Technics SL-B100 turntable

Technics SL-B100

FG Servo Belt-Drive Turntables with P-Mount System

Manual Turntable (SL-B100)

If you prefer a traditional manual turntable with its money saving value, there is the SL-B100. The front-panel cueing control lets you easily raise and lower the tonearm for control at the beginning and end of a record. You retain the full benefits of Technics FG servo motor belt-drive and other features basic to high fidelity disc reproduction.

Gimbal Suspension

The new straight low-mass tonearms on the SL-B100 feature our precision 4-point gimbal suspension which reduces friction to a mere 7 mg in both directions of rotation. The result is very high sensitivity for excellent groove tracking. The arm itself is crafted of lightweight aluminum alloy with high rigidity.

FG Servo Motor for Accurate Platter Rotation

These turntables feature a very sophisticated belt-drive system featuring an FG Servo DC motor. Speed vs. reference voltage comparison circuitry detects and instantly corrects any deviations. This applies to both large and small variations in platter speed. Therefore, you are assured of constant speed from the beginning to the end of the record. And wow and flutter are minimized to avoid unnatural warbling or other modulation distortion.

The belt itself is manufactured to resist changes in temperature or humidity. So you enjoy long-term dependability, year after year.

Electronic Soft-Touch Controls on Front Panel

All controls including cueing are outside the dust cover so you have easy access without danger of knocking the tonearm across a record. Start/Stop and speed (33-1/3 or 45 rpm) buttons are of the comfortable soft-touch type that assures quick positive control

Electronic Speed Switching

many belt-drive turntables use stepped pulleys and mechanical belt shifters to change from 33-1/3 to 45 rpm or vice versa. Naturally, this shortens belt life and lessens overall reliability since there are more moving parts.

The SL-B100 depend on completely electronic speed switching which is quick, smooth and silent.

Pitch Control and Illuminated Stroboscope

These turntables are equipped with pitch controls, that let you vary speed away from the set standard. This is useful if you are into music and want to analyze a section at slightly slower speed or if you want to "tune" the record to match your own instrument pitch. Strobe markings and a stroboscope let you return to exactly standard speed when desired.

TNRC Base Construction

The turntable base may appear similar to others, but actually it's made of an exclusive material called TNRC. This is a Technics non-resonant compound that absorbs vibrations, damps resonances, and shuts out acoustic feedback. The result is clear sound quality, with virtually no sonic garbage introduced by external vibrations.

Additional Features on the SL-B100

Aluminum diecast rigid gimbal suspension support portion.

Precisely adjusted tracking force and antiskating for perfect matching with T4P cartridges

Ultra-slim design.

Specifications

SL-B100 Manual Turntable

Type:  Belt-drive

Motor:  FG Servo DC motor

Speed Change method:  Electronic Change

Turntable Speeds:  33-1/3 and 45 rpm

Variable Pitch Control:  ±6% adjustment range

Turntable Platter:  Aluminum Diecast

Diameter :  304 mm (12")

Wow and Flutter  0,045% WRMS (JIS C5521) ± 0,06% peak (IEC 98A weighted)

Rumble:  -70 dB DIN B (IEC 98A weighted)

Tonearm Section

Type:  Plug-in connector straight tonearm static-balanced type with oil-damped cueing

Effective length:  230 mm (9-1/16")

Overhang:  15 mm (19/32")

Tracking Error Angle

At the Inner Groove of Record :  +0° 32'

At the Outer Groove of Record :  +2° 32'

Effective mass:  7,5 g (without cartridge)

Tracking Force:  1,25 g

Applicable Cartridge Weight Range:  6 g

General

Power Supply:  AC 120 V 60 Hz

Power Consumption:  3 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):   430 x 93 x 375 mm (16-15/16" x 3-21/32" x 14-3/4")

Weight:  3,3 kg (7,3 lbs)

 

Technics SL-P7 CD player

Technics SL-P7

Compact Disc Player

Not only does it have all the basic benefits of its predecessor, the SL-P10, but it boasts several new features for more convenience and dependability than ever before. Like multi-function soft-touch controls for an uncluttered appearance and uncomplicated operation. The fail-safe disc loading mechanism reflects Technics' dedication to making compact disc use effortless and carefree. The SL-P7 employs an improved semiconductor laser pickup and exclusive LSI circuitry. It provides the flexibility of a conventional manual turntable, the convenience of a fully automatic, and the simplicity that has made technics famous. All in one compact digital component. There's even a built-in accessory terminal for easy connection with external components of the future. The SL-P7. A second generation CD player from technics. What will we think of next?

Full-Function Simplicity

For a full-function CD player, the SL-P7's control panel looks remarkably modest. But don't let it fool you. Every key has at least two functions, so you get maximum control and simplicity at your fingertips.

Open/Close Key

Rather than the noisy "eject" mechanism of many tape decks, the SL-P7 has a motor-driven loading compartment that opens or closes with one light touch. And even if you're "all thumbs", this fail-safe compartment will close if accidentally pushed, and open if anything is caught inside.

Play Key

To save time, push this key and the compartment will close and the disc will begin playing automatically. Press, once more to restart play.

Pause/Stop Key

Tap this key lightly and the music will pause, just like an ordinary tape deck. Hold it down longer and play will stop, returning the laser pickup to the beginning of the disc.

Search/Index Keys

These bar keys move the laser pickup wherever you want on the disc. In either direction. The "fine cueing" feature searches at three times normal speed. After three seconds, "coarse cueing" accelerates the search to thirty times normal speed. Low volume cueing sounds make it easy to locate desired points on a disc. With discs that include index data, these keys perform up/down index search, too.

