CHERRY VINTAGE AUDIO / objets d'art (Since 2014) 

CHERRY VINTAGE AUDIO / objets d'art (Since 2014) 

Menu

Page 1 Vintage Stereo Receivers ~ Tuners ~ Amps ~ Preamps

Technics SA-5760
Technics SA-5760

Technics SA-5760 

('76-'77) 165 WPC @ 8 / 205 WPC @ 4  $1500  (pristine)

This fully serviced and fully tested Technics SA-5760 stereo receiver is hard to find in such excellent cosmetic and working condition as this one is.  Essentially, it was disassembled for intensive bench cleaning, adjustments and considerable testing prior to being offered for sale.  The upgraded, special order frosted Azure blue LEDs apply a simply stunning appearance across the faceplate when the unit is powered on...the photos do not compare when viewed in person.

Interestingly, Technics' design for the SA-5760 did not include vu-meters.  It's almost a necessity for these big monster units in order to be able to visually measure the sound output at a glance.  As a bonus, we have attached a backlit, adjustable power meter module that indicates the sound levels for both right/left speaker output.  The module has matching walnut veneer. 

At the time of its release it held the legitimate title of the "world's most powerful receiver".  Technics was enjoying a rise in the popularity of their receiver line-up in the mid 70's.  The SA-5760 was perceived as a triumph of audio engineering in the mid 70's.  

The 5760 conservatively pumps out a thunderous 165 watts per channel into 8 ohms and a whopping 205 watts per channel into 4 ohms.  All 50 lbs of this incredible beast is neatly packaged into a sleek (essentially slim) uncluttered exterior design. 

It's no secret that Technics focused on the Pioneer SX-1250 as the direct competitor to the SA-5760.  With the specs being so close to each other, Technics launched the 5760 at a slightly lower price point than the SX-1250.  

The SA-5760 was clearly in a war of fierce competition with Pioneer, Yamaha, Sansui  and all the rest.  While we have to rate them all to be excellent, we submit that the Technics SA-5760 and Pioneer's SX-1250 are closest to each other in terms of build quality and pure, unadulterated brute power.  However...to each his own opinion, right?   

In many ways you could argue that the mid-70's series of Technics gear was better built and better sounding than their later SA-XXX series that followed in the late 70's because cost-cutting was becoming the industry standard due to stiff competition.  The competition was so intense by the late 70's that everybody was cutting corners to keep up with each other.  Fortunately, the SA-5760 was available before the cost cutting measures taken by Technics took place.

Tech info:
The SA-5760 power supply features two 22,000uf caps and a gigantic laminated core transformer with dual secondaries.  All of that was to power its amplifier consisting of ‘para-push pure complimentary, direct-coupled OCL circuit with single-pack, matched differential transistors.
The SA-5760 was originally retailed at $800 in 1977 which would equate to around $4000 in 2024. This priced it very competitively against Pioneer’s S-1250 and the other "monster" receivers of the time. This budget / price angle was also heavily promoted in Technics literature at the time.

Basic specs:
Power output: 165 WPC into 8 ohms / 205 WPC into 4 ohms
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.08%Speaker load impedance: 4 ohms to 16 ohms
Dimensions: 21.7"W x 7"H x 19.5"D
Weight: 51 lbs

Technics SU-8600
Technics SU-8600

Technics SU-8600 

integrated amp ('76-'78)  80 WPC @ 4 ohms  $600

In excellent cosmetic and operating condition, this Technics SU-8600 integrated amp is a rare beauty indeed!  Without a doubt, it's certainly one of the best Technics integrated amps built with the highly desirable TO3 outputs for gobs of headroom, immense power and plentiful connecting options. 

The thick aluminum front plate is loaded with beautiful and solid metal knobs and a slew of switches.  Fortunately, this sweet amp comes with the beautiful, sculptured, wrap-around, factory-designed, walnut veneer case.

The very elaborate circuit construction includes six independent power supplies designed for superior power supply stability.  The conservative rated power output is 80 watts per channel into 4 ohms and 73 watts per channel into 8 ohms.  However, that can be misleading if you just look at watts.  It's what the build quality can do with those watts and how quiet the amp section is.  When Technics built the SU-8600 they were more concerned with specs like:
~Super quiet phono equalizer circuit
~Power amp stage engineered for serious, clean power
~26 position precision ALPS attenuator (detented volume control)
~Current Mirror load in tone control (minimal noise and distortion at higher volumes)
~Extremely steep cut-off low/high filters (-12dB/oct)

More features include: amp/preamp jumpers, two phono (MM), two tape in/out and AUX

The SU-8600 has some even more impressive features such as an ALPS enclosed multi-stepped attenuator, robust heavy shielding signal wiring and constant current feed dual FET amplifier gain stage based on a limiter and BJT circuit.  This well built unit pulls a whopping 700 watts out of the wall (be sure and use a good surge protector!)

