What is stereo?




There are now two system of high fidelity, monophonic (monaural) and stereophonic. Monophonic is a system that starts from one microphone and is fed through a single high fidelity set. Stereophonic is a double system. Two separate microphones are placed at different sides of the orchestra and two different systems are used to keep the two signals or channels separated. Two separate speakers are used, placed on different sides of you room. Stereo is much like 3-D photography, two slightly different sound reach your ears giving you a new dimension in sound.




H.H. Scott '59





Kenwood KA-80

 KA-80 Hi-Speed DC Integrated Amplifier
A masterpiece of clean, moder design. The swing-down front panel hides all controls not constantly in use. But nothing is hidden from the ear.

 48 watts per chennel, min. RMS, both channels driven at 8 ohms, 20 Hz -20 kHz, with less than 0,02% THD.
Hi-Speed amplifier for faster transient response for unprece dented musical clarity and crispness.
DC design for clear bass reproduction without phase distortion.
Damping factor constant at 120 from Dc to 20,000 Hz
Phono signal-to-noise an outstanding 92 dB for 5 mV input.
Illuminated Power Monitor and Source switches.
Mic/Line mixing with program source.
DC coupled Tone switch provides laboratory-flat response and serves as an effective subsonic filter.
Specifications KA-80
Power Amp. Section
Min. RMS Power Output:  48 watts
Total Harmonic Distortion:  no more than 0,02%
Rise Time:  0,8 µS
Slew Rate:   ±150 V/µS
IM Distortion:  0,0065%
Damping Factor:  120
Pre Amp Section
Input Sensitivity/Max Input
Phono 1 :  5,0 mV/ 230 mV
Aux :  150 mV/ -
Tape :  150 mV/-
Signal-to-Noise (at 5 mV Input):
Phono 1 :  92 dB
Aux :  106 dB
Tape :  106 dB
Dimensions (W x H x D):  400 x 78 x 330 mm (17-5/16" x 3-1/16" x 13")
Weight:  17,4 lbs

Produces:  1980

Kenwood KT-80

 KT-80 FM Stereo Tuner
The perfect mate for the KA-80. precise, no-drift Servo-Lock eliminates the need for a tuning meter, and a row of 5 LEDs replaces the conventional signal level meter.
 Pulse Count Detector virtually banishes FM noise and cuts distortion in half
Servo-Lock tuning automatically locks in FM stations.
Record Calibration Control for studio quality off-the -air recordings
FM Mode Auto Bar automatically adapts to stereo or mono operation according to broadcast conditions.
Outstanding usable sensitivity: 10,8 dBf (1,9 µV)
Exceptional signal-to-noise ratio: Mono 83 dB; Stereo 80 dB
Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion only 0,25% from 50 Hz - 10 kHz
Alternate Channel Selectivity: 75 dB
Attractive, easy to read slide rule dial.
Specifications KT-80
FM Tuner Section
Sensitivity 30 dB Quieting :  10,8 dBf (1,9 µV)
Sensitivity 50 dB Quieting:
Mono :  15,5 dBf (3,3 µV)
Stereo :  37,2 dBf (40 µV)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio at 65 dBf
Mono :  83 dB
Stereo :  80 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
Mono :  0,07%
Stereo :  0,07%
Capture Ratio:  1,5 dB
Alternate Channel Selectivity:  75 dB
Stereo Separation: 
At 1 kHz :  48 dB
At 50 - 10 kHz :  40 dB
Dimensions (W x H x D):  400 x 78 x 330 mm (17-5/16" x 3-1/16" x 13-1/8")
Weight:  9,9 lbs

