What is stereo?




There are now two system of high fidelity, monophonic (monaural) and stereophonic. Monophonic is a system that starts from one microphone and is fed through a single high fidelity set. Stereophonic is a double system. Two separate microphones are placed at different sides of the orchestra and two different systems are used to keep the two signals or channels separated. Two separate speakers are used, placed on different sides of you room. Stereo is much like 3-D photography, two slightly different sound reach your ears giving you a new dimension in sound.




H.H. Scott '59





McIntosh MC 2002 power amplifier

Power Amplifier. 

 The MC 2002 amplifier is designed for the Real world of 10 decibel overloads from compact disc players. It combines: 200 watts of extremely low distortion power at 8 ohms; 300 watts of the same power at 4 ohms. The greatest reliability in modern amplifiers to protect your investment. And most important today, design for 10 decibels of overload stress with the greatest Spectral Fidelity.

Spectral Fidelity is one of the most meaningful characteristics of an amplifier. The harmonic distortion and the two tone intermodulation measurements are important criteria in predicting the sonic performance. However to obtain better correlation with human hearing response, we need to know not only the energy in the distortion spectrum, but also the number of discords and their frequency spacing from the desired tones. This is what the Spectral Fidelity testing can do, enlarging the scope of the data and showing its meaning more fully.


Spectral Fidelity Protection

The threshold for human hearing shows a pronounced sensitivity in the region of 1500 Hz. At low levels of music, during pianissimo passages for example, is where we hear most intermodulation discords. But during the periods of sonic overload, this sensitivity characteristic changes. Under this condition, the sensitivity of the human ear becomes more uniform over most of the range of hearing. Thus all of the discords from sonic overload combine to reduce the musicality of instruments and voices, their clarity and definition. This loss of the order, the structure, and harmony, remebered from live musical experience, is frustrating and disappointing to the human psycho=physical hearing phenomenon. This frustration is the major cause of unacceptable  Listening Fatique.

Of all the amplifiers tested for Spectral Fidelity under stress, the McIntosh alone could accept the compact disc overload without exceeding 3/10 of 1% distortion. The others produced high levels of distortion, distortion from 20% to 30%. Some designs blew fuses. Others suffered output stage device failures.

 


Specifications

Power Output: 

Stereo :  200 watts into 8  loads or 300 watts into 4  loads is the minimum sine wave continuous average power output per channel for 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz with both channels operating, which is:

40,0 volts RMS across 8 oh or 34,6 volts RMS across 4

Mono :  600 watts into an 8  load, is the minimum sine wave continuous average power output from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, which is 69,3 volts RMS across 8

Output Load Impedance

Stereo :  4  to 8

Mono :  8  obtained by connecting across the output terminals of both channels

Rated Power Band:  20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Total Harmonic Distortion

Stereo :  0,01% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power per channel from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, both channels operating

Mono :  0,01% maximum harmonic distortion at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Intermodulation Distortion

Stereo :  0,01% maximum at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power with both channels operating, for any combination of frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Mono :  0,01% maximum at any power level from 250 milliwatts to rated power for any combination of frequencies, 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz

Frequency Response (at 1 watt output):

20 Hz to 20,000 Hz  +0 -0,25 dB

10 Hz to 100,000 Hz +0 -3,0 dB

Hum and Noise:  100 dB below rated output 90 dB IHF

Ratings IHF Dynamic Headroom:

2,1 dB at 4   load

1,7 dB at 8  load

Damping Factor:  greater than 100

Input Impedance:  20,000

Input Sensitivity:  Switchable for either 1,4 Volt or 2,5 Volt

Power Requirements:  120 Volts, 50/60 Hz 0,6 to 15 ampers

Dimensions

Front Panel (W x H) :  411 mm x 181 mm (16-3/16" x 7-1/8")

Chassis :  375 x 165 x 368 mm (14-3/4" x 6-1/2" x 14-1/2")

Finish:  Front panel is anodized gold and black with special gold/teal nomenclature illumination. Chassis is black

Weight (net):  22,7 hg (50 pounds)

Kenwood KR-710 receiver

 

The KR-710 offers high quality sound and quick, precise station selection with the "Star Tracer" tuning system.

