Sony PS-X555ES turntable

The linear tracking tonearm is a major technological achievement in turntable design that has recently become both highly successful and quite popular. The reason for its nearly universal appeal is simple - it plays records exactly as they were originally cut, thereby eliminating tracking error, and improving both stereo separation and overall sonic fidelity. Unfortunately, despite its benefits, the linear tracking tonearm alos produces an unwanted (and often audible) side effect - resonance. The Sony PS-X555ES uses microcomputer technology to control resonance.

The Problem of Low Frequency Resonance

A conventional tonearm pivots at a stable, reinforced point. By contrast, the linear tracking tonearm moves along the groove towards the center of the disc as it plays. This means that it lacks a rock-solid foundation. Since this is the key to fighting the low-frequency resonance that's fairly common during disc playback, linear tracking tonearms are prone to this type of distortion.

Resonance can actually be quite disturbing in a listaning situation - its manifestations include distortion, rumble, howl, and an overall dulling of the musics impact. It's a serious problem with all linear tracking turntables - except those equipped with Sony's unique Biotracer tonearm. The Sony Biotracer is the first - and to date, the only - linear tracking tonearm that effectively combats the effects of low-frequency resonance.

Biotracer Technology for Improved Performance

How  does the PS-X555ES control resonance? It thinks. The Biotracer tonearm of the PS-X555ES is a dynamic device that is constantly driven by two microcomputer controlled motors. When the microcomputer senses any variation from the correct tonearm position, it instantly alerts the motors 9one for horizontal motion, one for vertical), and instructs then to adjust the tonearm's motion. Not only does this ingenious system relieve resonance problems associated with the linear tracking design, it also helps combat distortion caused by warps and eccentricities in the disc itself. And previously annoying imperfections such as tonearm skating and improper stylus force adjustments are automatically corrected as well.

The Biotracer Supports Freedom of Choice

And the Biotracer does still more. With most turntables, your choice of cartridges is greatly limited - the tonearm accepts only a narrow range of cartridge mass and compliance. Butthat's not the case with the Biotracer. Because it is so effective in overcoming low-frequency resonance, the Biotracer permits you to install just about any cartridge you like. With most turntables, the choice of cartridge must be based on the equipment - with the PS-X555ES, you can select your cartridge according to its sonic characteristics.

Incorporates Many Other Design Innovations

Furthermore, all the special technology that's made Sony turntables so popular is also found on the PS-X555ES. That includes our Brushless Slotless (BSL) motor, recognized for its accuracy and reliability. Plus, Sony's quartz lock direct drive with magnedisc servocontrol ensures rotational precision. And height-adjustable gel-filled feet, combined with Sony's non-resonant SBMC base, resist acoustic feedback.

Naturally, all the convenience and performance features that have made the linear tracking design so popular are included in the PS-X555ES. For example, you can control the movement of the tonearm without ever raising the dust cover, and without risking damage to the record or the stylus - cueing and indexing are accomplished with front-panel feather-touch controls.

Specifications:

Tonearm Section

Tonearm Type:  Tangential Biotracer

Effective length:  130 mm (5-1/8")

Overall Arm length:  213 mm (8-3/8")

Tracking Error:  ±0,07°

Tracking Force Range:  0,5 - 2,5 grams

Cable Capacitance:  60 pf/meter; (87,5 pf total)

Usable Cartridge Weight (including Headshell):  10 - 19,5 grams

Supplied headshell:  7,2 grams

Turntable Section

Motor:  Linear BSL

Drive System:  Direct-drive

Control System:  Quartz lock control, magnedisc servo control system

Wow and Flutter:

WRMS :  0,025%

FG Direct :  0,015%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:  78 dB (DIN-B)

Speed Accuracy:  better than 0,0003%

Start-up Time (at 33-1/3 rpm):  1/2 rotation

Platter Diameter:  320 mm (12-5/8 inches)

Platter Weight;  1,2 kg (with rubber mat)

Speeds:  33-1/3 and 45 rpm

Electromagnetic Breaking:  yes

Power Requirements:  AC 120 Volts , 60 Hz

Power Consumption: 23 Watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 100 x 425 mm (17" x 4" x 16-3/4")

Weight:  7,4 kg (16 lb 5 oz)

Sony TC-K555ES cassette deck

Quite simply, Sony wanted to build a deck goodenough to be a part of the ES system. Se we addressed each of the three essential issues concerning cassette deck design - the heads, the transport, and the noise reduction system. Each was designed and constructed incorporting the most advanced technology available today.