Produces:  1980 

KEF C-40

 The C40 was generous in both volume and drive unit. Bass was plentiful and extended, and the design was balanced to operate clear of room boundaries on open stands.
The two new 200mm bass/midrange units used polypropylene cones.
Operating as a 2½-way system, the lower driver was used only at the lowest frequencies, augmenting and extending bass output, substantially improving power handling capacity, and assisting bass damping. 
 The C40 is very reasonably priced for such a precisely engineered loudspeaker, considering the size of the cabnet
The system would go exceedingly loud, would handle plenty of power, and, with a generous bass delivery, was particularly suited to the cost- conscious rock listener.
Specification: C40
System Type: 2½-way, floor standing
Enclosure type: Closed box
Nominal Impedance: 8ohms
Rated maximum power: 100W programme
Frequency response: 68Hz to 20kHz +/-3dB (-6dB at 58Hz)
Sensitivity: 91dB for a pink noise input of 2.83V
Maximum output: 111dB on programme peaks under typical listening conditions
Finish: Simulated Walnut, Rosewood, Black Ash
System: SP3054
Drive units: 2 x B200 bass unit (SP1205), T33 tweeter (SP1211)
Crossover: SP2054
Size: 650 x 247 x 262mm (25.6 x 9.7 x 10.3 inches)
Weight: 9.6kg (21.1 lb)

Produced:  1985 - 88

KEF C-20

 Larger than the C10, and therefore able to use a 200mm bass/midrange unit, the C20 showed many similarities to its smaller brother, but with the greater cabinet volume allowing increased bass capability and higher sensitivity.
The C20 was the classic bookshelf speaker in size, performance and price, and showed just how good the performance can be from a modest economical system.
 The new B200 bass/mid unit uses a polypropylene diaphragm to reduce colouration, while a new  high sensitivity, which in combination with equalisation and computer optimisation gives a flat frequency response with the modest bass and lower-midrange reinforcement provided by a rear wall.
 Attractive modern design and a high standard of finish combine with finely balanced performance, taking advantage of the latest technologies in design and manufacture.
Specification: C20
System Type: Two-way, bookshelf/stand-mount
Enclosure type: Closed box
Nominal Impedance: 8ohms
Rated maximum power: 100W programme
Frequency response: 72Hz to 400Hz +/-3.0dB rising 3dB to 800Hz-20kHz +/-3dB (-6dB at 58Hz)
Sensitivity: 90dB for a pink noise input of 2.83V (under wall-mounted conditions)
Maximum output: 110dB on programme peaks under typical listening conditions
Finish: Simulated Walnut, Rosewood, Black Ash
System: SP3053
Drive units: B200 bass unit (SP1200), T33 tweeter (SP1211)
Crossover: SP2053
Size: 340 x 247 x 212mm (13.4 x 9.7 x 8.4 inches)
Weight: 6.5kg (12 lb)
Produced:  1985 - 88

Technics SU-3050


Specifications
Music Power:  50 W at 4 Ω; 44 W at 8 Ω
RMS Power (each channel driven): 
20 W / 20 W at 4 Ω
16 W / 16 W at 8 Ω
Harmonic Distortion:  0,8%
Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz =  4:1 SMPTE):  0,8%
Power Bandwidth:  5 Hz - 50 kHz , -3 dB
Residual Hum and Noise:  0,7 mV
Damping Factor:  35 (at 8 Ω)
Lated Load (Main or Remote):  4 - 16 Ω
Input Sensitivity/impedance:
Phono :  2 mV/47 k Ω
Tuner :  190 mV/47 k Ω
Aux :  190 mV/47 k Ω
Mic :  2 mV/10 k Ω
Maximum  Input Voltage [Phono 1 kHz]:  90 mV
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF, A):
Phono :  74 dB
Tuner :  91 dB
Aux :  91 dB
Mic :  77 dB
Frequency Response:
Phono :  RIAA Standard  ±1 dB
Aux :  7 Hz - 90 k Hz  +0 -3 dB
Mic :  20 Hz -20 kHz  +0 -3 dB
Tone Control:
Bass :  +10 dB / -10 dB at 50 Hz
Treble :  +10 dB / -10 dB at 10 kHz
Loudness Control (Volume at -30 dB):  +7 dB at 100 Hz
High Filter:  -6 dB at 8 kHz
Tape Monitor [ tape 1 -2 ]
Playback :  90 mV / 47 k Ω
Rec Out :  90 mV / 1 k Ω
Power Supply:  110/120/220/240 V, 50 /60 Hz
Power Consumption:  120 W
Dimensions (W x H x D):  386 x 115 x 299 mm (15-3/16" x 4-17/32" x 11-25/32")
Weight:  5,7 kg (12,6 lbs)