 

For most people who invest in high-fidelity equipment, the primary concern is with the sound quality. Here, the KR-710 is certainly a star performer. For example, its Kenwood designed High Speed and DC amplifier is responsible for astonishingly accurate, authentic sound reproduction, as well as clear, distinct sound even at the lowest tones perceived by the ear. And, there are few other receivers, if any, in this range offering such low-noise record reproduction; or such crystal-clear FM broadcast reception that is free of drift problems.

But the KR-710 offers another rarely-found advantage; that of incredibly easy operation - especially when tuning a station. Kenwood's exclusive Star Tracer touch-sensor servo-lock tuning system, simplified multi-point LED metering system and feather-touch push-buttons are designed to remove most of the old-style tuning chores right out of the hands of the operator.

 


The Star Tracer touch-sensor servo-lock tuning system

With its built-in directional LED signals, the Star Tracer module gives you instant electronic feedback on the position of each active station that it contacts. Just follow the signal indicator to guide the Star Tracer module to dead-center of the frequency. But the Star Tracer's job doesn't stop there. After you release the tuning knob, the servo-looking system takes over, holding the selected channel to the exact center-of-channel point where distortion is least. Once locked, the Star Tracer module's central red LED indicator turns to green, telling you the station is now free from drift and immune to the effects of very strong stations at nearby points on the dial.

 

High Speed design accurate and authentic music

The fact that the KR-710 incorporates this highly advanced power amplifier circuit must give it a distinct advantage over other similar receivers. Kenwood's High Speed technique is what gives the power amplifier its extraordinary ability to respond instantaneously to all music signals, even complex transient ones. The rapid changes dictated by music signals can place heavy demands on any amplifier. Only careful design can make power output transistors respond at high speed - and this is exactly what the KR-710 can do. For proof, look for the new Rise Time and Slew Rate specifications - and note the plus-minus qualifier that denotes perfect symmetry of output.

 

DC amplification provides clear sound at low frequencies

DC amplification is responsible for distinct sound reproduction down to the lowest audible tones, because this highly stable power amplifier can reproduce even subsonic tones with minimal phase (time delay) distortion.

 


Specifications

Audio Section

Power Output:  28 watts per channel minimum RMS , both channels driven at 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 0,08% T.H.D.

Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz to 20 kHz from Tape)

Rated Power into 8  :  0,08%

1 watt Power into 8  :  0,04%

Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz = 4 : 1 SMPTE)

Rated Power into 8  :  0,04%

1 watt Power into 8  :  0,02%

Slew Rate:  ±50 V/µsec

Rise Time:  1,6 µsec

Damping Factor ( 8 , 1 kHz):  45

Input Sensitivity/Impedance:

Phono :  2,5 mV/50 k

Tape :  150 Mv/50 k

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A weighted)

Phono :  78 dB for 2,5 mV input; 84 dB for 5,0 mV input

Tape :  104 dB for 150 mV input

Maximum Phono Input Level at 1 kHz:  200 mV (RMS, T.H.D. 0,08%)

Frequency Response;

Phono RIAA Standard Curve :  30 Hz - 15,000 Hz ±0,4 dB

Tape, AUX :  7 Hz - 200 kHz -3 dB

Tone Control

Bass :  ±8 dB at 100 Hz

Treble ;  ±8 dB at 10 kHz

Loudness Control (Vol at -30 dB):  +10 dB at 100 Hz

High Filter:  5 kHz 6 dB/oct

Output Level/Impedance

Tape Rec Out (Pin):  150 mV/300

FM Tuner Section

FM Frequency Range:  88 MHz - 108 MHz

Usable Sensitivity:  10,8 dBf (1,9 µV)