A Third Head for Better Performance

Let's begin with the heads - the TC-K555ES employs a unique Independent Suspension three-head design. The record head has been designed with the wide head gap that is essential for wide dynamic range recordings, while the playback head retains the narrow gap required for accurate high frequency response. This is in sharp contrast to the glaring compromises of a two-head deck, in which a single head gap must adequately accommodate both requirements - an impossible task.

Superior Sound without the Struggle

Three-head design has been the cornerstone of superior cassette performance.  Unfortunately, in the past, three-haed decks have required critical and nearly constant azimuth adjustment to be effective. But Sony's inventive three-head design places the record and playback heads in close proximity to one another, eliminating the need for cumbersome azimuth adjustments. Yet the heads still remain physically distinct 9for optimized performance) and magnetically shielded from one another 9for minimal crossfeed). And Sony's exclusive independent Suspension design improves tape contact and azimuth accuracy, while reducing flux leakage. Result? Outstanding (and adjustment-free) performance.

The heads also combine an amorphous core material (whose irregular molecular structure provides superior magnetic performance) with modern laser construction technology to assemble the heads with exceptional precision. These laser Amorphous (LA) heads assure you superior sound and long life.

More Innovative Transport Technology

Another problem often associated with cassette decks is the distortion caused by inaccurate tape transport. A common manifestation of transport imperfection is called modulation noise. Sony's closed-loop dual capstan transport combats this problem. We've placed a capstan on either side of the tape path to isolate the tape passing across the heads form external influences 9such as the spooling motor). And, as a bonus, head-to-tape contact is also improved and performance remains consistent from one end of the tape to the other.

The Beautiful Sound of Silence

Perhaps the most heralded recent achievement in cassette deck technology is in the field of noise reduction - specifically, the development of Dolby C. and it's an impressive accomplishment, to be sure. With no more effort than simply flipping a switch, you can reduce the tape hiss in its most annoying frequencies by nearly 20 dB. The TC-K555ES lets you experience the wonder of Dolby C, while still providing compatibility with your tapes recorded with Dolby B - the older noise reduction system is included as well. And an anti-saturation circuit improves treble headroom by up to 4 dB, which makes proper recording utterly simple.

The TC-K555ES also includes a variety of convenience features, such as auto play; memory play; feaather-touch full-logic controls; a fluorescent Concentrated Display; variable bias for tape types I, II and II; and a Linear Counter that accurately reveals elapsed tape time in all transport modes (including rewind and fast forward). But it is most impressive for its unsurpassed basic performance and remarkable sonic capabilities.

Specifications

Fastforward/Rewind Time:  80 sec C-60

Wow and Flutter (WRMS):  0,04%

Frequency Response (±3 dB, re-20 dB)

Metal Type IV  :  25 Hz - 18,000 Hz

FeCr  Type III :  25 Hz - 18,000 Hz

UCX Type II :  25 Hz - 17,000 Hz

AHF Type I :  25 Hz - 17,000 Hz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (re 3% T.H.D., peak Wtd):

Dolby Nr Off

Metal Type IV  :  60 dB

FeCr  Type III :  62 dB

UCX Type II :  59 dB

AHF Type I :   56 dB

Dolby B NR On

Metal Type IV  :  67 dB

FeCr  Type III :  69 dB

UCX Type II :  66 dB

AHF Type I :   63 dB

Dolby C NR On

Metal Type IV  :  73 dB

FeCr  Type III :  75 dB

UCX Type II :  72 dB

AHF Type I :   69 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion (at 1 kHz, re 0 dB record level):  0,8% (Type IV, Type II)

Crosstalk (1 kHz):  60 dB between tracks

Separation (1 kHz):  35 dB between channels

Input Sensitivity

Line :  77,5 mV (50 k Ω) - 20 dB

Output Level

Line :  435 mV (10 k Ω) -5 dB

Headphone level (8 Ω):  -20 dB to - 50 dB

Power requirement:  AC 120 V, 60 Hz

Power Consumption:  26 watts

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 105 x 285 mm (17' x 4-1/4" x 11-1/4")

Weight:  6,1 kg (13 lb 8 oz)

Sony CDP 705ESD (1987-1989)

The ES Series:

The next step in digital audio, from the creator of the compact disc.

