Four-channel amp a Scott first
Apart from tape decks, the first four-channel stereo component to reach the market is the Scott 499. In effect, it combines two stereo integrated amplifiers, each rated at 35 watts per channel rms into 8-ohm loads, with individual tone controls for each channel. left-to-right and front-to-back balance controls, hi and lo filters, and of course an unusually elaborate mode-switching system to make the unit compatible both with standard two-channel stereo and with mono inputs. Four mike jacks are provided. as are separate VU meters for each channel. Stereo headphone jacks offer a choice of front or rear channels. Selling price is expected to be about $600.
Magnetic pickups from Grado
Grado's recent magnetic cartridge now is available with an elliptical stylus as Model FTE. List price is $19.95. The conical stylus version continues in the line as Model FTR. $9.95. The FT series cartridge is designed to track at 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 grams, and the stylus in any model is replaceable by the owner, with the use of a special plastic tool supplied. Signal output is listed as 4 millivolts per channel; specified response is 10 Hz to 35 kHz. For 78-rpm disc owners, a 2.7-mil stylus also is available.
Black-panel integrated amp from Sansui
Although Sansui's AU555 amplifier is an integrated unit, it is provided with separate preamp output connections-in addition to the usual tape jacks-to facilitate use with external equalizers or other equipment that requires such connections. Another unusual feature is a two-position damping factor control at the output of the power amp section, which is rated at 25 watts per channel rms into 4 ohms, with wide-band frequency response stretching to 80 kHz. A four-position speaker switch is provided as well. There are two phono inputs-47K and 100K ohms-plus inputs for tape head, microphones, and three auxiliaries. The AU555 sells for $159.95.
Superscope introduces cassettes for cars
The Model 20 stereo automobile cassette player is the first such model to be announced by Sony / Superscope. The unit features one-hand loading, and Superscope says that cassettes may be inserted by feel, so that the driver is not required to take his eyes off the road. The cassette automatically ejects and the power shuts off at the end of the tape. The Model 20 is designed for use with any 12-volt system, positive or negative ground, and sells for under $119.50. Included with the unit is a coupon permitting purchase of a three-pack of Superscope prerecorded cassettes at the introductory price of $8.85.
Shure upgrades the V-15 Type II
"Trackability," a word coined by Shure Bros. to describe the ability of a cartridge to track relatively high groove velocities across the frequency spectrum. was introduced along with the company's V-I5 Type 11 pickup. Now Shure has announced a new version of the V-15 Type 11 with improved trackability in the mid-bass region, claiming that almost any record can be played at a 4-gram tracking force.
The newer version is distinguished from its predecessor by the color in which the word "Shure' is printed on the cartridge, red replacing black. Price remains $67.50. Owners of the previous version can upgrade it by replacing the stylus with the new VN 15E elliptical at $27.
New receiver from Kenwood
The Kenwood KR-70 stereo FM receiver incorporates such convenience features as front-panel jacks for headphones and an extra tape recorder. The 70 watts of output implied by the model number constitute the model's IHF rating into 4-ohm loads: It is rated at 56 watts IHF into 8 ohms. Continuous-power ratings are of course lower. Its selling price of $199.95 includes a cabinet.
Speaker system with a choice of tweeters
The Frazier Mediterranean is a floor-standing speaker system housed in a dark oak cabinet. Its complement of speakers includes a twelve-inch woofer. an eight-inch midrange driver. and a choice of tweeters: either two three-inch cone drivers or a compression horn. Model numbers are F12-8M-C for the cone tweeter version. F12-8M-H with the horn. In either version. the Mediterraneans sell for $295 each.
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( High Fidelity magazine)
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