Produced :  circa 1975

Aiwa XA-008


Specifications XA-008
Power Section
Output Power:
105 W + 105 W  at 4 Ω  (THD 0,9%, 1kHz)
72 W + 72 W at 8 Ω  (THD 0,9%, 1kHz)
Total Harmonic Distortion:  0,006% (20Hz - 20kHz, 50 W, 8Ω)
Output Bandwidth:  6 Hz - 70 kHz (less than 0,05%)
Frequency Response:  5 Hz - 100 kHz, (+0,5 dB -3 dB)
Pre-amp Section
S/N Ratio (IHF A curve short circuited):
Phono MM : 94 dB (5 mV input)
Phono MC :  75 dB (0,5 mV inut)
Tuner, CD, Aux, Tape:  108 dB
Input Sensitivity/Impedance:
Phono MM : 2,5 mV/47 kΩ
Phono MC :  0,2 mV/100 Ω
Tuner, Cd, Aux, Tape : 150 mV/47 kΩ
Phono MM Overload Level:  90 mV (1kHz, THD 0,01%)
Output level/Impedance:
Tape/DAT : 150 mV/47 kΩ
Headphones : 8 - 32 ohms
Speakers : 4 -16 ohms (A + B : 8 - 16 Ohms)
RIAA Deviation:  ±0,5 dB (30Hz - 15kHz)
Subsonic Filter:  16 Hz, 12 dB/oct
Power Requirements:  120/220/240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption: 160 W; (450 W mod. XA-008 E, K, Z)
Dimensions (W x H x D):  430 x 128 x 332 mm (17" x 5-1/4" x 13-1/8")
Weight:  8,3 kg (18,26 lbs)

Meridian 500

 Meridian introduce the 500 Compact Disc Transport that combines major advances in digital audio and engineering design to provide clear, pure and natural sound

The 500 Compact Disc Transport incorporates a precision engineered CD turntable and drawer system, which provides all the advantages of drawer loading with the superior disc clamping normally associated with top loading players. It provides a precision digital output which is re-clocked and uses a very high power 75 ohms amplifier for superlow jitter. In order to improve the sound quality and disc playability Meridian has updated the design of the 500 to use a new three beam laser CD mechanism. This involves a new type of in-house software that, amongst its many features, adapts the player to the parameters of each CD.
 The software is combined with radical proprietary analogue processing system that de jitters the data coming from the disc before it is decoded. The 500 is our best transport, ideal for Meridian digital speakers or with the 565 Digital Surround Processor. Combined with our 566 DAC, its the finest CD playback system Meridian offers to get the sound of being there
 Meridian has eschewed the usual bought-in drive controller PCB in favour of its own circuitry.
Decoding of the signal lifted from CD is via Philips SAA7310, which handles error correction as well as demodulation and subcode processing, and optical control is provided by the TDA 8808/8909 servo electronics. From this a PCF2705 provides further digital processing from 12C to S/PDIF, before output to a high power 75 Ω amplifier feeding the co-axial output through a small toroidal transformer to improve the squareness of the signal into the interconnect.  A high speed optical EIAJ "Toslink" output is also provided.
Specifications
Clock accuracy±20 ppm.
DisplayEight character display for track, time, and index.
Outputs
Digital:  Co-axial, 500mV p-p.
Optical:  EIAJ.
AES/EBU:  XLR connector.
CommunicationsTwo 5 pin 240 DIN sockets
Consumption20 VA
FinishBlack textured enamel and glass.
Dimensions (H x W x D):  88 x 321 x 332 mm (3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").
Weight6.4 kg (14 lbs).

