ACCUPHASE P-800 (JAPAN 1988)
The Accuphase P-800 is a Balanced Stereo Power Amplifier. Completely balanced powerful output stage consisting of two sets of 7 parallel push-pull transistor pairs, outstanding low-impedance drive capability, separate power supplies for left and right channels, balanced input. Accurate transmission of signals is indispensable in the reproduced sound fields; otherwise, we cannot even appreciate the reproduced music and in the worst case, we may not be able to perceive what we listen to as music but nothing more than collection of noises. Equally important for reproducing music, however is an amplifier that can correctly amplify even reverberation components to reproduced music, as if the music were being played by an orchestra right in front of you. Without such an amplifier, the atmosphere of beautiful and elegant music cannot be reproduced. It is therefore vital for a power amplifier to be able to yield power of high amplitude and, at the same time, to amplify minute signals superimposed on the electric signals it amplifies, with high fidelity. However, the power an amplifier can produce and its fidelity are, in many cases, in a mutual contradictory relation, and the higher power an amplifier can produce, the lower its fidelity in reproducing minute signals and reverberation components. The P-800 which was developed with Accuphase's technology that has already produced a superb monophonic amplifier, M-1000 is an exceptional power amplifier in this respect as it can yield a power of as high as 600 watts (into 4 ohm loads), but reproduce even reverberation components with high fidelity, which is not possible with most of the amplifiers on the market today. Its uses two power units in bridged configuration, forming a totally balanced amplifier, meticulous attention has been paid to every detail, and original Accuphase technology is used throughout, with the aim to improve quality especially at low signal levels. The impedance of loudspeakers on the market varies considerably, ranging from about 2 ohms to 16 ohms. With a direct-coupled amplifier, driving such a wide impedance range with equal aplomb is almost impossible. An output stage designed for optimum performance at 2 ohms will deliver less power into 8 to 16 ohms. Conversely, the performance of an amplifier optimized for about 4 to 8 ohms suffers at 2 ohms and it will not be capable of driving 1-ohms loads. The P-800 incorporates a special design to deal with a wide range of load impedances. The applied voltage of its output devices can be switched to a lower value, to provide the high current capability required by low-impedance loads. This results in a truly amazing guaranteed rating of 600 watts into 1 ohm and 400 watts into 2 ohms, with undiminished sound quality. To achieve such stunning performance the output stage of each power unit employs two sets of seven parallel push-pull pairs of wide-band transistors with a maximum power dissipation of 130 watts each. This amounts to 14 pairs or 28 transistors per unit, totaling a maximum power dissipation of 3,6 kilowatts. These truly astounding figures testify to the no-holds-barred Design approach of the P-800.
To let you monitor its performance, the P-800 incorporates two symmetrically arranged analog level meters. The output meters are large analog meters symmetrically arranged. They can directly read the output power in decibel units over a range as wide as from -60(0.0004 watts/8ohm) to+3 (800 watts/8ohm) dB. The meters can be activated and deactivated and the illumination of the meters can be turned on or off by a switch. Except for the power switch, all controls are located behind a hinged subpanel door in the lower section of the front panel. The panel is finished in brushed gold aluminium, giving the P-800 an appearance of simple elegance. The visual appeal of the amplifier is further enhanced by the side panels made of exquisite persimmon-wood. The beautiful and simple elegance of this amplifier's external appearance belies its awesome performance. But when turned on, it speaks unmistakably through music. Technical data: Continuous Average Power Output (20 to 20,000 Hz) Normal load operation (THD 0.01%) 600 W/ch 4 ohm, 400 W/ch 8 ohm, 200 W/ch 16 ohm | Total Harmonic Distortion 0.01% with 4-16 ohm load | Frequency Response: 20 to 200,000 Hz +/-0dB for rated output | Damping Factor: 200 | Signal to Noise: 125 dB | Dimensions: 481*239*489 mm | Weight: 47.2 kg.
To let you monitor its performance, the P-800 incorporates two symmetrically arranged analog level meters. The output meters are large analog meters symmetrically arranged. They can directly read the output power in decibel units over a range as wide as from -60(0.0004 watts/8ohm) to+3 (800 watts/8ohm) dB. The meters can be activated and deactivated and the illumination of the meters can be turned on or off by a switch. Except for the power switch, all controls are located behind a hinged subpanel door in the lower section of the front panel. The panel is finished in brushed gold aluminium, giving the P-800 an appearance of simple elegance. The visual appeal of the amplifier is further enhanced by the side panels made of exquisite persimmon-wood. The beautiful and simple elegance of this amplifier's external appearance belies its awesome performance. But when turned on, it speaks unmistakably through music. Technical data: Continuous Average Power Output (20 to 20,000 Hz) Normal load operation (THD 0.01%) 600 W/ch 4 ohm, 400 W/ch 8 ohm, 200 W/ch 16 ohm | Total Harmonic Distortion 0.01% with 4-16 ohm load | Frequency Response: 20 to 200,000 Hz +/-0dB for rated output | Damping Factor: 200 | Signal to Noise: 125 dB | Dimensions: 481*239*489 mm | Weight: 47.2 kg.