50 dB Quieting Sensitivity

Mono :  17,2 dBf (4,0 µV)

Stereo :  37,2 dBf (40 µV)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio at 65 dBf

Mono :  76 dB

Stereo :  71 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion at 1 kHz

Mono :  0,1%

Stereo :  0,15%

Frequency Response:  30 Hz - 15 kHz +1 -2 dB

Capture Ratio:  1,0 dB

Image Rejection Ratio:  48 dB

Spurious Response Ratio:  70 dB

IF Response Ratio:  90 dB

Alternate Channel Selectivity:  52 dB at 400 kHz

AM Suppression Ratio:  50 dB

Stereo Separation Ratio

At 1 kHz :  45 dB

At 50 Hz - 10 kHz :  35 dB

Subcarrier product Ratio:  45 dB

Antenna Impedance:  300  (balanced): 75  (unbalanced)

AM Tuner Section

Usable Sensitivity:  20 µV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio :  50 dB

Image Rejection:  40 dB

Selectivity:  45 dB

General

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

Power Consumption:  160 watts, 8  rated power output; 24 watts at no signal

AC Outlet: 1 switched, 1 unswitched

Dimensions (W x H x D):  458 x 123 x 298 mm (18-⅓2" x 4-27/32" x 11-23/32")

Weight (Net):  7,5 kg (16,5 lbs)

SAE Mark VIII tuner


FM Digtal Tuner

The mark VIII Digital Stereo Tuner sets new standards for FM quality at a moderate price. Utilizing the newest linear and digital technology, the Mark VIII has been designed to achieve broadcast quality reception with outstanding reliability. Based on monolithic linear-phase filters and phase-locked-loop stereo MX, the Mark VIII is permanently aligned to maintain minimum distortion and maximum interference-rejection characteristics,

An LED digital-readout display guarantees the precise logging of stations. This readout system is crystal referenced with an accuracy of 0,004%. Accurate tuning is further pinpointed by an illuminated dual metering system indicating both relative signal strength and center-of-channel tuning.

The purist will be more than satisfied by the crystal-clear reception, the wide-open stereo separation, the precise smooth operation, and the obvious excellence of engineering and construction.

 

Features

LED Display:  Four 7-segmented ruby LEDs constantly display the exact station frequency received. Extremely rapid and smooth tuning is provided by the balanced 17-oz flywheel.

Meters:  An illuminated two-meter system facilitates the precise station tuning desirable for optimum reception. One meter indicates the relative signal strength of the station on a logarithmic scale while the other defines center-of-channel.

Front End:  The use of five-gang variable capacitor

3 MOSFET:  RF front end results in a spurious response rejection of over 100 dB and an IHF sensitivity of 1,6 µV

IF Filters:  Eight permanently-aligned, linear-phase monolithic IF filters assure 120 dB alternate -channel selectivity while enabling harmonic and intermodulation distortion throughout the pass band.

Limiters:  Seven cascaded differential-amplifier IC limiters achieve 100 dB rejection and high impulse noise rejection

Stereo MX:  PLL circuitry incorporated in a single IC automatically locks the phase of the MX subcarrier oscillator to the incoming signal which generates fewer intermodulation distortion products when listening to stereo

De-Emphasis Selector:  A push-button on the front panel selects either 75 µsec standard FCC de-emphasis or the recently adapted 25 µsec de-emphasis used with broadcasts including special noise reduction systems

MX Switching:  When an MX station is received, a computer-logic circuit automatically switches reception to stereo indicated by a front-window LED. This circuit automatically triggers reception back to mono when less than 4 µV of signal strength is present. A front-panel "Stereo Only" push button selects circuitry which locks out all reception other than stereo stations.

Muting:  An ingenious station-skirt muting circuit eliminates off-channel interference. With the Mark VIII, muting is "thump-free" due to FET stereo audio attenuators. A two-position switch selects the threshold signal-strength level which will activate the mute circuitry. The most sensitive position has been factory adjusted at 2 µV for minimum station rejection.