Meridian 563

 The Meridian 563 Digital to Analogue Converter provides three digital inputs and one optical input, and uses a high definition dual differential digital to analogue Delta Sigma converter to give up to 19 bit precision. Dual phase lock loops ansure low jitter, and balanced Class A output amplifiers give extremely low distprtion.
 The Crystal Delta Sigma 1-bit DAC is designed as a one chip solution for stereo decoding, including its own high performance digital filter, oversampling and noise shaping. By using a pair of decoders in differential mode for left and right channels, Meridian claims a unique implementation giving a precision up to 19-bit resolution. A front-panel switch toggles a software phase inversion at this stage if the user desires, with the handbook pointing out that 'in some circumstances this can give a noticeable improvement in realism'.
 NE5534 ICs, bandwidth-limited via a 38 kHz single pole filter, feed Class A discrete output stages which provide two balanced outputs via XLR connectors as well as the two standard phono outputs. Each output circuit utilises A06/A56 high current driver transistors, easily capable of driving long cables with a source impedence of 12 ohms.
Specifications
Conversion:  Dual differential Delta Sigma, 64 times oversampled at 2 bits per channel giving 19 bits resolution
Jitter:  less than 1 ps rms
Noise and Distortion:  less than -95 dB
Inputs:
D1 - D3 digital audio :  unbalanced phono SPDIF input at 75 Ω
AES/EBU connection via optional XLR connection on D1
Optical disgital audio high speed
TOSLINK input
Outputs
Unbalanced analogue output 2 V nominal
Balanced anlogue output on 2 x XLRs
Display: illuminated legends for EQ, Lock, 44,1 kHz, and Phase
Finish:  Black textured enamel and glass
Dimensions (H x W x D):  88 x 321 x 332 mm (3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").
Weight6.4 kg (14 lbs).

Yamaha MC-1X / -1C

 The Yamaha MC-1X / MC-1S : The Genius of Advanced Microelectrics for True Sound Quality.

Yamaha is founded on a dedication to music in all its forms. Our long experience as a leading manufacturer of musical instruments has made sensitivity to musical sound a habit hard to break. Our uniqueness gives rise to the originality clearly reflected in the reliable Natural Sound performance of every Yamaha high fidelity product. 
 And not, with the introduction of the MC-1X/MC-1S cartridges, our Natural Sound Fidelity extends across the entire audio reproduction range, from input to output. Like all our high fidelity products, our new carteidges are the result of an enduring relation ship between musicans and audio engineers. Our designers and engineers are encouraged to create the kind of high fidelity products they want for themselves. With the result, at all times, being a total Dedication to Musical Excellence.
Light, Solid Integrated Moving Structure 
 the stylus is a solid chip of diamond, 0,1 mm square, polished to a special elliptical contour so that the harder crystalline axis may always be in contact with the record surface. It is then fitted into the hole in the tubular beryllium cantilever and bonded firmly. Vibrations from musical signals travel only through solid bodies – from the diamond stylus through the beryllium cantilever to the silicone coil. Sound is always rich and pure.
Precision One-Point Suspension.
To more sharply define the fulcrum of vibration, we've suspended the cantilever by a special piano wire in the one-point suspension system. The piano wire itself is firmly connected to the solid brass holder for precise tension; the butyl rubber damper hugs the cantilever, retaining its resiliency in any ambient mode for many years. 
Specifications:
Cartridge type : Moving Coil 
Output : 0.20 mV
Frequenct Response : 10-20,000Hz
Tracking Force: 1.6 to 2.0 grams (1.8g optimal) 
Cartridge weight: 18 grams
Impedance : 30 ohms
Recommended load : >30 ohms
Compliance value : 30 X 10^6 cm/dyne
Stylus  : Special elliptical
Cantilever : Beryllium Pipe