AKAI DA-P 9500 / DA-A 9500 (JAPAN 1989)
To celebrate its 60th anniversary AKAI created in 1989 a dream amplifier (sold as A&D in Japan). It was a 60 units limited edition Digital pre-power amplifier. Out of the 60 units made, 30 were sold in Europe. The AKAI DA-P 9500 pre-amplifier acts like a Digital Controller where the analog signal is converted to digital and the signal is transmitted in digital format to the power amplifier. There are 12 analog inputs, 4 digital coaxial and 4 digital optical. There is rec-out for tape, 2 vcr and 2 digital. The pre-amplifier has a digital parametric equalizer that can be controlled via the 2-way system remote. EQ settings can be easily visualized on the two-way remote controller's display. Dimensions: 466x154x445 mm Weight: 19 kg The AKAI DA-A 9500 is a 200 w/ch (FTC 20-20000Hz 8 ohm) power amplifier that has a built in D/A converter and can be used as an independent unit for digital sources and it can be controlled with its own remote control. Dimensions: 466x214x498 mm Weight: 35 kg. Original sale price was 30.000 DM in Germany.
LUXMAN M-6000 (JAPAN 1975)
Many High-Powered amplifiers do not necessarily have a good sound at normal listening levels however, high power is necessary to drive some loudspeakers to realistic sound levels. LUXMAN has overcome many problems associated with the high frequency performance by carefully optimizing every stage from the input to its full complementary output stage. This has necessitated the design of special high voltage high speed complementary transistors for the outputs. Protection of both loudspeakers and amplifier under adverse conditions is a necessity. That is why the M-6000 have incorporated Speaker Protection Circuitry that senses abnormal D.C. potential in the output, plus Amplifier Protection Circuitries by means of over-temperature power limiting and over-current limiting sensors. Special circuitry is used in the unlikely event of a single power output transistor failing to allow continued operation. With the M-6000 monitoring of the output is displayed in two ways - Large V.U. Meters read out the Average power and LED read out the equivalent Peak instantaneous power, which enables you to see the Dynamics of the Music you are listening to. A bronze anodized brushed aluminium is used for the front panel and incorporated in it is the 1dB level set controls, a large easy-to-use Power switch plate and meter function push buttons. The rear of the unit contains an exclusive "Honey-Comb" heat sink. All this gives a solid "feel' to the unit. The LUXMAN M-6000 was the first from the 50th Anniversary lineup of "Ultimate High-Fidelity Stereo" components introduced in 1975 and designed by Tim de Paravicini. Technical specifications: Power output 2x300 W (8 ohm, 20Hz-20Khz, 0.05% THD) | THD: 0.05% | Frequency response: 5Hz-50Khz | Dimensions: 570x425x220 mm | Weight: 52 kg. | Matching pre-amplifier: Luxman C-1000.
ONKYO GRAND INTEGRA M-510 (JAPAN 1984)
Introduced in 1984 the Grand Integra M510 was the biggest stereo amplifier built for home use by ONKYO. The M-510 has completely separate L/R channels all the way back to the power switch and AC cord. Each channel's power supply has two power transformers: one BIG toroidal unit with tremendous power capacity, and an "in-phase" transformer - which smooths out fluctuations in the charging currents. AC from the transformers is converted to DC by high-current rectifiers, and each channel has two massive 33,000 microfarad 100 volt filter/storage capacitors. A third, independent power supply provides DC energy for the front panel lights, protection circuitry and speaker relays. Meter sensitivity can be switched from normal to -10dB to get meaningful readings even at low power levels. The design is complemented with genuine wood side panels. No specifically matching preamplifier was built. Technical data: 300 W/ch (20Hz - 20 kHz 8 ohm) | Dimensions: 507x264x512 mm Weight 63 kg.