 


Specifications

IHF Sensitivity:  1,6 µV

Total Harmonic Distortion (1 kHz):

Stereo :  less than 0,20%

Mono :  less than 0,15%

Noise:  70 dB below 100% modulation

Capture ratio:  1,5 dB

AM Suppression:  100 dB

Spurious Response Rejection:  100 dB

Image Rejection:  100 dB

Alternate Channel Selectivity:  120 dB

Stereo Separation:  45 dB at 1 kHz; 35 dB at 10 kHz; 30 dB at 15 kHz

Frequency Response;  20 Hz - 15 kHz ±0,5 dB

RF Drift:  less than 15 kHz (±0,05%)

Rated Output and Load Impedance:  1,2 V RMS at 1500  min.

Muting:  60 dB at 1 kHz with two step threshold control

Antenna Inputs:  300  balanced and 75  unbalanced

Tuning Aids:  4 digit 7-segment LED readout, logarithmic signal strength meter, channel-center meter

Circuitry:  3 MOS FET RF, 2 stage RF amp,; 5-gang var. Cap.; 7-stage diff. Amp. Limiter ratio detector; PLL MX , 19 kHz and 38 kh IC filters, FET muting

Semiconductor Complement:  18 ICs; 31 Transistors; 12 Diodes

Dimensions (W x H x D):  483 x 133 x 267 mm (19" x 5,25" x 10,5")

Weight (Shipping):  10,5 kg (23 pounds)

Sony SCD-XE597 Super Audio CD

 

This player is designed to play back 2-channel and Multi-channel Super Audio CDs, and conventional CDs, and provides the following features:

Mounted with a Discrete Dual Laser Optical Pickup, capable of reading a Super Audio CD or conventional CD depending on the exclusive wavelength.

Quicker track access performance enabled by an advanced servo mechanism.

A Multi-Channel Management function that allows you to adjust the multi-channel playback environment according to the allocation and size of your speakers.

A Super Audio D/A Converter, which allows higher-quality sound reproduction.

A Super Audio CD can mark up to 255 track numbers. This feature applies to SCD-XE597.

The supplied remote is capable of controlling both the SCD-XE597 and a conventional Sony CD player

 

Compatible Disc Types:  Super Audio CD and Audio CD

 

Super Audio CD is a new high-quality audio disc standard where music is recorded in the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format (conventional CDs are recorded in the PCM format). The DSD format, using a sampling frequency 64 times higher than that of a conventional CD, and with 1-bit quantization, achieves both a wide frequency range and a wide dynamic range across the audible frequency range, and so provides music reproduction extremely faithful to the original sound

 


Specifications

When a Super Audio CD is played

Playing Frequency Range:  2 Hz to 100 kHz

Frequency Response:  2 Hz to 40 kHz (–3 dB)

Dynamic Range:  100 dB or more

Total Harmonic Distortion Rate:  0.0035 % or less

Wow and flutter:  Value of measurable limit (±0.001 % W. PEAK) or less

When a CD is played

Frequency Response:  2 Hz to 20 kHz

Dynamic Range:  96 dB or more

Total Harmonic Distortion Rate:  0.0039 % or less

Wow and flutter:  Value of measurable limit (±0.001 % W. PEAK) or les

Output Level/Impedance

Phono Jack Analog 5.1 Ch Out : 2 V (RMS at 50 k ) / over 10 ko

Square Optical Digital CD Out Optical :  -18 dBm / Light emiting wave length 660 nm)

General

Laser:  Semiconductor laser (Super Audio CD: λ= 650 nm) (CD: λ= 780 nm)

Emission Duration:  continuous

Power Requirements:  230 V AC, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  15 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 × 95 × 283 mm incl. projecting parts

Weight  (approx.):   3,1 kg

JVC HA-SU7 headphones

Headphones for Surround Processor

 

Specifications

Type: Moving coil

Unit Diameter:  30 mm (front); 23 mm (rear)