Skip Keys

To jump ahead three songs, press the right key three times. To jump backward, press the left key. The laser pickup knows where each track begins and ends. it's that simple. And if you hold the key down, the laser scans at high speed.

Repeat Key

Instant replays are easy as one-two-three with the SL=p7. Press once to repeat the entire disc, twice to repeat the song in play. and three times to cancel the repeat function.

Optional Audio Timer

So you can enjoy automatic disc play anytime you want, the SL-P7 is designed to work with most any audio timer, too. No fancy programming is necessary.

Advanced Circuitry and Optical Deck

After years of research, technics has developed a new semiconductor circuitry system and an optical deck that is faster and an optical deck that is faster and more compact than ever before, 3 new LSIs correct errors according to the exclusive "Technics Super Decoding Algorithm" system that is designed specifically for CDs. A 16-bit high speed D/A (digital-to-analog) converter with 4 new ICs and 2 new microprocessors assures a most accurate replica of original sound.

FL Digital Display

An easy-to-read fluorescent monitor indicates track number, elapsed playing time, and index number. Load a disc, and in seconds it displays total number of tracks and total playing time. And whether you're in play, search, skip, or pause mode, it lets you know precisely where you are on a disc.

Other Highlights

Built-in accessory terminal for easy connection with external components of the future.

Motor-driven slide-out compartment with tinted window for disc viewing.

LED indicators for play, pause/stop, repeat, 1/all keys

Handsome design to match other Technics high quality components.

Specifications

Audio Section

Number of Channels:  2 stereo

Frequency Response:   4 Hz - 20 kHz +-1 dB

Signal-to-Noise-Ratio:   96 dB

Dynamic Range:  96 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than 0,003% (1 kHz, 0 dB)

Channel Separation:  more than 90 dB

Wow and Flutter  Unmeasurable

Signal Format

Samplig Frequency:  44,1 kHz

Error Correction System :  Technics Super Decoding Algorithm

Decoding:  16-bit linear

Pickup

Lens Type :  Astigmatic 3-beam

Beam Source : Semiconductor laser

Wavelength :  800 nm

General Section

Power Supply:  AC 120 V 60 Hz

Power Consumption:  30 W

Output Voltage:  2V (0 dB)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  315 x 88 x 325 mm (1-1/2" x 3-15/32" x 12-25/32")

Weight:  4,9 kg (10,8 lbs)

 

Techics SL-P170 CD player

Technics SL-P170

Programmable Compact Disc Player

A New generation of CD Player using the MASH PWM Digital-to-Analog Converter

Linear Motor Transport

Multi-Function FL Display with Music Matrix

MASH Multi-Stage Noise Shaping

A new generation of CD Player using the MASH PWM DAC

We're entering a new era in digital audio - the MASH era. The SL-P170 and all new Technics CD players for 1990 are equipped with the new MASH PWM digital-to-analog converter system.

Technics's MASH PWM DAC helps improve low-level signal reproduction, and not just during quiet passages. Even during loud passages ambience and timbre are reproduced more accurately by the multi-stage noise-shaped pulse width modulation digital-to-analog converter. The standard for the future of compact disc fidelity is MASH.

MASH PWM digital-to analog converter LSI (MN6474) comprises a 4-DAC configuration and a 4-times oversamplig 16-bit digital filter.

The MASH PWM DAC vs. Conventional DAC

An ordinary digital-to-analog converter or DAC uses a "ladder" of resistors. Each "rung" has a different resistance, which corresponds to one of the digital bits in the compact disc system. The rungs are used in various combinations to produce 65,536 different possible voltage outputs. Unfortunately, the resistor value tolerances are extremely tight and cannot always be met. So differential nonlinearity and zero-cross distortion can exist even with laser trimming and 18-bit or 20-bit DAC designs.

However, The MASH PWM DAC avoids these problems. By using a high-speed switching device to reconstruct the analog waveform from digital data, the resistor-ladder network is history - and so are all of its problems/

Multi-Stage Noise-Shaping (MASH) Technology

In the MASH PWM DAC system, digital signal processing is used to prepare the 16-bit data from the compact disc for application to the PWM DAC. The MASH PWM DAC, developed by Technics engineers, applies multi-stage noise-shaping to shift requantization noise components from the audible energy spectrum to high-frequency extraneous areas, which will be eliminated by the final output filtration stages. Technics new DAC system combines both the benefits of MASH and PWM technology to eliminate differential nonlinearity and zero-cross distortion. The result is a more accurate reconstruction of the analog waveform for incredible sound reproduction.

Linear Motor Transport

The SL-P170 uses a linear motor to drive the laser pickup across the traverse mechanism. The linear motor is an expensive, precise way of moving the laser pickup, which provides remarkably accurate and responsive tracking of the microscopic data imbedded in the surface of the compact disc. often found in expensive compact disc players, linear motor transports are used by technics in all of our 1990 home component CD players. technics has used them for the past several years.

More Valuable Features

Dual Aspheric Glass Lens

4-DAC Design

4-Times Oversamplig 18-Bit Digital Filter

Edit Guide with Synchro Editing

The edit guide makes CD-to Tape transfer easy. First, you select a standard cassette tape length (C-60; C-46; C-90). The CD player will then check the disc and calculate which songs will best fit on each tape side. Synchro editing adds the convenience of simultaneous, linked operation when the CD player's editing jack is connected to the editing jack of selected technics cassette decks.

Multi-Function FL Display with Music Matrix

The 2-color fluorescent display provides useful information about programming and the disc in play. Simply press the time mode key to display the remaining or elapsed time. The Music Matrix will clearly show the programmed tracks and the track in play. When you're editing, the display will show which songs are assigned for recording on tracks A and B.