ROTEL RB-5000 / RC-5000 (JAPAN 1978)
ROTEL RB-5000, the POWER amp, is a work of art, free from all restraints to achieve finest and most transparent sound definition. Pure elegance. To partner this masterpiece there was the ROTEL RC-5000, the CONTROL amp, a state-of-the-art high-fidelity control amplifier. The quality of the controls and switches in handling and durability indicate the astounding sophistication of these components. The most advanced electronic circuits systematically laid out inside are made up of top-quality long-life materials and components and they give consistency in optimum performance. Technical data: 500 W/ch continuous power (min. RMS 8 ohm 20 to 20,000 Hz with no more than 0.009% THD) Dimensions: 483x210x430 mm Weight: 53 kg.
SAMSUNG (EMPEROR) M-30S / C-01
(KOREA-USA 1996)
Did you know that the world leader in electronic industry Samsung began their operations by producing noodles first?
Then how about some High-End audio products made in 1996?
Samsung made two sets of High-End audio components in 1996. Each set included a preamplifier, power amplifier and loudspeakers. The Samsung C-01 preamplifier and the M-30S 300W/ch Samsung power amplifier was the bigger set and they were partnered by the Samsung SP-01 loudspeaker. The amplifiers were designed by Mark Levinson and built by Samsung in Korea. It seems that they were intended to be sold as SAMSUNG products worldwide while on their domestic market they were branded as Emperor. There were two versions of the Samsung SP-01 loudspeaker. One model had the tweeter on the top and two midrange cones below, while the other one (final version?) had the tweeter between the two dome midranges. Unlike the electronics the loudspeakers were built in the U.S.A. by HALES (a now defunct loudspeaker manufacturer)
Then how about some High-End audio products made in 1996?
Samsung made two sets of High-End audio components in 1996. Each set included a preamplifier, power amplifier and loudspeakers. The Samsung C-01 preamplifier and the M-30S 300W/ch Samsung power amplifier was the bigger set and they were partnered by the Samsung SP-01 loudspeaker. The amplifiers were designed by Mark Levinson and built by Samsung in Korea. It seems that they were intended to be sold as SAMSUNG products worldwide while on their domestic market they were branded as Emperor. There were two versions of the Samsung SP-01 loudspeaker. One model had the tweeter on the top and two midrange cones below, while the other one (final version?) had the tweeter between the two dome midranges. Unlike the electronics the loudspeakers were built in the U.S.A. by HALES (a now defunct loudspeaker manufacturer)
STAX DA-300 (JAPAN 1974)
The STAX DA-300 is a high-powered Class A amplifier introduced in 1974. Its basic design concept is to realize the equation "Input=Output" in sound quality when the audio signal passes through the equipment. Advanced engineering and much effort in scrutinizing related parts succeeded in maintaining the total harmonic distortion less than 0.02% and in reproducing remarkably fidel and excellent sound. With its proven static and dynamic characteristics, the DA-300 is superbly compatible with such world-renowned loudspeakers as JBL, Altec, AR, Tannoy, etc. as well as Stax electrostatic loudspeakers. All protective circuits, such as protecting the amplifier from excess voltage input, abnormal DC flow, or overheating, and protecting loudspeakers in case of the amplifier failure, are cleverly engineered into the system.
DA-300 | Amplification that was only a dream until now. The world's finest power amplifier. Ask anyone who has heard it on the world's finest speakers. 150 watts RMS/ch pure class A power. Large, heavy, full features and protection circuits. $3,600.00 (... said the advert from 1976 ...) Apparently the matching pre-amplifier shown was only a prototype.
DA-300 | Amplification that was only a dream until now. The world's finest power amplifier. Ask anyone who has heard it on the world's finest speakers. 150 watts RMS/ch pure class A power. Large, heavy, full features and protection circuits. $3,600.00 (... said the advert from 1976 ...) Apparently the matching pre-amplifier shown was only a prototype.
TECHNICS SE-A1 / SU-A2 (JAPAN 1977)
By developing Class A+ operation that provided amazing 350 W + 350 W output power, Technics aimed to achieve the highest level of power amp performance with the SE-A1. Theoretically, Class A operation does not generate switching distortion or crossover distortion. On the other hand, it is low in efficiency, so it is difficult to produce a high-power Class A amp. The Class A+ operation employed in the SE-A1 was similar to the Class A operation, which constantly requires electric current, but with floating ground potential. This system supplied high voltage from a separate power supply amp as needed in sync with the audio signal amplitude. This achieved high output power without using a forced air-cooling fan, thus enabling a compact housing. The SE-A1 was a full-fledged DC amp, and boasted excellent waveform transmission performance. The active thermal servo circuit suppressed DC drift. The power supply section featured a dual monaural structure with four power supply units per channel for a total of eight power supply units. The peak meter was a quick-response type. The SE-A1 and SU-A2 were made-to-order, and only one unit was produced per day. The SE-A1 developed in pursuit of the highest possible performance had a considerable impact on the industry.