Nominal Impedance:  40   (front); 32   (rear)

Sensitivity:  100 dB/1 mW (front)

Frequency Response:  20 - 18,000 Hz (front)

Max. Input Capability:  100 mW (front)

Cord Length:  5 m (16,4 ft) with 3,5 mm Stereo miniplug

Weight:  170 g (6,1 oz) without cord; 280 g (10,2 oz) with cord

Accessories:  6,3 mm dia. Plug adapter (converts stereo miniplug to stereo phone plug)  x 2

Meridian 551 amplifier


Meridian 551 Integrated Amplifier

Features:

Dual-mono construction

Six adjustable-sensitivity audio inputs

Separate headphone amplifier allows you to enjoy music without disturbing others

High quality MM or MC phono stages available

Preamp audio output using low distortion volume control

RS232 for external control

 


The Meridian 551 Integrated Amplifier uses a dual-mono construction similar to the 556 and 557 Stereo Power Amplifiers but includes a high-quality preamplifier similar to the 501.

The preamplifier provides six audio inputs, each of which can be individually adjusted for sensitivity, and identified on the four-character alphanumeric display. A very high quality MC or MM phono stage is available as an option for the dedicated LP input.

The power amplifier uses a unique feedback topology and precision local error correction system. It is designed and constructed in dual mono format, including a massive twin wound toroidal transformer. A separate headphone amplifier and a speaker on/off facility allow you to enjoy music without disturbing others.

 


Specification

Total Harmonic Distortion :  less than 0.05%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

High-Level Analogue Inputs :   less than –90 dB

Phono MM Input :  less than –70 dB

Phono MC Input :  less than –60 dB

MM Option :

Sensitivity :  adjustable 0.5 – 3 mV for 5 cm/s at 1 kHz.

Overload Point :  47 mV at 1 kHz.

Cartridge Load :  47 k  ( 100 pF)

MC Option:

Sensitivity :   adjustable 38 – 210 μV for 5 cm/s at 1 kHz.

Cartridge Load :  220  (10 nF)

Inputs (5 phono inputs)

Sensitivity :  adjustable 27– 150 mV

Impedance :  20 k  

Power Outputs (2 outputs)

55 W per channel into 8  

80 W per channel into 4   

Volume Control:  99 steps of 1 dB

Output Level:

Tape : 1,5 V

Headphone :  2 V maximum output.

Comms:  Two 5-pin 240° DIN sockets, RS232 interface.

Construction:  Black textured enamel and glass finish. Side heatsinks from black painted aluminium.

Dimensions (W x H x D) : 321 x 88 x 332 mm (12.64" x 3.46" x 13.07")

Weight:  10 kg (20 lbs)

Controls: Front-panel controls for Source, Copy, Spkrs, Mute, Display, Volume up/down, Off.

Front Display: 4-character dot matrix LED display.

Denon DRA-550 receiver

A blend of convenience and performance for the Age of Digital Audio; Denon's Powerful DRA-550 Receiver

The DRA-550 combines the convenience of tuner/amplifier integration with the high performance of separate components. It easily handles the demanding dynamics of today's digital and hi-fi video sources through the extensive use of highly advanced circuitry in the amplifier section. The tuning section outperforms many separate tuners in both sensitivity and fidelity. The DRA-550 redefines what audiophiles have come to expect from a receiver.

