  0,3% T.H.D.

Stereo Distortion narrow Selectivity:  0,15% T.H.D.

Antenna Inputs:  300 Ω antenna, 75 Ω antenna (coaxial)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  480 x 80 x 370 mm

Weight:6,6 kg

Mcintosh MC 462 power amp

Experience stereo bliss with the MC462 Quad Balanced Power Amplifier. It replaces the highly regarded MC452 as our most powerful stereo amplifier and features the same robust output of 450 Watts per channel.
With a dedicated McIntosh Autoformer™ connected to each audio channel, the full 450 Watts is available to any speaker regardless if it has 2, 4 or 8 Ohm impedance.
Compared to MC452, filter capacity has been nearly doubled - resulting in a remarkable 66% increase in dynamic headroom.

Other updates include heavier gauge internal wiring, upgraded circuit components, addition of our eco-friendly power management system, and updated industrial design features.
Full of numerous McIntosh technologies including Power Guard®, Sentry Monitor™, Quad Balanced design, McIntosh Monogrammed Heatsinks™, patented Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts and Power Control.
Signature black glass front panel features new direct LED backlighting for improved appearance and color accuracy.
Sits atop a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis and is completed with a pair of fast responding blue Watt meters, control knobs, illuminated logo and aluminum end caps with handles.

Electronic Specifications

Power Output per Channel:  450 Watts at 2, 4 or 8 Ohms

Number of Channels:  2

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0.005%

S/N Ratio: 122 dB below rated output

Dynamic Headroom:  3.0 dB

Damping Factor: 40 Wideband

Rated Power Band:  20 Hz to 20 kHz

Frequency Response: 

20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (+0, -0.25 dB);

10 Hz to 100,000 Hz (+0, -3.0 dB)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  445,5 x 239,7 x 572 mm (17-1/2" x 9-7/16" x 22-1/2")
including feet and front panel handles and cables

Weight: 52,3 kg (115 lbs) net

Denon DL-103D cartridge

Moving Coil type phono cartridge DL-103 D,  -103 S and -103

The high-grade DL-103 cartridge has been acquiring very favorable reputation for its finest quality since it was developed for the use inn the broadcasting stations in 1965. the third model of the series, DL-103D cartridge, which follows the DL-103 S moving coil catridge designed in accordance with DL-103 cartridge, has a lighter moving system and larger compliance, thus allowing a good reproducing characteristics under a lighter stylus pressure, a flat frequency response extending over 65 kHz wide and superb tone quality with the lowest distortion.

Specifications DL-103D:

Type:  Moving coil

Output Voltage:  0,25 mV (1 kHz 50 mm/sec)

Frequency Response:  20 - 65,000 Hz

Output Impedance:  35 Ω  (20 - 20,000 Hz)

Load Impedance:  more than 100 Ω

Channels Separation:  over 28 dB (1 kHz)

Channel Sensitivity Difference:  less than 1 dB (1 kHz)

Stylus Tip:  0,1 mm special elliptical solid diamond

Tracking Force:  1,5 g + 0,2 g

Compliance:  12 x 10¯⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)

Weight:  7,5 g

Specifications DL-103 and DL-103 S:

Type:  Moving coil

Output Voltage:  0,3 mV (1 kHz 50 mm/sec)

Frequency Response: 

DL-103 :  20 - 45,000 Hz

DL-103S :  20 - 60,000 Hz

Output Impedance:  40 Ω  (1 kHz)

Load Impedance:  more than 100 Ω

Channels Separation:  over 28 dB (1 kHz)

Channel Sensitivity Difference:  1 dB or less (1 kHz)

Stylus Tip:

DL-103 :  0,65 mil round stylus 

DL-103S :  special elliptical solid diamond

Tracking Force: 

DL-103 :  2,5 ±0,3 g

DL-103S :  1,8 g ±0,3 g

Compliance: 

DL-103 :  5 x 10¯⁶ cm/dyne

DL-103S :  5 x 10¯⁶ cm/dyne 

Weight: 

DL-103 : 8,5 g

DL-103S :  7,8 g

Pioneer PL-2 turntable

A poorly-engineered direct-drive turntable is inferior to a well-engineered belt-drive turntable - that's the axiom we have believed in and followed over the years. A prime example is the PL-2 belt-drive turntable. For its price and performance, it beats any competitive model, belt or direct driven, hands downs.

The belt-drive system of the PL-2 is an updated version that provides all the necessary torque and accurate speed control. A finely polished elastic belt is driven by a Pioneer DC motor. The motor assures smooth platter rotation, while the belt absorbsfinally all traces of vibration while powerfully transmitting motive power from the motor to the platter.

Where the PL-2 differs from the conventional belt-drive model is its Stable Hanging Rotor, a kind of cup fitted to the shaft under the platter. It gives the platter a stabilizing force that keeps the platter steady as it revolves, reducing potential platter wobble.

Giving the Pl-2 aa distinctive look is a straight low-mass PG tone arm. Since it is insensitive to resonance and hence to warps and eccentricities of records, it tracks even the most difficult-to-follow record grooves easily. The arm combines high tracking ability with high sensitivity to permit the use of any cartridge, whatever its compliance or operating principle.

Like all Pioneer turntables, the Coaxial Suspension system protects the arm, cartridge and records from acoustic feedback. And that's the reason why the Pl-2 boats a high Signal-to-Noise ratio of 68 dB.

The PL-2 is an auto-return model. At the end of play, the arm automatically returns to its rest and shuts the power off. Operaation couldn,t be simpler; There's just one control - for speed selection - on the slanted front edge of the turntable.

Specifications:

Drive System:  Belt-drive

Motors:  DC-Servo motor

Speeds:  33-1/3 and 45 rpm

Wow and Flutter:  no more than 0,05%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  more than 68 dB

Tone-arm Type:  Static-balanced low mass Polymer Graphite straight pipe arm

Effective Arm Length:  221 mm (8-11/16 inches)

Overhang:  15,5 mm (5/8 inches)

Usable Cartridge Weight:  3 g  to 8 g

Power Requirement:  120 V 60 Hz

Power Consumption:  3 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  420 x 108 x 367 mm (16-9/16" x 4-1/4" x 14-7/16")

Weight:   5,1 kg (11 lbs 4 oz)