Sony has been the leader in both professional and home digital audio for over a decade. With such breakthroughs as PCM processors, Compact Disc Players and Digtal Audio Tape recorders. Now, the Sony ES engineerss, a dedicated group who are above the compromise between technology, convenience and price, have created the ES Series. Each component in the ES Series represents an ES engineer's dream. Once you.ve heard them, you'll want to own them.

The ES Series: Proof positive that Sony is still the leader in digital audio.

When the ES engineers created the ES Series, they had permanence in mind. These components will please their owners for years to come. All ES components, including our integrated amplifiers, tuners, cassette decks and digital processors, are designed with meticulous detail and built with extreme care. That's why Sony backs each ES component with a three-year parts and labor limited warranty.

The CDP-705ESD:

A new benchmark in a series of reference standard Compact Disc players.

like all the new Sony ES Series CD Players, the 705ESD offers 4X oversampling and full 16-bit dual D/A converters. But as an ES Digital component, the 705ESD must provide even more. Such as special waveform shift circuits that avoid crossover and notch distortion at low voltage levels for superb linearity. Or an advanced digital-to-analog converter deglitcher that improves music resolution at all listening levels. Most important of all , the 705ESD has a direct digital output stage for the digital needs of tomorrow.

Direct Digital Output: A Sony first that connects the present to the future.

In 1985, Sony pioneered the concept of processing data through an outboard D/A converter, to avoid the normal restrictions imposed by chassis size, signal path integration and heat degradation. Now, any digital music source can be reproduced with more depth, detail and imaging than ever before.

Specification:

4X oversampling digital filter; 16-bit dual D/A converters; deglitcher stage; Unlinear Converter "master clock"; linear phase filters; Error Prediction Logic; aspheric optical lens; Linear Motor tracking; low-resonance G-Chassis; dual power transformwrs; Optical Transfer stage; digital output

SPECIFICATIONS

System: Compact Disc digital audio system

Disc: Compact Disc

Laser: Semiconductor laser (λ = 780nm)

Laser output: Max. 0,4 mW

Spindle speed: 200 rpm to 500 rpm (CLV)

Scan velocity: 1,2 - 1,4 m/sec.

Error correction: Sony Super Strategy Cross Interleave Reed Solomon Code

Number of channel: Two

D/A conversion: 16-bit linear

Frequency response: 2 - 20,000 Hz ±0,3 dB

Signal to noise ratio: More than 106 dB

Dynamic range: More than 97 dB

Harmonic distortion: Less than 0,0025% (1 kHz)

Channel separation: More than 100 dB (1kHz)

Wow and flutter: Below measurable limit

Output jacks:

LINE OUT FIXED:

Max.output level: 2 V (50 kΩ)

Load impedence: More than 10 kΩ

Output impedance: 200 Ω

LINE OUT VARIABLE:

Max. output level: 0 - 2 Vrms (50 kΩ)

Load impedance: More than 30 kΩ

Output impedance: 200 - 2,5 kΩ

DIGITAL OUT:

Max. output level: 0,5 Vp-p

Load impedance: 75 Ω

Output impedance: 75 Ω

HEADPHONES:

Max. output level: 28 mW (variable, max)

Load impedance: 32 Ω

Disc

Track pitch: 1,6 μm

Sampling frequency: 44,1 kHz

Quantization: 16 bit linear quantizing/channel

Modulatio system: EFM

Transfer rate: 2,03 Mbit/sec. (before modulation)

General

Power requirements: 120 V AC, 60 Hz

Power consumption: 20 W

Power requirements: 220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz

Dimensions: 430 x 125 x 395 mm, (17 x 5 x 15⁵⁄₈ inches)

Weight: 14,1 kg, (31 lb 1 oz) net

Sony TA-E77ESD (1987-1989)

The ES Series:

The next step in digital audio, fromthe creator of the compact disc.