Basic specs:
80 WPC (max 85) into 4 ohms / 73 WPC (max 76) into 8 ohms
Frequency response: 50-16,000 Hz
THD:  0.08%
Dimensions: 17.7"W x 6.8"H x 13.8"D 
Weight: 32 lbs (including case)


About TECHNICS / MATSUSHITA / PANASONIC...
Founded in the 1920's, the huge Japanese conglomerate Matsushita had interests in many electronics companies.  The most well known would be Technics and Panasonic. Technics was introduced as a brand name for premium loudspeakers marketed domestically by Matsushita in 1965.  Eventually, Technics became a premium brand bringing classics like the SL-1200mkii turntable and the absolute monster receiver at the top of the list: Technics SA-1000 (330 watts per channel)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Adcom 5400
Adcom 5400

Adcom 5400 

stereo power amp   ('97-'07)  200 WPC @ 4 ohms  $500

In excellent cosmetic and operating condition, this Adcom 5400 stereo power amp is conservatively rated at 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms and a whopping 200 watts per channel into 4 ohms.  Proving just how popular this powerful and reliable amp has been, it had an incredible production run of ten years.

Basically, any speakers having a nominal impedance down to 4 ohms can be connected to, and easily be driven by the GFA-5400. It can drive these low impedances at more than adequate power levels with no difficulty.
The GFA-5400 is "polarity correct" and does not invert phase. That is, any positive going signal at its input will appear as a positive going signal at its output. The GFA-5400's connection to speakers are made through two high quality, five-way, gold plated binding posts located on the rear panel. These terminals will accommodate either bare wire, tinned wire, terminal pins, spade lugs or banana plugs, both single and dual. 

Features:
~Precision matched MOSFETs used throughout the signal path.
~Over 50,000 µF of power supply filter capacitance with low ESR for greater reserve capacity.
~Low number of gain stages improves signal reproduction accuracy.
~The custom toroidal power transformer provides better regulation and greater peak current capability.
~High quality, gold plated binding posts.
~Independent thermal overload and distortion LED's for each channel.
~Gold plated RCA jacks.
~Large internal heatsinks for greater cooling capability of output devices.
~Heavy gauge, anodized aluminum front panel.
~Powder coated, baked chassis and top cover for greater durability.
~Cooling vents on top cover for greater efficiency and cooler operation while driving low impedance loads.

Basic specs:
Power output: 125 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.18%
Dimensions: 5.5"H x 17"W x 14.8"D
Weight: 26 lbs


Adcom GFA-545-II
Adcom GFA-545-II

Adcom GFA-545-II

stereo amp  ('91-'92)   *100 WPC     $400

This Adcom amp is in excellent cosmetic and operating condition. 

The GFA-545-II stereo amplifier is a simple, sleek black box with it's only exterior design in the form of a grooved section on the upper half of the front face.   

A minimum of controls: on/off rocker switch and LED indicator, a brace of multi-way binding posts and gold-plated inputs. The only other distinguishing characteristics are three warning lights, two for 'instantaneous distortion alert' to warn you of excessive THD, IM, slew-induced distortion or clipping, and a light to indicate the awakening of the thermal protection circuit.  

*Rated at a conservative 100 WPC (8 ohms) the honest rated maximum output at 1 kHz into an 8 ohm load is about 128 watts at 121.1 V AC power input at 0.1% THD.

The 545/II has a triple Darlington output stage, a large potted toroidal transformer and large, high-grade power supply filter capacitors to provide stability with awkward loads.  Large heat sinks and adequate ventilation helps to keep it cool at all times. The output section contains 12 discrete transistors in Class AB operation.

The GFA-545-II operates quietly...no noise other than the mechanical sound of the rocker on/off switch engaging. 

Basic specs (amp):
Power output: 120 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 10Hz to 20kHz
THD: 0.04%
Dimensions: 5.5"H x 17"W x 12.2"D
Weight: 25 lbs



About Adcom...
ADCOM started in the 70s. Their first offering wasn’t amplifiers but phono cartridges. They were no ordinary cartridges; however, they were extraordinarily musical "moving coil" designs that extracted a lot of information from a record groove. These products were so successful that other companies asked them to begin making cartridges for them, too! And so, they became a manufacturer!