More Valuable Features

The SL-P170 features a remote control terminal for connection to selected technics wireless remote-controlled receivers via a supplied connection cord. This allows you to control the SL-P170 by the receiver's remote control

Auto-Cue

Random Access Programming

Specifications

Audio Section

Number of Channels:  2 stereo

Frequency Response:  2 Hz - 20 kHz +-1 dB

Signal-to-Noise-Ratio:   96 dB

Dynamic Range:  96 dB

Harmonic Distortion: 0,003%

Total Harmonic Distortion:  0,005%

Channel Separation:  94 dB

Wow and Flutter  Immeasurable

Digital Filter:  4-times oversampling

D/A Converter:  MASH 4-DAC system

Error Correction

Format :  technics Super Decoding Algorithm

Pickup

Lens :  Dual aspheric glass lens

Beam Source : Semiconductor laser

Wavelength :  780 mm

Traversa

System :  Linear Motor Transport

General Section

Power Supply:  AC 120 V 60 Hz

Power Consumption:  10 W

Output Voltage:  2V rms

Output Impedance:  1 k Ω 

Load Impedance:  More than 10 k Ω 

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 88 x 284 mm (16-15/16" x 3-15/32" x 7-7/32")

Weight:  3,5 kg (7,7 lbs)

 

Technics SB-4000 loudspeakers

 Technics SB-4000

Linear Phase Speaker System

The amazing waveform fidelity of the Technics Linear Phase speaker systems has now gained widespread attention. With the SB-4000 is a similar system . Yet it still retains the essential crispness and transparency of sound that characterizes its forerunners. As our oscilloscope tests have shown, sound pressure waveforms of musical instruments played through the Linear Phase system mirror almost exactly the original waveforms. This remarkable technological achievement came only after months of patient research by teams of dedicated audio specialists. The important elements of balanced tonality, finely etched transient response and excellent stereo imaging are all there, contributing tot a very convincing impression of live music.

Optimum speaker location By precisely aligning the acoustical centers of the speaker units and placing them physically as close together (while keeping them acoustically isolated). Technics engineers have succeeded in attaining phase linearity with even sound distribution. Moreover, the location of the units is finely tuned to compensate for slight phase shift in the crossover region. You will notice that the woofer is placed well away from the floor level to reduce boomy floor effects.

Vented Design for bass extension with excellent Power Handling

The SB-4000 is perfectly at ease handling Power up to 75 watts . And the High 91 dB efficiency assures ample volume, even with low power input. A surprisingly rich, solid bass response is achieved with a carefully tuned vented cabinet.

Specifications

Type:  2-way, 2-speaker bass-reflex system

Speakers:

Woofer : 200 mm cone type

Tweeter :  60 mm cone type

Impedance:  8 Ω

Power Handling Capacity:  75 W (Music) 50 W (DIN)

Output Sound-pressure Level:  91 dB/W (At 1,0 m)

Crossover Frequency:  2,500 Hz

Frequency Range:  45 Hz - 20,000 Hz (-10 dB)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  280 x  561 x 248 mm

Weight:  10 kg

Technics RS-M250 cassette deck

 Technics RS-M250

A new cassette deck from Technics, the RS-M250 , is packed with a tremendous variety of convenience and handling features. And, as with all technics cassette decks, its performance represents excellent value – the RS-M250 is capable of making recordings which are virtually indistinguishable from the original program source. In fact, on a price/performance basis, Technics products traditionally have compared quite favourably with those of our competitors. The new Technics cassette deck line is no exception – it offers outstanding value at all price levels.

Versatile Microprocessor

Simply turning on the power will show you that the RS-M250 is different from other cassette decks . notice, for example, the digital tape counter. The readout is large and bright, and can be seen from across the room. One count of the counter corresponds to 2 rotations of the reels. Yet it is more accurate than many similar devices because it includes 4 fractional divisions which break down the readout more precisely – half-turns of the take-up hub can be accurately measured. But the readout is only part of the story.

Suppose you want to repeat a track on the tape, or refer back to any point on the recording. It’s easy with the RS-M250 and its microprocessor. The memory has four settings; “stop”, “off”, “play”, and “repeat”/ in the “repeat” mode , you simply press the reset button at the point on the tape you want to recall. Then, a touch of the rewind button will return the transport to this spot, where it will automatically switch into play. If allowed to continue and play the remainder of the side, the microprocessor will then instruct the transport to return to “000” where, once again, playback begins. “Play” works the same way, except that it doesn’t repeat, and “stop” simply returns the tape to the “000” point without beginning playback. For checking recordings, or finding an exact point on the tape for future reference, the RS-M250 is a very convenient deck at a reasonable price.

Effortless, Error-Free Mode Changing

The transport controls are logic-controlled switches. There’s no need to use the stop button when changing modes – just go directly into any mode (except record), including rewind, fast forward, and play. And when recording, a touch of the record button also engages both the play and the pause mechanisms automatically – then just touch the play button to begin recording. Thus, you avoid the difficulties and inconvenience of having to engage all these controls separately and manually.

If you want even more convenient operation, use the optional RP-9645 remote control module. You can control all transport functions, plus record muting, from the comfort of your listening position. There is even a convenient front panel input jack for connecting the remote control unit; when not in use, a special cover protects the jack from dust and impurities.

Simple-to-Use Features

We believe that convenience features are worthwhile only if they are easy to use – all the RS-M250’s features can be engaged and used with a minimum of effort. For example, we provide a switch which allows the use of an external timer, and the hook-up is extremely simple – the entire operation can be controlled from the front panel. The same point of view explains the door on the cassette well.  It is removable for easy access to the heads for examination or cleaning. No bolts or screws – the door simply slides into place. As you can see, the RS-M250 is designed for simple operation of all functions.

