Stereo Unexcelled Preamplifier with virtually
unmeasurable distortion Sony TAE-8450.
Sony has
utilized important advances in audio trchnology, the finest materials and
meticulous craftsmanship to to construct the
TAE-8450 - a preamplifier which
satisfies demands for the highest quality in a home music systemm, or a
professional sound reinforcement system. From an engineering standpoint, the
TAE-8450's design and circuitry are innovative, yet highly refined. From a
listening and operating standpoint, the engineering breakthroughs mean the
highest degree of sonic fidelity and the simplest, most precise means of
control. An operating test should reveal
even more, such as the unit's excellent transient and phase response, which can
be fully appreciated when musical signals are heard.
Optical peak
Reading meter.
The TAE-8450
is equipped with an elaborate, professional metering system, providing visual
readings of the actual peak value of complex musical signals for both left and
right channels. Until now, this type of metering system has been used only in
the most modern hi-fi systems.
Circuitry
and performance Highlights.
The
TAE-8450's measurable specifications, such as frequency response,
signal-to-noise ratios and distortion levels, are all excellent. Transient and
phase response, measurable under laboratory conditions, but perhaps more
meaningfully evaluated under musical conditions, are also excellent. Sony's new
direct coupled DC amplifiers, with highly stable FET differential circuitry,
are used as unit amps and as buffer amps, assuring consistently good response
to complex waveforms at all frequencies. These newly designed amplifiers are
used for phono equalization, flat amplification and for tone control. The unit
amplifier consists of an N-channel FET differential circuit, coupled directly
to a PNP transistor differential circuit. The output from the PNP circuit is
then connected directly to a buffer amplifier. This arrangement brings critical
performance factors close to the theoretical ideal. Highinput impedance and low
output impedance are realized, along with ultra low distortion levels. Both
harmonic and IM distortion are
practically nonexistent, measuring 0,03% and 0,05% respectively, at the rated
output level of 1 volt. And they are only 0,1% at an output level of 14 volts.
In fact, distortionis so low that the residual distortion of measuring
instruments themselves often interferes with making an absolutely accurate
aeasurement. Wide frequency response, as well as superior transient and phase
response, are also assured by the advanced new circuitry.
Frequency
response curves for high level inputs are ruler flat from 10 Hz to 100 kHz,
while phono equalization is also unusually impressive, corresponding to the
RIAA curve ±0,2 dB. Such precise
equalization is obtained by using an
independent amplifier unit with negative feedback for turnover below 1 kHz, and
another amp unit plus a shut RC filter to rolloff above 1 kHz. In addition,
phono inputs are directly coupled to the equalizing amp, providing faithful
response over a wide dynamic range, and excellent transient and phase response
with any phono cartridge used.
The
comprehensive phono input system also allows two turntables to be hooked up
simultaneously, and the front panel selector permits easy switching. Each
input has a sensitivity selector switch
for a 1,5 mV input and a 4,5 mV input. In addition, the phono 2 input has a
booster position for extra low level cartridges (0,16 mV). Termination
impedance for phono 2 can also be selected - 50 k Ω or 100 k Ω for 1,5 mV or 4,5
mV, and 10, 30, 100 or 1,000 ohms for the 0,16 mV position. S/N ratios are high for all phono
inputlevels: 75 dB with an input sensitivity of 4,5 mV, 70 dB for 1,5 mV, and
60 dB for phono "low", with an input sensitivity of only .16 mV. The
last figure is achieved with the use of new, low noise NPN type transistor,
designed specially for ultra low signals. This front stage transistor is
coupled directly to two Darlington connected PNP transistors, assuring a good
signal-to-noise ratio while obtaining necessary gain. The need for an external
step-up transformer is thus eliminated. There is also ample headroom above the
rated input level; 400 mV for the 4,5 mV input, 140 mV for the 1,5 mV input,
and 13 mV for the.16 mV input.
Features
Differential
FET amplifiers.
Dual optical
peak level meter.
5 semifixed
input level controls.
Phono
sensitivity and impedance selector.
Special
booster amplifier for extra low level output cartridges.
Direct
coupled FET differentioalamplifiers and buffer amps in equalizer and tone
control stages.
Direct
coupled phono input circuit.
Tape
monitoring for 2 recorders and independent tape dubbing switch.
Professional
attenuator type volume control with switch for 20 dB instant muting.
Highlight
Features
Unexcelled
performance characteristics, including superior transient and phase response.
Optical peak
reading level meter.
Comprehensive
control and connection facilities for exceptional operating flexibility.
Specifications
Peak program
Meter 9at PEAK mode):
Frequency
Response: 30 Hz - 30,000 Hz +0 -3 dB
Response
Range: -50 dB — +5 dB (0 dB =1 V RMS),
with the Meter Sens switch pulled … -30 dB — +25 dB
Response
Time: 1 millisecond at PEAK mode
Frequency
Response:
Phono 1,
2 :
RIAA equalization curve ±0,2 dB
Mic, Tuner
: 20 Hz - 20 kHz +0 -3 dB
Aux 1, 2, 3
: 10 Hz - 100 kHz +0 -1 dB
Tape 1, 2
: 10 Hz - 100 kHz +0 -1 dB
Ext Adat.
: 10 Hz - 100 kHz +0 -1 dB
Tone
Controls (11 steps, each 2 dB):
Bass : ±10
dB at 50 Hz (Turnover frequency at 250
Hz)
Bass : ±10
dB at 100 Hz (Turnover frequency at 500 Hz)
Treble : ±10
dB at 10 kHz (Turnover frequency 2,5 kHz)
Treble : ±10
dB at 20 kHz (Turnover frequency 5 kHz)
Filters
Low : 12 dB/octave below 10 Hz or 40 Hz
High : 12 dB/octave above 9 kHz or 20 kHz
Resence
Control: +3,5 dB at 1 kHz
Residual
Noise: less than 70 µV (with Volume set
fully counterclockwise, Tone to mechanical-mid position, Filters to Off,
presence to Off)
Harmonic
Distortion: less than 0,03% at rated
output, 1 kHz
IM
Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz = 4:1): less
than 0,05% at rated output
Power
Requirements: 100, 120, 220, 240 V AC,
50/60 Hz
Power
Consumption: 22 W
AC
Outles: 2 switched 400 watts, 1
unswitched 400 watts
Dimensions
(W x H x D): 440 x 170 x 340 mm
(17-3/8" x 6-3/4" x 13-3/8")
Weight: 11,8 kg (26 lbs) , net