Technics RS10A02

 The technology that made Technics turtables the No.1 choice will make this Technics deck your No.1 choice.
You'll choose Technics RS-10A02 tape deck for the same reason 85 of the top 100 radio stations choose technics turntables. The performance and reliability of technics' quartz-locked direct-drive.
Like our turntables, the RS-10A02 gives you the precision of a quartz-locked direct-drive motor. But you also get Technics'isolated loop tape transport system which optimizes tape tension to virtually eliminate signal dropout while reducing modulation noise and wow and flutter.
Studio pros will appreciate the RS-10A02's full complement of ten front-panelcontrols. Like playback and recording EQ adjustments, bias control, and playback and recording level calibrations. When used with the built-in test-tone oscillator, these controls will give you optimum recording performance no matter what kind of tape you use.
The RS10A02 alsp has extremely durable SX Sendust heads, IC logic controls and just about everything else you could want in a professional 2-track deck.
So before you buy any reel-to-reel deck, audition the Rs10A02 and see why it's your No.1 choice. 

Kyocera PL-910

 The Kyocera PL-910 turntable is not only the top of the Kyocera turntable line, it will stand in audio history as one of the finest turntables ever built. It incorporates the most up-to-date technology and materials to accomplish the age-old goal of all turntable designers; rotational stability and resonance-free performance.
 Consideration has been given to every last detail in the manufacture of this masterpiece, down to the actual construction materials themselves.  The plater, for example, has been manufactured on Fine Ceramics - to be precise, alumina-ceramics-proven to possess hardness qualities close to those of diamond - and vibration - attenuating characteristics far superior to conventional materials such as ordinary aluminum. This Fine Ceramics platter is placed in full planar contact with an aluminum sub-platter of a different resonance frequency, thereby dramatically reducing unwanted resonances. Fine ceramics is used further in the platter spindle and the thrust bearings of the spindle. These extremely hard thrust bearings are capable of supporting the heavy platter without excessive wear, creating an ultra-precise pivot point for extremely smooth rotation.
 The base chassis of the PL-910 is made of Ceramic Compound Resin (CCR) to  isolate the turntable itself from external vibration (mechanical and acoustical feedback). The "howling" normally experienced in the presence of loud signals from large loudspeakers is unheard of in the PL-910.

Although the PL-910 is equipped with a heavily damped powerful Dc-servo brushless motor, the actual drive system is via belt to remove any last possible doubt concering rotational stability.
 Features
Ceramic Compound Resin (CCR) base chassis successfully isolates external vibration.
A high-purity alumina-ceramics platter mounted in full planar contact with an aluminum sub platter with differnt resonance characteristics  creates an effective resonance barrier.
Dual-suspension system separates the turntable and tonearm from the sub-chassis to isolate any possible external sources of vibration.
DC-servo brushless motor belt-drive system.
Heavily-damped motor avoids the creation of internal vibrations. Self-illuminated strobe with on/off switch.
4 mm thick transparent acrylic cover.
Four types of optional arm bases to mount most high quality separate tonearms.
Specifications
Type: belt-drive, double float system
Speeds:  33 and 45 rpm
Platter:
Main-platter:  Made of almina-ceramic
Diameter :  300 mm (11-13/16")
High :  17,2 mm (43/64")
Weight :  3,6 kg (8 lbs)
Sub-platter:  Made of aluminum
Diameter :  260 mm (10 ¼")
Weight :  1,4 kg (3 lbs)
Wow and Flutter:  0,025% (WRMS,JIS)
Signal-to-Noise Raatio:  78 dB (DIN-B) / 60 dB (JIS)
Dimensions (W x H x D):  455 x 190 x 392 mm (18" x 7-1/2" x 15-7/16")
Weight:  20 kg (44 lbs)

Pioneer CT-F 1250

 Pioneer's new generation "miracle" deck …. Engineered to handle the new generation of "miracle" tapes.