Performance

Of course all the features in the world aren’t worth much if the deck lacks good basic performance characteristics. Fortunately, the RS-M250’s performance is superb, particularly in light of its modest price tag. A glance at the spec table will demonstrate our devotion to quality. And the tapes which you make with the RS-M250 will sound consistently clean, crisp, realistic, and natural. We have also included the necessary extras to ensure this excellent performance undervirtually any circumstances.

Meters

For example, our FL peak reading meters employ a peak hold readout – this means that peaks are retained on the meter for 2 seconds. Then the meters automatically reset until the next peak comes along. The 2 color readout clearly indicates the 0 dB point, so you can be sure that the recording level will always be accurate. Result? Tape recordings with low noise, low distortion, and superb fidelity.

Tape Selector Switch

Naturally, we have included a selector switch to set bias and equalization for metal tape , the latest technological advance in the cassette medium. This formulation also necessitated an improvement in the saturation flux density of the recording head itself – our improved SX record/playback head yields exemplary performance with any type of tape. The Sendust formulation also assures a long life for the head with only normal routine maintenance.

FM Recording

Recording a program from an FM signal source will also yield a very high quality recording. The front panel MPX filter switch removes the carrier pilot signal from the tape input, thereby avoiding the distortion associated with this signal.

The Technics RS-M250 – an excellent combination of fine basic performance and the features to make the deck flexible enough for a wide variety of applications. Plus, it includes something which has become a Technics tradition – outstanding value for the money.

Other Features:

2 motor drive system – one for driving the capstan and another powers the reels and the head block during transport mode switching. This system contributes to low wow and flutter and good reliability.

Input selector switch – allows you to choose between “line” and “mic” inputs. If “mic” is selected, you can utilize the 2 front panel microphone jacks.

Dual concentric input level controls – friction coupled knobs, for adjusting one channel at a time, or both together.

Output level control – useful for matching the volume output of the deck to that of your tuner and turntable, so there’s no need for repeated adjustments in volume

Specifications

Track System:  4-track, 2-channel stereo recording and playback

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/s (1-7/8 ips)

Wow and Flutter: 0,04% (WRMS)

Frequency Response

Metal Tape :  20 – 20,000 Hz  [30 – 17,000 Hz  ± 3 dB ]

CrO₂/FeCr Tape :  20 – 18,000 Hz  {30 – 16,000 Hz  ±3 dB ]

Normal Tape :  20 – 17,000 Hz  [30 – 15,000 Hz  ±3 dB ]

Signal-to-Noise-Ratio: 

Dolby NR In :  67 dB  (above 5 kHz)

Dolby NR Out :  57 dB  (signal level =max recording level, CrO₂/FECr type tape)

Fast Forward and Rewind Time:  Approx. 80 sec. with C-60 cassette tape

Inputs Sensitivity/Impedance

Mic :  0,25 mV/50 k Ω  (applicable microphone impedance 400 Ω  – 10 k Ω )

Line :  60 mV/ 47 k Ω 

Outputs Level/Impedance

Line :  700 mV/3 k Ω  or less (load impedance 22 k Ω  over)

Headphone :  85 mV/8 – 125 Ω 

Bias Frequency:  85 kHz

Motors 

1 electronically controlled DC motor for capstan drive

1 DC motor for reel table drive

Heads 

1 SX (Sendust  Extra) head for record/playback

1 double gap ferrite head for erasure

Power Requirements:  AC 120 V, 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  20 W

Dimensions (W x H x D): :  430 x 119 x 293 mm (16-7/8” x 4-3/4” x 11-1/2”)

Weight:  5,1 kg (11 lbs 3 oz)

Technics RS-B665 cassette deck

Technics RS-B665

Quartz Direct Drive Stereo Cassette Deck

the RS-B665 direct drive cassette deck clarifies the Technics technological lead in this realm. The motor uses an improved planar opposed design for its amazingly high torque while individual balancing of each flywheel prevents torque ripple. For precise servo control, the RS-B665 digitally compares the motor’s FG pulse to a quartz reference frequency. This direct comparison greatly improves rotational precision. So musical details come through in their original pure state.

2-Motor Tape Transport

A division of labor results in greater reliability of the tape transport mechanism. The high-torque DD motor drives the critical capstan, while a second motor drives the supply and take-up reels. Microprocessor full-logic control coordinates motor activity for smoothly integrated task performance.

Linear Magne-Field Class AA Circuit

Located after the recording amp. The Linear Magne-Field Class AA circuit overcomes the typical non-linearity occurring during electromagnetic transduction in the tape heads. The key is a refinement of the Technics Class AA circuit technique which prevents phase shift and avoids loss of mid-to-high frequency gain caused by head-coil inductance.

Dolby HX pro

HX Pro extends the headroom of virtually any tape, allowing it to record more high frequency information without overloading and causing distortion.

PXS Capacitors

Developed specially for improved sound quality. PXS capacitors are employed in various locations in the deck circuitry, including the power supply. This new technology helps preserve the fidelity of the original audio signal

Bias Fine Adjustment

You can “fine tune” the recording bias to maximize performance of your favorite tape formulations (Normal, cro2)

APRS (Advanced Precise Rec Level System)

Now APRS simplifies location of the ideal recording level. Since the meters hold the highest peak reached in your source program, you simply adjust the rec-level knob until the meters indicate the optimum setting. Great for use with the peak level search function in Technics CD players.