Specifications

Amplifier Section

Continuous Power Output :  30 =50 W at 8 (IEC65; Temperature limit output)

Power Bandwidth (IHF):  5 Hz - 40,000 Hz (T.H.D. 0,05% both channel driven at 8 )

Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz to 20 kHz):  0,0095% (-3 dB power into 8 )

Damping Factor:  more than 80 (at 1 kHz, 8 )

Frequency Response:

Phono MM :  20 - 20,000 Hz ±0,5 dB  (RIAA Standard Curve)rec Out

Phono MC :  50 Hz - 20,000 Hz ±0,5 dB

Tape, Video, DAD :  20 - 50,000 Hz ±1,5 dB

Input Sensitivity/Impedance

Phono MM :  2,5 mV/47 k  

Phono MC :  0,25 mV/ 100  

Tape, Video, DAD :  150 mV/33 k  

Maximum Input Level (at 1 kHz)

Phono MM :  150 mV

Phono MC :  15 mV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A):

Phono MM :  5,0 mV (Input 86 dB)

Phono MC :  0,5 mV (Input 86 dB)

Tape, Video,DAD :  95 dB

Tone Controls:

Bass :  ±8 dB at 100 Hz

Treble :  ±8 dB at 10 kHz

Loudness :  Variable 50 Hz/10 kHz +10 dB/+5 dB

Subsonic Filter :  15 Hz -6 dB/oct

FM Tuner Section

Receiving Range:  87,5 - 108 MHz

Usable Sensitivity:  1,0 µV (11,2 dBf)

50 dB Quieting Sensitivity:

Mono :  2,0 µV (17,2 dBf)

Stereo :  23 µV (38,5 dBf)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Mono :  82 dB

Stereo :  80 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

Mono :  0,1% at 1 kHz

Stereo :  0,3% at 1 kHz

Capture Ratio:  1,5 dB

Image Rejection:  75 dB

AM Suppression:  60 dB

Selectivity:  70 dB

Frequency Response;  30 Hz - 15 kHz +0,2/-1,5 dB

Stereo Separation:  45 dB at 1 kHz

AM Tuner Section

Receiving Range:  520 - 1611 kHz

Usable Sensitivity:  18 µV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  55 dB

General:

Power Supply:  AC 220, 240 V 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  100 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  434 x 112 x 400 mm (17-3/32" x 4-13/32" x 15-3/4")

Weight:  7,9 kg (17 lbs 6 oz)

Denon DRA-350 receiver


AM/FM Stero Receiver Denon DRA-350

The Audiophile Receiver with the Performance of Separate Components

One listen and you'll agree; the DRA-350 combines the convenience of tuner/amplifier integration with the high level of performance you've to expect only from separate components

 


Specifications

Amplifier Section

Continuous Power Output :  36 watts per channel minimum RMS, both channel driven at 8  from 20-20,000 Hz no more than 0,05% Total Harmonic Distortion

Power Bandwidth (IHF):  5 Hz - 40,000 Hz (T.H.D. 0,1% both channel driven at 8 )

Total Harmonic Distortion (20 Hz to 20 kHz):  0,03% (-3 dB power into 8 )

Damping Factor:  more than 80 (at 1 kHz, 8 )

Frequency Response:

Phono MM :  20 - 20,000 Hz ±0,5 dB  (RIAA Standard Curve)rec Out

Tape, Video, DAD :  20 - 50,000 Hz ±1,5 dB

Input Sensitivity/Impedance

Phono MM :  2,5 mV/47 k  

Tape, Video, DAD :  150 mV/33 k  

Maximum Input Level (at 1 kHz)

Phono MM :  150 mV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A):

Phono MM :  5,0 mV (Input 86 dB)

Tape, Video, DAD :  95 dB

Tone Controls:

Bass :  ±10 dB at 100 Hz

Treble :  ±10 dB at 10 kHz

Loudness :  Variable 50 Hz/10 kHz +10 dB/+5 dB

Subsonic Filter :  15 Hz -6 dB/oct

FM Tuner Section

Receiving Range:  87,5 - 108 MHz

Usable Sensitivity:  0,8 µV (9,3 dBf)

50 dB Quieting Sensitivity:

Mono :  1,8 µV (16,4 dBf)

Stereo :  23 µV (38,5 dBf)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Mono :  82 dB

