Sony TAE-8450

 Stereo  Unexcelled Preamplifier with virtually unmeasurable distortion Sony TAE-8450.

Sony has utilized important advances in audio trchnology, the finest materials and meticulous craftsmanship to to construct the  TAE-8450  - a preamplifier which satisfies demands for the highest quality in a home music systemm, or a professional sound reinforcement system. From an engineering standpoint, the TAE-8450's design and circuitry are innovative, yet highly refined. From a listening and operating standpoint, the engineering breakthroughs mean the highest degree of sonic fidelity and the simplest, most precise means of control.  An operating test should reveal even more, such as the unit's excellent transient and phase response, which can be fully appreciated when musical signals are heard.

Optical peak Reading meter.

The TAE-8450 is equipped with an elaborate, professional metering system, providing visual readings of the actual peak value of complex musical signals for both left and right channels. Until now, this type of metering system has been used only in the most modern hi-fi systems.

 Circuitry and performance Highlights.

The TAE-8450's measurable specifications, such as frequency response, signal-to-noise ratios and distortion levels, are all excellent. Transient and phase response, measurable under laboratory conditions, but perhaps more meaningfully evaluated under musical conditions, are also excellent. Sony's new direct coupled DC amplifiers, with highly stable FET differential circuitry, are used as unit amps and as buffer amps, assuring consistently good response to complex waveforms at all frequencies. These newly designed amplifiers are used for phono equalization, flat amplification and for tone control. The unit amplifier consists of an N-channel FET differential circuit, coupled directly to a PNP transistor differential circuit. The output from the PNP circuit is then connected directly to a buffer amplifier. This arrangement brings critical performance factors close to the theoretical ideal. Highinput impedance and low output impedance are realized, along with ultra low distortion levels. Both harmonic and IM distortion  are practically nonexistent, measuring 0,03% and 0,05% respectively, at the rated output level of 1 volt. And they are only 0,1% at an output level of 14 volts. In fact, distortionis so low that the residual distortion of measuring instruments themselves often interferes with making an absolutely accurate aeasurement. Wide frequency response, as well as superior transient and phase response, are also assured by the advanced new circuitry.

 Frequency response curves for high level inputs are ruler flat from 10 Hz to 100 kHz, while phono equalization is also unusually impressive, corresponding to the RIAA  curve ±0,2 dB. Such precise equalization is obtained by using  an independent amplifier unit with negative feedback for turnover below 1 kHz, and another amp unit plus a shut RC filter to rolloff above 1 kHz. In addition, phono inputs are directly coupled to the equalizing amp, providing faithful response over a wide dynamic range, and excellent transient and phase response with any phono cartridge used.

The comprehensive phono input system also allows two turntables to be hooked up simultaneously, and the front panel selector permits easy switching. Each input  has a sensitivity selector switch for a 1,5 mV input and a 4,5 mV input. In addition, the phono 2 input has a booster position for extra low level cartridges (0,16 mV). Termination impedance for phono 2 can also be selected - 50 k Ω or 100 k Ω for 1,5 mV or 4,5 mV, and 10, 30, 100 or 1,000 ohms for the 0,16 mV position.  S/N ratios are high for all phono inputlevels: 75 dB with an input sensitivity of 4,5 mV, 70 dB for 1,5 mV, and 60 dB for phono "low", with an input sensitivity of only .16 mV. The last figure is achieved with the use of new, low noise NPN type transistor, designed specially for ultra low signals. This front stage transistor is coupled directly to two Darlington connected PNP transistors, assuring  a  good signal-to-noise ratio while obtaining necessary gain. The need for an external step-up transformer is thus eliminated. There is also ample headroom above the rated input level; 400 mV for the 4,5 mV input, 140 mV for the 1,5 mV input, and 13 mV for the.16 mV input.

 Features

Differential FET amplifiers.

Dual optical peak level meter.

5 semifixed input level controls.

Phono sensitivity and impedance selector.

Special booster amplifier for extra low level output cartridges.

Direct coupled FET differentioalamplifiers and buffer amps in equalizer and tone control stages.

Direct coupled phono input circuit.

Tape monitoring for 2 recorders and independent tape dubbing switch.

Professional attenuator type volume control with switch for 20 dB instant muting.

Highlight Features

Unexcelled performance characteristics, including superior transient and phase response.

Optical peak reading level meter.

Comprehensive control and connection facilities for exceptional operating flexibility.

Specifications

Peak program Meter 9at PEAK mode):

Frequency Response:  30 Hz - 30,000 Hz  +0 -3 dB

Response Range:  -50 dB — +5 dB (0 dB =1 V RMS), with the Meter Sens switch pulled … -30 dB — +25 dB

Response Time:  1 millisecond at PEAK mode

Frequency Response:

Phono 1, 2  :  RIAA equalization curve ±0,2 dB

Mic, Tuner :  20 Hz - 20 kHz +0 -3 dB

Aux 1, 2, 3 :  10 Hz - 100 kHz +0 -1 dB

Tape 1, 2 :  10 Hz - 100 kHz +0 -1 dB

Ext Adat. :  10 Hz - 100 kHz +0 -1 dB

Tone Controls (11 steps, each 2 dB):

Bass   :  ±10 dB at 50 Hz (Turnover  frequency at 250 Hz)

Bass   :  ±10 dB at 100 Hz (Turnover frequency at 500 Hz)

Treble  :  ±10 dB at 10 kHz (Turnover frequency 2,5 kHz)

Treble  :  ±10 dB at 20 kHz (Turnover frequency 5 kHz)

Filters

Low :  12 dB/octave below 10 Hz or 40 Hz

High :  12 dB/octave above 9 kHz or 20 kHz

Resence Control:  +3,5 dB at 1 kHz

Residual Noise:  less than 70 µV (with Volume set fully counterclockwise, Tone to mechanical-mid position, Filters to Off, presence to Off)

Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,03% at rated output, 1 kHz

IM Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz = 4:1):  less than 0,05% at rated output

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

Power Consumption:  22 W

AC Outles:  2 switched 400 watts, 1 unswitched 400 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  440 x 170 x 340 mm (17-3/8" x 6-3/4" x 13-3/8")

Weight:  11,8 kg (26 lbs) , net