Dual-Range Peak-Hold Meters

For fine adjustments of recording level you can switch the meter range so that it indicates a range from -7 dB to +8 dB in 1 dB steps (instead of the usual -30 dB to +16 dB )

Linear Electronic Counter with memory Stop/Repeat

This 4-digit display shows elapsed tape time in minutes and seconds. Or you can switch it to work as a 3-digit counter. In whichever counter mode, you can have the tape stop automatically at the “00:00” or “000” position. Repeated play is also possible

More Valuable Features

microprocessor-controlled feather-touch operation

Phase Compensation Circuitry (PCC) in playback amp.

Dolby B-C NR systems

MPX filter on/off switch

Non-resonant TNRC base

Large insulating feet

Specifications 

Deck System:  Stereo cassette deck

Track System:  4-track, 2-channel

Heads

Rec/Play :  Permalloy head

Erasure :  Double-gap ferrite head

Motors

Capstan Drive :  Quartz direct drive DC motor

Reel Table Drive :  DC motor

Recording System:  AC Bias

Bias Frequency:  80 kHz 

Erasing System:  AC erase

Tape Speed:  4,8 cm/sec (1-7/8 ips)

Frequency Response: 

Normal :  30 Hz  – 16 kHz (± 3 dB ) [20 Hz  – 16 kHz  (DIN)]

CrO₂  :  30 Hz  – 16 kHz (± 3 dB ) [20 Hz  – 17 kHz  (DIN)]

Metal  : 30 Hz  – 18 kHz (± 3 db) [20 Hz  – 18 kHz  (DIN)]

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

Dolby C NR On :  74 dB  (CCIR)

Dolby B NR On :  66 dB  (CCIR)

Dolby NR Off :  56 dB  (A weighted)

Wow and Flutter:  0,05% (WRMS) ± 01,15% (DIN)

Fast Forward and Rewind Time:  appox. 90 sec C-60 tape

Input Sensitivity/Impedance:

MIC :  0,25 mV/400 Ω  -10 k Ω 

Line-IN :  60 mV/47 k Ω 

Output Voltage/Impedance

Line Out :  400 mV/800 Ω 

Headphones :  125 mV/8 Ω 

General

Power Consumption:  21 W

Power Supply:  AC 50/60 Hz , 240 V

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 135 x 290 mm

Weight:  4,9 kg (10,8 lb)

 

Technics SU-V6 amplifier

With this amplifier, you can obtain the best of both worlds. Technics' "New Class A" amplifier circuit combines class A output with stable load condition on all stages. Also, the undistorted sound quality of class-A and the efficient. High output power of class-B are available within a single amplifier. You don't have to trade efficiency and price for sound quality, or switching distortion for high output. The SU-V6's facts and figures support these claims: 70 watts per channel, both channels driven into 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to2O kHz with no more than 0,007%total harmonic distortion. The most important fact, though, is that this integrated amplifier's faithfully reproduced sound exhibits the effortless smoothness of true class-A amplification And yet all this is available at a fraction of a conventional class-A amplifier's cost.

 

New Glass A and Straight DC Provide Both Quality and Quantity

Quality of reproduced sound and quantity of output power are the two general aims we were striving to develop in the advanced circuitry incorporated in the SU-V6. To test the success of our circuit designs, we have employed a new method of analysis called 3DA (first used in the development of the SU-8099 integrated amp), which stands for "3-Dimensional Analysis." With the aid of a computer, this system enables us to test performance at 4,000 points and express the results in 3-dimensional graphic form. From our extensive research using 3DA, we have found that performance requirements within the audio spectrum are best satisfied by building amplifiers that exhibit good performance characteristics from 0 Hz (DC) at the bottom of the frequency range, all the way up to nearly 100 kHz in the ultra-high range ( it's undesirable to go much higher than this point, given currently available circuit components). To achieve performance within these considerations, we have used a number of advanced circuit configurations, the two most important of which are "New Class A" and "Straight DC."

 

New Class A with Synchro Bias for Better High Frequency Response

Transistor switching is a major cause of high frequency distortion in class B and class AB amplifier designs. ln class B designs, two output transistors are used for each channel. The "upper" transistor handles the positive  half of the waveform and the "lower" transistor handles the negative half. But problems occur when the signal crosses the zero point; one transistor turns off and the other turns on. During this crossover, "switching distortion" is  generated. This takes the form of brief pulses with very sharp peaks, which produce high-order harmonic distortion. NFB (negative feedback) does not cope with switching distortion effectively, despite its use fulness in combating ordinary forms of distortion. This switching distortion can also result in intermodulation distortion which muddies reproduced sound to a greater  degree than might be expected from a simple examination of an oscilloscope trace. In class A, the same transistor handles the entire waveform, but a large idling current is required to operate the transistor even when there is no audio input signal. Although this prevents any form of switching distortion, it also results in very low efficiency. Large heat sinks must be provided to dissipate the substantial amount of excess heat that is created. Price is corresponding high In our New Class A circuitry, the output transistor bias current is synchronized with the positive and negatives wings of the input signal so that the output transistors are always in an active state. With this remarkable circuitry, switching distortion is eliminated since the transistors are never allowed to switch off. Because of this synchronized operation, e call  his "synchro bias." Besides  preventing  switching  distortion in the output waveform, it also presents linear load conditions to the voltage amplification stage. Pre-driver load fluctuation is also minimized. The result is the virtual elimination of "crossover distortion."