Early Electronics... ADCOM's first electronic product, the groundbreaking GFA-1 power amplifier, appeared in December 1979. It was substantially more powerful than most of its competition at 200 watts per channel and was one of the first "high current" designs available. . Again, it was an affordable and standout performer. Critical response was phenomenal and the GFA-1 became the "hot ticket" amplifier of its day, as did the successor GFA-1A.

The GFA-1 and GFA-1A were followed by a new group of matching components: the GFA-2 power amplifier, the GFP-1 preamplifier, and the GFT-1 tuner. These were also unique products. The GFA-2 power amp boasted 100 watts per channel and used high-speed output transistors and dual power supplies. The GFP-1's low-noise design won a lot of praise from record lovers and the evolutionary GFP-1A added the convenience of ADCOM's innovative dual recording/listening source selectors.

ADCOM, making you fall in love with your speakers since 1980s. ADCOM has always succeed in delivering quality sound. Being music enthusiast, they always try to achieve the best of sound they can get out of any speakers. ADCOM engineering has made mastered in developing innovative products, best class performance and great value for money. The sound of ADCOM is bold, clear which results is clean instrument sound and vocal quality.


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Marantz SR-2000
Marantz SR-2000

Marantz SR-2000  

('79-'81)  30 WPC  $350   (perfect)

This Marantz SR-2000 is in absolutely pristine cosmetic condition, fully serviced and fully operational.  Because of what Marantz called their *True-Power amp design, the SR-2000 easily punches above its rated power of 30 watts per channel.

The front faceplate design is unique among the many receivers introduced in the early 80's.  A brushed satin finish covering the entire aluminum plate is complemented by knobs with the same metal finish as the faceplate.  There are two wide and well lit (easy to read) power meters along with a very cool illuminated tuning dial cursor; spin the flywheel and the well lighted cursor moves across the dial.

The pristine, real timberwood walnut veneer case has well-designed, attractive vents carved into the top of the case.
This beautiful receiver was near the end of the era for Marantz even though they were still owned by Superscope. Regardless of random chatter out there, this series was at the tail end of the "real" Marantz just prior to the beginning of the Philips ownership of the brand.

The most well known and exclusive Marantz feature on the SR-2000 is the famous "Gyro-Touch" tuning flywheel.
NOTE:  After Philips assumed full control of the Marantz product line, one of the first things that was eliminated was the Gyro flywheel; it was replaced by a typical knob. Bummer.

*True-Power: The SR-2000 amp section has a direct-coupled, full complementary symmetry output stage.  Essentially, this type of build is more costly than the quasi-complementary outputs of many other receivers.  The direct-coupled design offers significant performance improvements in terms of linearity and lower harmonic distortion.

The looks are absolutely gorgeous and it produces a very open soundstage.  It also has versatile separate tone controls for bass, mid range and treble.
Although the build quality is probably not as high as the 22xx series it still has all the hallmark signatures and styling of the earlier Marantz products.

As mentioned above, this unit is rated at 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms and yields another 25% more power with 38 watts per channel at 4 ohms.  The beautiful, large backlit power meters peak out at 60 WPC 8 ohms and 120 WPC at 4 ohms.

Basic specs:
Power output: 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 15Hz to 50kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.04%
Dimensions: 18.4"W x 6"H x 12.8"D
Weight: 18 lbs


About Marantz and Philips...

The 1964 sale to Superscope would be the first of several changes of ownership for Marantz: in 1980 Superscope sold its 50% holding in Marantz Japan, and trademark and marketing rights worldwide (excluding the USA and Canada) to Dutch company Philips.

The story goes that Philips USA didn't want a fifth brand – it already had Sylvania, Philco, Philips and Magnavox 'on the go', as I explained in my piece earlier this year marking the end of Philips' consumer electronics activities – and it would be many years before Marantz was again completely united.

By the time Philips effectively took over selling Marantz to most of the world, the company had already been joined by someone set to be a significant figure in its future development.

A long time associate of Saul Marantz, a fellow named Ken Ishiwata, moved to Marantz Europe, having been headhunted from Pioneer in 1978, as technical coordinator.

He was sent back to Japan for three months to learn about the Marantz way, and he once said "The Marantz understanding of amplifiers was way beyond me: the company spent five years training its engineers in the American way of making amplifiers."

For the past 46 years, Ishiwata and Marantz have been inextricably linked: he was there when Philips (and thus Marantz) started making their first CD players, starting with the CD-63.

Ishiwata said "That was another great opportunity for me: I had been working with analog audio until then, and didn't know anything about digital. I learned so much from the Philips engineers."

Also around this time Ishiwata was again contacted by Saul Marantz (by then in his 70's) who said "I have done as much as I can with mono and stereo LPs; now it's your turn to do something with compact disc."
And the beat goes on...


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++