Sony has been the leader in both professional and home digital audio for over a decade. With such breakthroughs as PCM processors, Compact Disc Players and Digtal Audio Tape recorders. Now, the Sony ES engineerss, a dedicated group who are above the compromise between technology, convenience and price, have created the ES Series. Each component in the ES Series represents an ES engineer's dream. Once you.ve heard them, you'll want to own them.

The ES Series: Proof positive that Sony is still the leader in digital audio.

When the ES engineers created the ES Series, they had permanence in mind. These components will please their owners for years to come. All ES components, including our integrated amplifiers, tuners, cassette decks and digital processors, are designed with meticulous detail and built with extreme care. That's why Sony backs each ES component with a three-year parts and labor limited warranty.

The TA-E77ESD:

The future of digital signal processing.

The TA-E77ESD preamplifier provides three digital inputs for direct interfacing with both current and future digital components, plus decoding at three different sampling rates. It also has a digital processing loop for high-quality recording. The 4X oversampling, 16 -bit, dual D/A converters are totally shielded in a copper subchassis that prevents spurious noise from affecting the analog circuits. Direct coupling of the D/A converter simplifies the signal path and minimizes internal interference.

The TA-E77ESD includes many features that are difficult to find on other preamplifiers at any price. Even a programmable infrared Remote Commander that controls any brand of audio and video component with infrared operation.

Specification:

Decodes 32kHz/44,1kHz/48kHz sampling rates; 3 digital inputs;digital output stage; digital processing loop; 4X oversampling digital filter; 16-bit dual D/A converters; copper-shielded subchassis;direct-coupled D/A stage; low-resonance G-Chassis; separate audio/video signal paths; high-resolution (S-video) input/output terminals; REC OUT selector

AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS

Total harmonic distortion: 0,001% (at rated 20-20,000 Hz output)

Intermodulation distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz = 4:1): 0,001% (at rated output)

Residual noise: Less than 10μV (network A)

Requency response:

PHONO MM: RIAA equalization curve ±0,2 dB

TUNER, CD, TAPE, VIDEO, ADAPTOR IN: 3 Hz - 300 kHz +0 -3 dB

Input sensitivity:

PHONO MC 3 ohms: 0,17 mV, 100 ohms,

PHONO MC 40 ohms: 0,17 mV, 1 kohm

PHONO MM: 2,5 mV, 50 kohms

TUNER, CD, AUX, TAPE, VIDEO, ADAPTOR IN: 150 mV, 50 kohms

Max. Input capability (1 kHz):

PHONO (1 kHz, THD 0,003%): 9 mV (MC); 150 mV (MM)

S/N (network):

PHONO MC (0,5 mV): 83 dB

PHONO MM (5 mV): 95 dB

TUNER, CD, AUX, TAPE, VIDEO, ADAPTOR IN: 105 dB

Output voltage impedance:

REC, VIDEO, DAT, ADAPTOR: 150 mV 1 kohm

HEADPHONES: 45 milliwatts at 8 ohms (accepts low and high impedance headphones)

PRE OUT: 1,5 V, 47 ohms G-AEP model : 1,5 V 200 ohms

Tone controls:

BASS at 100 Hz: -4 +3,5 dB (turnover freq. 200 Hz); -6 +7 dB (turnover freq. 400 Hz)

TREBLE at 10 kHz: -7,5 +7 dB (turnover freq 3 kHz); ±3,5 dB (turnover freq. 5 kHz)

Subsonic filter: 6 dB/octave attenuation below 15 Hz

VIDEO SPECIFICATION

Input: Voltage 1 Vp-p, impedance 75 ohms

Output: Voltage 1 Vp-p, impedance 75 ohms

S-Video IN, VIDEO 1, 2:

Luminance signal: Voltage 1 Vp-p, impedance 75 ohms

Chroma signal: Voltage 0,286 Vp-p, impedance 75 ohms

S-Video OUT, VIDEO 1, MONITOR:

Luminance signal: Voltage 1 Vp-p, impedance 75 ohms

Chroma signal: Voltage 0,286 Vp-p, impedance 75 ohms

DIGITAL SPECIFICATIONS

Digital input (phono jacks): Impedance 75 ohms, input level (sensitivity) 0,5 Vp-p ±20%

Digital output: Impedance 75 ohms, output level (voltage) 0,5 Vp-p ±20%

GENERAL

System: low-noise FET high gain NFB type equalizer amplifier, low noise FET, Double-stage differential, push-pull output, flat amplifier passive type direct tone control