 

"Straight DC" Configuration for Direct Coupling Between DC Power Amp Section and High Level Input Signals

The SU-V6's design takes full advantage of the excellent low-range frequency response, phase linearity, and low distortion inherent in our refined DC power amp design. By increasing the gain of the power amp section, we have made it possible to directly couple high level inputs, such as tuner, tape, and AUX sources, to the power amp input. The resulting improvement in low range fidelity is a good example of what can be achieved with an innovative, yet uncomplicated, approach to integrated amp design. In fact, you could view this configuration as simply a phono equalizer and a DC power amp.

While this characterizes the "simple is best" philosophy. Some additional innovations were necessary to obtain the desired performance goals. First of all, a high-gain amp is required to raise typical "high level" inputs of 150 mV- 200 mV to output levels of 70 W-100 W. Furthermore, any tendency toward  temperature dependent DC drift must be avoided since the amp's gain extends  all the way down to DC in the low range. To obtain high gain, Technics' SU-V6 amp employs a linear cascode, 3-stage Darlington configuration which provides excellent open-loop performance. As a result, only 45 dB  NFB is required to achieve the 0.007% THD rating at 70 W output. To combat DC drift, 1-chip dual FET's are used for the first stage differential amplifier. Since this prevents mutual temperature differences, DC drift is reduced to a mere ± 10 mV from -10°C to +50°C.

 

Concentrated Power Block (CPB) Prevents Distortion from Electromagnetic Induction

With the strikingly clean high range response obtained from our New Class A synchro bias circuitry, we made sure that nothing would interfere with proper performance under practical signal handling conditions. Our concentrated power block was developed to prevent electromagnetic induction between those portions of the circuitry which handle large amounts of current and those which handle smaller signals. The power supply and output stage were concentrated in one integrated unit to create the shortest possible connections. With the addition of low impedance laminated bus lines, the power supply loop was minimized. Another advantage of CPB is that it virtually eliminates significant  differences in performance between individual units. Consequently you can expect a maximum 0,007% THD for anv individual SU-V6 amp.

 

ICL Phono EQ Circuit Employing Ultra-Low Noise FETs Permits Direct MC Cartridge Connection

The first stage of the phono equalizer is a differential amplifier with ultra-low noise dual FETs. As a result, no input capacitors are necessary. A mere increase in equalizer gain, rather than an additional pre-preamp or step-up transformer, is all that is needed for MC cartridge compatibility. When the amp is in the straight DC mode, the only capacitor in the entire amp circuit, whether the input is MC or MM, is the EQ output capacitor.

 

Heavy Duty Power Supplies

In an audio amplifier the, power supply must be able to meet the changes in impedance presented by the speaker systems Depending on the frequency this figure can  range from below 4 ohms up to as high as 30 ohms for a speaker system rated at 8 ohms. In the SU-V6 independent rectifier and  ripple filter circuits are  provided for the left and  right channels to assure truly stable DC power. Furthermore the power transformer coils float in a special resin  within shielded cases to prevent power supply hum.

 

Independent Recording Selector with 2-Way Dubbing

With this versatile arrangement you can record from  one source while listening to another since the input and recording selectors are separate. Tape inputs are positioned on both the input selector and the recording selector so that you can record while listening to another source (such as a disc) if you wish.

 

Remote Action Switches Eliminate Excess Wiring

Remote action switches are employed on the input selector, recording selector, and phono selector. Therefore, switching takes place at the ideal location within the circuitry. This contributes to sound quality by minimizing the chances of signal degradation due to extensive wiring.

 

Specifications

Continuous Power Output

20 Hz - 20 kHz (both channels driven)

80 W x 2 at 4 Ω

70 W x 2 at 8 Ω

40 Hz - 16 kHz (both channels driven)

80 W x 2 at 4 Ω

70 W x 2 at 8 Ω

1 kHz ( both channels driven}

90 W x 2 at 4 Ω

74 W x 2 at 8 Ω

Total Harmonic Distortion Rated Power

At 20 Hz to 20 kHz

0,02% at 4 Ω

0,007% at 8 Ω

At 40 Hz to 16 kHz

0,02% at 4 Ω

0,007% at 8 Ω

At 1 kHz

0,01% at 4 Ω

0,007% at 8 Ω

Total Harmonic Distortion Half Power

At 20 Hz to 20 kHz : 0,007% at 8 Ω

At 1 kHz 0,003% at 8 Ω

-26 dB power at 1 kHz :  0,05% at 4 Ω

50 mW power at 1 kHz :  0,08% at 4 Ω

Intermodulation Distortion Rated Power

At 250 Hz  : 8 kHz = 4 : 1, 4 Ω  :  0,02%

At 60 Hz : 7 kHz = 4 : 1 SMPTE, 8 Ω  :  0,007%

Poer Bandwidth both channels driven, - 3 dB

T.H.D. 0,03%, 5 Hz - 60 kHz (4 Ω )

T.H.D. 0,02% , 5 Hz - 60 kHz (8 Ω )

Residual Huma and Noise (Straight DC):  0,3 mV

Damping Factor :  30 (4 Ω ); 60 (8 Ω )

Headphones Output Level/Impedance:  560 mV/330 Ω

Load Impedance

Main or Remote :  4 Ω  - 16 Ω

Main and Remote :  8 Ω  - 16 Ω

Input Sensitivity/Impedance

Phono MM :  2,5 mV/ 47 k Ω

Phono MC :  170 µV/47 k Ω

Tuner, Aux :  150 mV/36 k Ω

Tape 1, Rec/Play :  170 mV/39 Ω

Tape 2 :  150 mV/36 k Ω

Phono max. Input Voltage at 1khz (rms, T.H.D. 0,01%)

Mm :  150 mV

MC :  10 mV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Rated Power 4 Ω )

Phono MM :  78 dB (86 dB, IHF A)