Stereo :  80 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

Mono :  0,07% at 1 kHz

Stereo :  0,12% at 1 kHz

Capture Ratio:  1,2 dB

Image Rejection:  45 dB

AM Suppression:  60 dB

Selectivity:  55 dB

Frequency Response;  30 Hz - 15 kHz +0,2/-1,5 dB

Stereo Separation:  50 dB at 1 kHz

AM Tuner Section

Receiving Range:  520 - 1710 kHz

Usable Sensitivity:  18 µV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  55 dB

General:

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

Power Consumption:  110W / 210 VA / 100 W

Power Outlets ( non included for European Systems):

Switched :  1 x 100 W

Unswitched :  1 x 250 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  434 x 112 x 400 mm (17-3/32" x 4-13/32" x 15-3/4")

Weight:  6,8 kg (15 lbs)

Technics RS-M18 cassette deck

Advanced Cassette Recording and Playback

 

FL Bar Graph Peak Meters

Unlike conventional VU meters, the FL bar graph peak meters of the RS-M18 give you true peak indication with faster response and greater accuracy. There are no needles to bounce, and no over-shooting. What you see is an accurate indication of signal strength which is also proportional to the length of the display. Also, being fluorescent, the individual meter segments are bright and easy-to-read, even in daylight.

 

Rewind Auto-Play

This handy function saves you the trouble of having to press the play key after rewinding the tape. Simply depress the self-locking play and rewind keys simultaneously, the RS-M18's Rewind auto-Play function does the rest, automatically releasing the rewind key and playing back the tape when the beginning is reached.

 

Separate 3-Position Bias and EQ Selectors

With the RS-M18's separate bias and equalization selectors, you can select almost any high-quality tape now on the market and get excellent recording results with each. There are provisions for Normal, CrO₂, and FeCr tapes. In addition, the separate bias switch lets you select "medium" or "high" bias (along with the 120 µsec equalization setting) to accommodate the numerous "high-bias ferric" tapes that are now available.

 

High Torque DC Motor

The RS-M18 gets its remarkable wow and flutter rating of 0,06% WRMS from an electronically controlled  DC motor and precision-ground flat belt. Assisting the motor in doing its job is a high-inertia, dynamically balanced flywheel. This assures high motor torque transfer to the capstan for outstanding speed stability over extended periods of operation.

 

LH Record/Playback Head

The exceptional toughness and magnetic properties of the RS-M18's permalloy LH head give it excellent performance with negligible wear, noise and distortion. Delivering the full capabilities of the LH head is a low-noise, high-linearity equalizer amp. And to help provide clean recordings every time, this is teamed with a highly efficient double-gap ferrite erase head.

 

Dolby NR System

When the Dolby encoding/decoding circuit is used, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio is improved 10 dB. Tape hiss is all but eliminated, as noise is reduced to one-third of the non-Dolby level. In the process,, dynamic range is raised to the level of high fidelity.

 

Mic/Line Input Selector

You can make live recordings with the RS-M18 by using the 'mic' input position and optional external microphones (such as Technics; own excellent mikes). In the ;line; position, you can record directly from your turntable, tuner or another tape deck. In this position, the high-gain microphone amplifier is bypassed, which contributes to a high Signal-to-Noise Ratio.

 

Cue/Review Controls with "Quick Review"

This handy function hepls you quickly lockate the beginning of any desired section on the tape, and immediately play it back. When you depress either the fast-forward or rewind key in the play mode, the tape is transported quickly while the playback head is kept in contact with it. This way you can hear the recorded sections, or more important, the silent gaps between them. Releasing the fast-forward or rewind key at any one of these gaps causes playback to begin immediately "Quick Review" also works in the rcord mode for fast chacking of recording quality.

 

Oil-Damped Soft Loading and Ejection

An oil-damped cassette door provides smooth, gentle tape loading and ejection. This avoids physical shock to the transport mechanism.