SU-A2 Stereo Control Amplifier: Using Class A operation in all stages, the SU-A2 was completely free of switching and crossover distortion, and realized low distortion and a high S/N ratio. Featuring the DC amp structure, the SU-A2 used no capacitors and achieved faithful waveform transmission. From the Phono MM input to the output terminals, the rated distortion factor was 0.003% in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (at 1-V output). The SU-A2 was provided with a low-noise dual FET for MM and a newly developed low-noise transistor for the MC preamp. Use of the active thermal servo amp minimized DC drift. Despite the multi-functionality, the simplified wiring and switches in each section offered minimal crosstalk. The universal frequency equalizer was configured with four elements in each channel for a total of eight elements. The SU-A2 was highlighted as the most advanced, top-level control amp of the day."
SU-A2 Stereo Control Amplifier: Using Class A operation in all stages, the SU-A2 was completely free of switching and crossover distortion, and realized low distortion and a high S/N ratio. Featuring the DC amp structure, the SU-A2 used no capacitors and achieved faithful waveform transmission. From the Phono MM input to the output terminals, the rated distortion factor was 0.003% in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (at 1-V output). The SU-A2 was provided with a low-noise dual FET for MM and a newly developed low-noise transistor for the MC preamp. Use of the active thermal servo amp minimized DC drift. Despite the multi-functionality, the simplified wiring and switches in each section offered minimal crosstalk. The universal frequency equalizer was configured with four elements in each channel for a total of eight elements. The SU-A2 was highlighted as the most advanced, top-level control amp of the day."
VICTOR SERIES-1000 (JAPAN 1975)
The Laboratory 1000 Series was introduced by Victor (JVC Japan) in 1975. This series was specifically developed by Victor Lab Center for commercial use such as studios. Each component was carefully selected, only high reliability parts were used. The heart of the Laboratory 1000 System is the JM-S1000 stereo power amplifier featuring a large toroidal transformer, large 47,000 μF x 2 capacitors and 6 transistors per channel are used in a push-pull circuit. Large PEAK-VU meters dominate the front panel with separate left-right level adjustment while secondary functions are located behind a flip-down panel. In September 1970, JVC successfully developed the CD-4 Discrete 4-Channel Record for the first time in the world. Ever since that time JVC has been devoting itself to improvement of the system and as a consequence the partnering pre-amplifier of the Laboratory 1000 series is a 4-channel pre-amplifier, the JP-V1000. In order to fully benefit form a CD-4 Discrete 4-Channel source the Laboratory 1000 System also contains the necessary CD-4 demodulator, the CD4-1000. Technical data JM-S1000: 180W/ch 8ohm 20Hz-20kHz, Bridged mono 540W 8ohm | THD 0.08% | Dimensions 478x212x488 mm | Weight: 30.5kg | Original sales price aprox. 7200 DM.
YAMAHA MX-10000 / CX-10000 (JAPAN 1987)
This YAMAHA pre-power amplifier combo was part of the Limited Centennial Edition #10000 Series introduced in 1987. The Limited Centennial Edition line of stereo components included the MX-10000 Amplifier, the CX-10000 Control Amplifier, the CDX-10000 Compact Disc Player, the HX-10000 Phono Equalizer Amplifier, the NSX-10000 Speakers. The MX-10000 is Yamaha's finest ever pure Class A operation amplifier, with sound quality characteristics approaching perfection. This is the ultimate Class A, surpassing all performance limitations. The one serious drawback to Class A operation has been finally eliminated, thanks to Yamaha's HC Class A circuit. The HC Class A circuit is elegantly simple, consisting of just two dual transistor circuits. The HC Class A circuit converts input current perfectly into positive and negative hyperbolic characteristics at a high speed. To put it briefly, the MX-10000 constantly delivers pure Class A operation without switching and without cut-off for all power domains and into all loads. Class A operation is assured in large current output operation with a superior dynamic power range.