Phono MC :  68 dB (68 dB, IHF A, 250 µV input)

Tuner, Aux :  92 dB (106 dB, IHF A)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (-26 dB Power 4 Ω )

Phono MM :  67 dB

Phono MC :  65 dB

Tuner, Aux :  68 dB

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (50 mW power 4 Ω )

Phono MM :  64 dB

Phono MC :  62 dB

Tuner, Aux :  65 dB

Frequency Response

Phono  :  RIAA standard curve ±0,5 dB (30 Hz - 15 kHz)

Tuner, Aux, Tape (Straight DC) : DC ~150 kHz (-3 dB) +0, -3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)

Tone Controls

Bass :  50 Hz ±10 dB

Treble :  20 kHz ±10 dB

High-Cut Filter :  7 kHz -6 dB/oct

Subsonic Filter :  20 Hz -12 dB/oct

Loudness Control (volume at -30 dB):  50 Hz -9 dB

Output Voltage/Impedance

Rec Out :  150 mV

Rec/Play :  30 mV/82 k Ω

Channel Balance:

AUX, 250 Hz - 6300 Hz :  ±1,0 dB

Channel Separation:

AUX, 1 kHz :  55 dB

General

Power Requirements:  AC 110/120/220/240 V 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  760 W

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 153 x 351 mm (16-15/16" x 6-⅓2" x 13-13/16")

Weight:  12,5 kg (27,6 lbs)

 

Technics ST-S7 tuner

A Quartz Synthesizer Tuner That ls a Worthy Source of High Fidelity

The ST-S7 tuner provides listening quality which will convince you that FM broadcasts can, in fact, be sources of superb sound. To achieve this high level performance, we have departed from conventional tuner design in several areas. Two of the most significant design elements are the incorporation of digital signal processing technology and the introduction of DC amplification and detection (which is impossible to achieve through conventional analog designs). Benefits of this design include improved stereo separation especially in the low-bass range, for a faithful reproduction of musical ambience. This is achieved along with a very high selectivity of 85 dB (±400 kHz) indicating no trade off of selectivity vs. Separation as is the case with conventional designs.

We've also taken full advantage of the quartz synthesizer's potential by providing an optional FM antenna tuning control with our remarkably effective SH-F101 compact room antenna. All this is contained in a sleek, slim tuner with a 43.6 mm (1-23/32") high front panel. In appearance as well as performance, the ST-S7 is an excellent match for the recently introduced Technics "New ClassA" amplifiers.

 

DC Amplification, DC Detection, and DC Stereo Decoding for Excellent Sound Quality

DC capability has recently been introduced to amplifiers. Even though tuners are intended to handle the same audio signals as amplifiers, little progress has been made, until now, in DC tuner technology.

The instability of the local oscillator frequency produces this situation. In a superheterodyne dial-type tuner, a drift in local oscillator frequency creates inaccuracy in the IF center frequency. This results in increased distortion, which is caused by DC voltage in the detector. In a conventional analog tuner, this "output without input" can be corrected, but not prevented. Analog tuners employ AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) to correct this problem, but AFC handles all the DC voltages in the detector stage as erroneous signals. This makes it impossible to provide amplification and detection down to DC.

Unlike the conventional analog tuners, a quartz synthesizer tuner's local oscillator frequency is stabilized by the extremely precise quartz oscillator frequency. Since there is no need for AFC, this makes DC amplification (including the RF stage, DC detection, and DC stereo demodulation) possible.

By taking advantage of the inherent potential of the quartz synthesizer approach, we have produced the world's first DC tuner. ln addition to such a significant innovation, we've also added other useful features which imorove performance, like a balance detector output tor connection to the MPX stage.

 

DC Peak Sample and Hold MPX Circuitry Excellent Stereo Separation

The ST-S7 exhibits very high FM selectivity of 85 dB (±400 kHz),a figure that is rarely matched with conventional designs. Normally, tuners with such high selectivity  have sacrificed in the areas of distortion and stereo separation. But in the ST-S7 the employment of DC peak-sampling holding circuitry has removed this design conflict. Wide stereo separation (55 dB at 1 kHz)  is achieved despite the high selectivity of 85 dB and distortion is only 0.15% stereo. The keys to success are DC capability in the detector and MPX stages and the digital sample/hold processing  of the 38 kHz stereo subcarrier, which replaces the conventional switching decoder method. Because of the high sampling rate, additional information is obtained from the stereo channels. Moreover, frequency separation is un affecled by the potential instability of the 19 kHz pilot signal until the point of complete detuning.

 

25 kHz Quartz Reference Frequency

The reference frequency of the ST-S7's quartz synthesizer tuner is 25 kHz; most other quartz tuners use a reference frequency of 5 kHz. This is but one measure of the ST-S7's superior performance. Although it may seem contradictory to find a reference frequency within an audio band, this arose because of the ready availability of an lC that was originally developed for car stereo tuners. When the 5 kHz reference frequency of this lC leak sin to the audio signal path, a low-level whistling sound is produced. Distortion may not be audible in the relatively noisy environment of an automobile; but it is undesirable, to say the least, in a high quality tuner like the ST-S7. Therefore, we developed our own lC specifically for quartz synthesizer tuners. This new lC produces a highly stable reference frequency of 25 kHz, safely above the audio frequency spectrum.

 

Back-to-Back High-Q Varactors and MOSFET Front End to Prevent lM Interference and Provide High Sensitivity

On a crowded FM band, it is particularly  important to eliminate lM interference (which is caused by interference of three nearby broadcast frequencies) in the tuner's RF stage.