 


Specifications

Track System:  4-track, 2-channel stereo rec/Power Bandwidth

Motor:  Electronically controlled DC motor

Heads:  2- head system

1 x LH head for rec/Power Bandwidth

1 x Double  gap ferrite head for erasing

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/sec (1-7/8 ips)

Wow and Flutter:  0,06% (WRMS)

Frequency Response

Normal Tape :  30 - 14,000 Hz

CrO₂ tape :  30 - 16,000 Hz

FeCr Tape :  30 - 16,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (signal level =max recording level, CrO₂, FeCr type tape)

Dolby NR In :  66 dB (above 5 kh)

Dolny NR Out :  56 dB

Fast Forward/Rewind Time:  approx. 90 sec with C-60 cassette tape

Inputs Sensitivity?Impedance:

Mic :  0,25mV/8 k  (applicable 400  - 10 k )

Line :  60 mV/ 47 k

Outputs Level/Impedance

Line :  420 mV/ 2 k

Headphone :  65 mV/ 8

Bias Frequency:  80 kHz

Power Supply:  AC 120 V 50-60 Hz

Power Consumption:  13 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 142 x 268 mm ( 16-7/8" x 5-5/8" x 10-1/2")

Weight:  4,8 kg (10 lbs 10 oz)

Technics RS-M245X cassette deck

 

They don't just reduce tape noise. They eliminate it. Technics cassette decks with Dolby B,C and dbx

This remarkable model M245X of Technics cassette decks represents an important technological advance in the fight against tape noise. Because unlike other decks that give you only one or the other, Technics now gives you; Dolby B noise reduction for compatibility with your present tape collection. Dolby C for compatibility with the new "C" encoded tapes. And dbx to eliminate virtually every decibel of audible tape noise. All in one deck.

-dbx is effective because it compresses a musical signal so its dynamic range is cut in half. When the tape is played back, the original dynamic range is restored, but the noise level is pushed below the level of audibility.

This allows loud passages to be recorded without distortion and soft ones without hiss.

These Technics cassette decks go on to give you computerized performance; microprocessor feather-touch controls. Music Select to automatically find any song on the tape. Music Repeat to replay a song up to 16 times. And a remaining time display to tell you how much recording is left on a tape.

In addition, there is automatic tape bias and EQ setting, expanded range (-40 dB to +18 dB) three-color FL meters to handle all the dynamic range dbx gives you, the accuracy and precision of two-motor drive and more.


 

Specifications

Type:  2-head, single compact cassette deck

Track System:  4-track, 2-channel stereo Rec/Pb

Tape Speed:  4.8 cm/s

Wow and Flutter:  0.045% (WRMS)

Frequency Response:

Metal Tape :  20 - 20,000 Hz  (50 - 18,000 Hz ±3 dB)

CrO₂  Tape :  20 - 19,000 Hz  (50 - 17,000 Hz ±3 dB)

Normal Tape :   20 - 18,000 Hz  (50 - 16,000 Hz ±3 dB)

Dynamic Range:  110 dB (at 1 kHz) with dbx in

Heads:

1 x  AX (Amorphous) record/playback,

1 x  Double Gap Ferrite erase

Motors: 1 x Reel, and  1 x Capstan

Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal

Noise Reduction: B, C, DBX

Max. Input Level:  10 dB or more improved with dbx in (at 1 kHz)

Signal to Noise Ratio (signal level = max input level A weighted, CrO₂ tape):

Dbx in :  92 dB 

Dolby C NR In :  75 dB (CCIR)

Dolby B NR In :  67 dB (CCIR)

NR Out :  57 dB

Fast Forward/Rewind Time:  approx. 90 sec with C-60 cassette tape

Inputs Sensitivity/Impedance:

Line :  60 mV/47 k

Mic :  0,25 mV/400  - 10 k

Output Level/Impedance

Line :  400 mV / 1,5 k

Headphones :  125 mV / 8 o hm - 600  

Biaas Frequency:  80 kHz

Power Supply:  110,125,220,240 V AC 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  16 W - 22 W

Dimensions:  430 x 98 x 273 mm

Weight:  5.1 kg

Finish:  black or silver