Oxided tapes, including chrome, can't handle the highs, can't hold the dynamic range,can't hand back the density of sound you try to record. Metal tapes offer far better response, even at high input levels. The amount (level) of signal you can feed to a metal tape before it saturates and causes distortion is from three to four decibels higher in the mids and lows than for the best oxided-particle tape on the market today. And the Maximum Output Level is, in most cases, an extraordinary 10 dB higher.
 So naturally, when the new "miracle" tapes were announced, we created the CT-F 1250 "miracle" deck to handle them. Metal tapes require special recording and playback heads. We have chosen a particularly effective ferrite-based material called Uni-X Tal - featuring much higher electrical and antiwear characteristics than ordinary ferrite and even Sendust types. With its special core design and precision gap, the REC head is able to offer the high magnetic flux density required by metal tape without saturating and heating up; these advantages also improve recording linearity in ordinary tapes.
 CT-F 1250 Quartz Direct-Drive Stereo Cassette Deck
An advanced microprocessor-controlled 2-motor, 3-head system equipped with Pioneer's exclusive metal erase head. Digital memory for auto-play, stop and rewind at any point on the tape.  LED assisted tape calibration for fine setting of bias, equalization and recording level to ensure recording of same level as original and for all tapes, including those now of the experimental stage. Features auto-tape slack canceller, 24-segment fluorescent level meter switchable for average, peak and peak hold display, electronic 4-digit counter, which can be read from a distance, ±5% pitch control.
As with disc, precise reading of signals stored on magnetic tape requires near absolute regularity of rotation. Pionner's tape transport motors are servo-controlled via Hall elements, so that any deviation from 4,75 cm per second is immediately detected and corrected. In the CT-F 1250, the timing pulse, or reference signal, is provided by a quartz crystal oscillator, as in Pioneer's most advanced direct-drive turntables. Accuracy is also enhanced by Pioneer's exclusive tape Slack Canceller which tenses the tape before play.
 Another Pioneer achievement is accurate tape movement. This is vital when you are pushing for perfection in cassettes. In our precision Quartz-PLL Closed-Loop Dual Capstan drive system one of the DC motors is used exclusively to move the tape past the Erese, Rec and Play heads during recording and playback. The drive capstan and the tension capstan are looped so they rotate at axactly the same speed. Thus, the tape is held in perfect contact with the heads at all times and with the proper degree of tension to avoid slack, snarls and stretching.
Recorded/played signals retain the same pitch and level from one end of your tape to the other. The result is wow and flutter of no more than 0,03% (WRMS). Barely measurable in the laboratory. Unhearable in your listening room.

And with other Pioneer features such as our Fluroscan™ meter, digital-brain Microprocessor and eqLB Tuning System, the fabulous CT-F 1250 will set the pace in the audio industry for years to come. Thereby ensuring the enjoyment value of your audio investment.
Specifications
Drive System:  2 motor
Heads:
Rec/Playback :  1 x Comb. Uni-crystal ferrite
Erasing :  1 x Small Window
Frequency Response:
Standard Tape :  25 Hz - 16 kHz ±3 dB
Chromium Dioxide Tape :  25 Hz - 17,5 kHz ±3 dB
Ferrichromium Dioxide tape :  25 Hz - 17,5 kHz ±3 dB
Metal Tape :  25 Hz - 18,5 kHz ±3 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
Dolby Off :  better than 59 dB
Dolby On :  better than 69 dB
Wow and Flutter:
DIN (Weighted) :  ±0,12%
WRMS :  less than 0,03%
Input Sensibility/Max. Input/Impedance
Mic :  0,3 mV/100 mV/30 k Ω
Line :  63 mV/25V/50 k Ω
Output Max. Level/Impedance
Line :  640 mV/ 50 k Ω
Headphones :  90 mV/8 Ω
Power Requirement:  110/120, 220/240 V , 50/60 Hz
Dimensions (W x H x D):  420 x 187 x 369 mm
Weight:  10,9 kg