Number of channels: 2 (stereo)

Demodulation (D/A conversion): 16-bit linear

Frequency response: 5 Hz - 20 kHz ±0,5 dB (input digital signal sampling freq. 44,1 kHz, 16-bit operation)

Harmonic distortion: Less than 0,004% at 1 kHz (input digital signal sampling freq. 44,1 kHz, 16-bit operation)

Dynamic range: More than 95 dB ( input digital signal sampling freq. 44,1 kHz, 16-bit operation)

Channel separation: More than 90 dB

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

AC outlets: 400 W max.

Dimensions: (W x H x D) 470 x 130 x 370 mm, (18½ x 5¼ x 14½ inches)

Weight: 13 kg, (28 lb 11 oz)

Sony TA-N77ES (1987-1989)

The ES Series: The next step in digital audio, fromthe creator of the compact disc.

Sony has been the leader in both professional and home digital audio for over a decade. With such breakthroughs as PCM processors, Compact Disc Players and Digtal Audio Tape recorders. Now, the Sony ES engineerss, a dedicated group who are above the compromise between technology, convenience and price, have created the ES Series. Each component in the ES Series represents an ES engineer's dream. Once you.ve heard them, you'll want to own them.

The ES Series: Proof positive that Sony is still the leader in digital audio.

When the ES engineers created the ES Series, they had permanence in mind. These components will please their owners for years to come. All ES components, including our integrated amplifiers, tuners, cassette decks and digital processors, are designed with meticulous detail and built with extreme care. That's why Sony backs each ES component with a three-year parts and labor limited warranty.

The TA-N77ES:

Apower amplifier worthy of the Sony ES name.

Even the most advanced components require superior amplifier performance. The TA-N77ES deliveres 200 watts of continuous power per channel into 8 ohms and has the operating stability to deliver 660 watts ofdynamic power into a 1 ohm load.

A Spontaneous Twin Drive design with separate voltage and current stages helps reduce cross-interference. And the oversized power transformer and high-current non-switching discrete output stage provide additional power on demand.

Specification:

200 watts per channel, both channels driven into 8 ohms, 270 watts per channel, into 4 ohms; Spontaneous Twin Drive (STD) design; 520 VA power transformer; non-conductive, low-resonance G-Chassis; high-current, non-switching discrete output stage.

System: Super legato linear, purecomplementary SEPP power amplifier, powerful power supply

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

Power consumption: 380 W (US model), 490 W (UK model)

Dimensions: (W x H x D) 470 x 185 x 440 mm, ( 18⁵⁄₈ x 7³⁄₈ x 17³⁄₈ inches)

Weight: 25 kg, (55 lb 2 oz) net

Continuous RMS power output (both channels driven simultaneously):

2 x 270 W (4 Ω, 20-20,000 Hz, THD 0,006%);

2 x 230 W (6 Ω, 20-20,000 Hz, THD 0,005%);

2 x 200 W (8 Ω, 20-20,000 Hz, THD 0,004%)

Dynamic power:

660 W, 1 ohm;

800 W, 2 ohms;

520 W, 4 ohms;

370 W, 6 ohms;

300 W, 8 ohms

Power bandwidth (IHF):

10 Hz - 100 kHz, (4 ohms, 0,02%)

10 Hz - 100 kHz, (8 ohms, THD 0,02%)

Dynamic haedroom ('78 IHF):

2,8 dB (4 ohms);

1,8 dB, (8 ohms)

Total harmonic distortion:

0,004%, (4 ohms at 10 watt output);

0,003%, (6 ohms at 10 watt output);

0,018%, (8 ohms at 10 watt output)

Intermodulation (IM) distortion (60 Hz: 7 kHz = 4:1):

0,006%, (4 ohms at rated output);

0,005%, (6 ohms at rated output);

0,004%, (8 ohms at rated output)

Damping factor: 100 (8 ohms, 1 kHz)

Slew rate: 150V/μsec, 300 V/μsec (iside)

Residual noise: 1 Hz - 200 kHz, +0 -3 dB

Input sensitivity: 1 V, 30 kohms

S/N (network) 78 IHF: 120 dB (A)