Rated output is at 300W x 2 into 6 ohms, and dynamic power is an awesome 1,200W x2 into 1 ohm. Eight high-power MOS FETs (four pairs of Toshiba 2SJ123 and 2SK442) are used in each channel in a quadruple push-pull arrangement in the output power stage to provide the HC circuit with low-load Class A operation. Developed exclusively for the MX-10000, these MOS FETs permit large-current high-speed operation. The power MOS FETs are controlled by multiple carrier control, resulting in excellent wide-range amplification characteristics, with none of the problems caused by switching distortion. Although the awesome figure of 1,200 watts per channel of dynamic power into 1 ohm is impressive, the resulting music's overwhelmingly grand, yet smooth quality is even more so. In addition to the HC Class A circuit, there is a pre-drive voltage amp which amplifies the voltage of the very weak input signals that are directly connected to the input terminals and provides Class A operation the same as in the output stage. This means a high through-rate of 500 V/µsec at this stage and a gain of 30 dB, reducing negative effects due to noise. Moreover, with low impedance, the anti-noise characteristics are improved remarkably. The result is exceedingly pure high-power amplification, featuring 0.0005% distortion and an S/N ratio of 132 dB.
The MX-10000 incorporates power buffer amplifiers which supply the power required for the Class A output stages with power MOS FETs. This Class A configuration using Yamaha original dual amplifiers solves the heat-radiation problems that can occur during Class A operation. To supply a large power output promptly to the output stage, the power buffer amplifiers use high ft power transistors with superb audio characteristics in a sextuple push-pull configuration, six for N CH and six for P CH, i.e. 12 in each channel (Sanken's 2SA1216 and 2SC2922). Since this dual-amplifier Class A configuration adopts non-current grounding which is used only for determining the ground potential, amplifier operation instability due to current flow into the ground is eliminated. The MX-10000 is constructed of highly-rigid, non-magnetic material. The front panel of extruded aluminum is half an inch thick. Even the weight and design of the screws have been carefully analyzed, in order to ensure that rigidity is uniformly applied throughout.
The partnering CX-10000 is not a pre-amp in the conventional sense. Nor is it a conventional analog pre-amp in any sense. Instead, the CX-10000 is a true control amplifier because it offers vastly more control over the final sounds you hear than was possible with any of its predecessors. And it is a true digital control amplifier here Digital input is received directly without analog conversion. Signal is digitally processed with the help of Digital Parametric Equalization and Digital Sound Field Processing.
Rated output is at 300W x 2 into 6 ohms, and dynamic power is an awesome 1,200W x2 into 1 ohm. Eight high-power MOS FETs (four pairs of Toshiba 2SJ123 and 2SK442) are used in each channel in a quadruple push-pull arrangement in the output power stage to provide the HC circuit with low-load Class A operation. Developed exclusively for the MX-10000, these MOS FETs permit large-current high-speed operation. The power MOS FETs are controlled by multiple carrier control, resulting in excellent wide-range amplification characteristics, with none of the problems caused by switching distortion. Although the awesome figure of 1,200 watts per channel of dynamic power into 1 ohm is impressive, the resulting music's overwhelmingly grand, yet smooth quality is even more so. In addition to the HC Class A circuit, there is a pre-drive voltage amp which amplifies the voltage of the very weak input signals that are directly connected to the input terminals and provides Class A operation the same as in the output stage. This means a high through-rate of 500 V/µsec at this stage and a gain of 30 dB, reducing negative effects due to noise. Moreover, with low impedance, the anti-noise characteristics are improved remarkably. The result is exceedingly pure high-power amplification, featuring 0.0005% distortion and an S/N ratio of 132 dB.
The MX-10000 incorporates power buffer amplifiers which supply the power required for the Class A output stages with power MOS FETs. This Class A configuration using Yamaha original dual amplifiers solves the heat-radiation problems that can occur during Class A operation. To supply a large power output promptly to the output stage, the power buffer amplifiers use high ft power transistors with superb audio characteristics in a sextuple push-pull configuration, six for N CH and six for P CH, i.e. 12 in each channel (Sanken's 2SA1216 and 2SC2922). Since this dual-amplifier Class A configuration adopts non-current grounding which is used only for determining the ground potential, amplifier operation instability due to current flow into the ground is eliminated. The MX-10000 is constructed of highly-rigid, non-magnetic material. The front panel of extruded aluminum is half an inch thick. Even the weight and design of the screws have been carefully analyzed, in order to ensure that rigidity is uniformly applied throughout.
The partnering CX-10000 is not a pre-amp in the conventional sense. Nor is it a conventional analog pre-amp in any sense. Instead, the CX-10000 is a true control amplifier because it offers vastly more control over the final sounds you hear than was possible with any of its predecessors. And it is a true digital control amplifier here Digital input is received directly without analog conversion. Signal is digitally processed with the help of Digital Parametric Equalization and Digital Sound Field Processing.