In the ST-S7, our back-to-back varactors (equivalent to a four-ganged variable capacitor) control capacitance through an applied DC potential rather than the manually controlled variation in capacitance found in dial type analog tuners. These varactors exhibit a very high Q so that only the desired broadcast frequency is selected, and intermodulation products from nearby stations are effectively avoided. The 4-pole MOS FET RF amp provides superb sensitivity of 20 µV (78 Ω )/46 dB quieting.

 

IF Staqe Ceramic Filters Have Outstanding Group Delay

Characteristics to Provide High Selectivity and Low Distortion Selectivity is extremely important on a crowded FM dial. With conventional tuners, you have two choices: a wide lF band with low distortion or a narrow lF band with higher selectivity and higher distortion. Because of this, some tuner sare provided with switchable wide/narrow lF bands.

In this tuner, we have succeeded in achieving both low distortion and wide selectivity by using three very carefully manufactured and selected 4-element ceramic filters which have very flat group-delay characteristics. Without resorting to lF band switching, we've attained a very high selectivity of 85 dB (± 400 kHz), while distortion is a very low 0,1% (mono); 0,15% (stereo)

 

Extremely Easy and Accurate Tuning with Quartz Synthesizer Preset Buttons for a Total of 16 Stations, 8 AM and 8 FM, Plus Quartz Lock Indicator

Perhaps the greatest advantage of quartz synthesizer tuning is that virtually perfect tunig can be achieved easily and quickly. Moreover, this completely electronic tuning system readily lends itself to preset capability, thereby eliminating the need for signal strength or center tuning meters.

To "manually" tune the ST-S7, you just press the UP or DOWN button. This lets you electronically scan the dial as long as you keep either the UP or DOWN button pressed. When you reach the desired broadcast frequency, the locked indicator lights up, indicating that the station that you have selected is precisely tuned in.

 

Built-in Programmable Timer for On/Off Tuning of Three Programs

The Technics-developed micro processor. Utilized for our quartz-synthesizer tuning, is so powerful that it can also provide a programmable timer function. This allows you to program the tuner to tune in the stations  you want at the times you choose. The programmable timer can be set to turn two programs off and on every day, and an additional program for one particular time and day of the week. So the tuning of three programs can be left entirely to the tuner. The timer also controls the power to the tuner's switched AC outlet so that your amp or tape deck will turn on at the same time as the programs are tuned in.

This tuner is equipped with a 24-hour quartz clock which provides great accuracy (+ 10, -0 seconds per month). In fact, it can serve as a digital clock when the TUNER OFF button is pressed.

To program the timer, simply set the program selector to WRITE and Dress the preset buttons for the times you want. Of course, you can cancel in the middle of a program (CANCEL) or check your setting (READ). While listening to a program, you can check on the preset time by pressing the CLOCK CALL button. The time will be displayed for about five seconds; then the tuned-in station's frequency will reappear on the digital display.

 

Specifications

FM Tuner Section

Frequency Range:  87,5 - 108,0 MHz

Sensitivity

S/N 30 dB :  0.95 µV  (75 Ω )

S/N 26 dB :  0.85 µV  (75 Ω )

S/N 20 dB :  0.75 µV  (75 Ω )

IHF Usable Sensitivity :  0.95 µV  (IHF '58 )

IHF S/N 46 dB Stereo Quieting Sensitivity:  20 µV  (75 Ω )

Total Harmonic Distortion

MONO :  0,1%

STEREO :  0,15%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

MONO:  69 dB (77 dB IHF)

STEREO:  65 dB (72 dB IHF)

Frequency Response:

5 Hz - 18,000 Hz (+ 0,2 dB . - 0,5 dB)

5 Hz - l8 kHz (± 1,5 dB)

Alternate Channel Selectivitv: 85 dB (±400 kHZ); 55 dB (±300 kHz)

Capture Ratio:  1,0 dB

lmage Rejection (at 98 MHz): 80 dB

lF Rejection (at 98 MHz): 110 dB

Spurious Response Rejection (at 98 MHz): 95 dB

AM Suppression: 55 dB

Stereo Separation:  55 dB (at 1 kHz); 40 dB (at 10 kHz)

Carrier Leak:

At 19 kHz :  -65 dB (-70 dB, IHF)

At 38 kHz :  -48 dB (-50 dB , IHF)

Channel Balance:  250 Hz - 6300 Hz ±1,0 dB

Limiting Point:  0,7 µV

Bandwidth

iF Amplifier:  180 kHz

FM Demodulator:  1000 kHz

Antenna Terminals:  75 Ω  (unbalanced) F-type coaxial

AM Tuner Section

Frequency Range: 

530 - 1620 kHz (10 kHz step)

522 - 1611 kHz (9 kHz step)

Sensitivity:  30 µV , 250 µV/m

Selectivity:  55 dB

Image Rejection at 1000 kHz:  45 dB

IF Rejection at 1000 kHz:  50 dB

Timer Section

Clock:  Quartz-lock type 24-hour indication

Precision:  Within 0 to =10 sec. Monthly (at 25°C)

Function:  24-hour programmable every day: 2 times; once only: 1 time

Programmable Contenet:  Program source (FM,AM), Power On/Off timing; Designation of preset stations

Setting Intervals:  1 minute - 23 hours, 59 minutes

Priority Order:  Once, everyday 2, everyday 1

Memory "back-up":  about 3 months (without AC power)

General Section

Power Requirements:  AC 110/120/220/240 V 50/60 Hz

Power Consumption:  9,9 W

Batteries:  DC 45 V (3 "AA" size)

Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 53 x 310 mm (16-15/16" x 2-3/32" x 12-7/32")

Weight:  4,0 kg (8,8 lbs)