CLASSIC minis 1981-1990

HITACHI MD-5 (JAPAN 1983)

Hitachi (Lo-D in Japan) was a leader in CD player technology (a revolution in Hi-Fi) and the DA-1000 was one of the first CD players, introduced in October 1982. Hitachi was also the most prolific OEM provider with this model. (See all the Hitachi based models here). All these first-generation CD players from Philips, Sony and this Hitachi were compact units, the Hitachi measuring only 32 cm wide. To complement this new product, Hitachi introduced in 1983 a dedicated set of mini-Hi-Fi components, the MD-5 set. These were all visually matching components with electronic controlled components using a flat stainless-steel keypad on all units.
HITACHI DA-1000 - Front loading first generation vertical CD player. One of the most rebadged first-generation CD players.
HITACHI HA-MD5 - 60 W/ch Stereo amplifier, feather touch control, six preset tone controls
HITACHI FT-MD5 - Quartz Digital Synthesizer AM-FM Stereo tuner, 12 presets
HITACHI D-MD5 - 2-Head 1-Motor IC logic-controlled cassette deck, Dolby B-C, Digital counter, music search
HITACHI HT-L5 - Linear tracking Quartz Unitorque Direct Drive turntable, T4P cartridge system
HITACHI HS-20F - 2-way bass reflex loudspeaker, 20 cm metal flat cone, 3 cm flat cone tweeter
Unique Extra Component:
HITACHI D-MC50 - 2 motor IC Logic Controlled Stereo Microcassette recorder, Dolby B-C, Metal tape compatible, digital counter

ONKYO Radian 33 (JAPAN 1982)

The Radian System was a dramatic departure from previous pre-matched component systems. All components were beautifully matched using rectangular buttons with built-in pictograph indicators to provide a unified image when stacked that clearly shows this system belongs together. Naturally, the Radian System is also carefully matched electronically to assure excellent sonic performance from all program sources. The Radian-33 was among the first to represent the “New Audio” concept with its stylish two-tone design—a departure from conventional component systems at the time. The Radian 33 System components are: PA-33 Integrated amplifier with output power of 30W/ch (8ohm, with no more than 0.08% THD from 40Hz to 20kHz). Volume is controlled by a rocker-type UP/DOWN selector and a preset volume level button instantly sets the volume to the level determined by a separate preset level control. (Dimensions: 330x101x240mm | 5.0kg) - PT-33 Quartz Synthesized Tuner with 6 FM and 6 AM presets. Tuning is done with a rocker-type UP/DOWN tuning selector while watching a digital frequency display. (Dimensions: 330x66x247mm | 2.2kg) - PC-33 Cassette Tape Deck with 3-Motor Computer Controlled System. An extremely stable tape trvel is assured with a wow&flutter of 0.045% WRMS. It is a Metal tape compatible deck (20-17.000 Hz Metal) with manual record level , Dolby noise reduction and an Automatic Music Control System for various track search modes. (Dimensions: 330x101x232mm | 4kg) - PL-33 Linear Tracking Turntable with zinc-diecast cabinet that assure high tracing precision. Direct platter drive reduces wow & flutter to only 0.027% WRMS. The electrically powered dust cover is raised and lowered automatically. (Dimensions: 330x126x338mm | 6.5kg) - Several loudspeakers were offered for this Radian System. These were the styling matched PS-33 2-way speaker system with 16cm woofer and a horn tweeter and the PS-45 with 20cm woofer and a horn tweeter. Later on some markets the better specified SC-301 was also offered as matching loudspeaker. This model features a 21.5cm Deltaolefin woofer and a dome tweeter for a frequency range of 45-30.000Hz. The PE-33 10 frequency band graphic equalizer and the CB-33A, CB-33P and CB-45A dedicated rack were offered as accessories.

TECHNICS MICRO SERIES (JAPAN 1981)

These wonderful Technics micro components were introduced in 1981. On some markets they were called "micro series" while on other markets they were sold as "Concise Component Series" There were several models available and the one we are focusing here shows a set composed of a SU-C04 amplifier, ST-C04 tuner and RS-M07 cassette deck. Attractive, yet totally compact and powerful, Technics micro series combines easy operation with incredibly advanced, microchip technology to bring out the ful excitement of all your favorite music. Technics has included New Class A power amp circuitry in the SU-C04. New Class A assures you plenty of clean power by combining Class A sound with Class B efficiency. The SU-C04 delivers 30 watts per channel continuous RMS both channels driven into 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with no more than 0.007% Total Harmonic Distortion. The matching ST-C04 Quartz Synthesizer tuner has a preset tuning capability of up to 6 FM and 6 AM stations. The Technics RS-M07 cassette deck is using a soft touch-controlled mechanism with MX heads and auto tape selector for normal, CrO2, and Metal tapes. One interesting observation however - there were two versions made under the M07 model number, one had needle type VU meters while the other was using fluorescent type VU meters. All components are 297 mm wide and 230 mm deep and were available with silver or black front panel.

Technics SA-007 (JAPAN 1984)

This ultra compact system (only 180 mm wide) from Tehnics was introduced in 1984. It consists of the following full metal construction components: SA-007T Quartz Synthesizer tuner with 6 presets, SA-007C stereo control amplifier, SA-007D front loading full logic-controlled cassette deck with Dolby and dbx noise reduction and manual recording level setting for normal/chrome/metal tapes, SA-007P 28W/ch stereo power amplifier with peak power meters. Additional components included the SH-007E 12 band graphic equalizer and a small dedicated rack. In 1987 it received a "Haus Industrieform Essen" design award. A rare silver version also existed.