Muscle with a Plain-Jane look from Dynaco
Dynaco has announced a stripped-down version of its renowned Stereo 400 power amplifier. Dubbed the Stereo 410. the new unit (shown here) retains the driver stages, full complementary-symmetry output, and thermal tracking bias of the 400. while dispensing with convenience features such as level controls, filters, and Dynaguard. The Stereo 150-another simply-styled descendant of the Stereo 400-has been announced as heir apparent to the redoubtable Stereo 120. Characterized as a "second-generation" design, the 150 features a rated power capability of 75 watts continuous per channel with total harmonic distortion of 0.25% or less, 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The 410 is packaged in a "big black box" and can be bought for $399 in kit form or (as the 410A) for $599 assembled. The Stereo 150 kit costs $249: the wired 150A costs $369.
Pioneering in tweeter technology
A new loudspeaker using no less than five drivers is available from U.S. Pioneer Electronics Corp. of Moonachie, N.J. The system, of nominal 6 ohm impedance and 100-watt power-handling capability, features a tweeter and supertweeter of piezoelectric high-polymer film with conductive foil bonded to its surfaces. These novel diaphragms respond directly (with a change of thickness) to an audio voltage applied to the conductive layers; no voice coils or magnetic structures are involved.
They reproduce all frequencies from 2 kHz up-with 360-degree horizontal dispersion because of their cylindrical shape. Two 10-inch woofers, having different resonant frequencies, and a 2 1/2 -inch soft-dome midrange unit complete the array of drivers. The system is advertised at under $500.
Scott's new integrated amplifier
An integrated stereo amplifier with the designation A-236S has been announced by H. H. Scott, Inc., of Maynard, Mass. Rated at 15 watts continuous per channel into 8-ohm loads, the unit has a power band width spec of 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 0.5% distortion or less. The A-236S amplifier features an impressive array of controls and is suitable for use as the central component in an economy high fidelity system. The unit has a brushed-aluminum front panel, and the $159.95 price includes a walnut-veneer enclosure. A matching FM tuner, Model T-311S, is also available.
Rectilinear 7-four on the floor
Rectilinear Research Corp. of New York City has introduced a new four way floor-standing loudspeaker system, the Rectilinear 7. The system is said to reproduce the audible frequency range from 32 Hz to 20 kHz with a variation of ±2 dB. It is notable in that the woofer is the only driver whose top-end response is limited by crossover components, and output of the drivers is not subject to adjustment via listener-operated controls. The unit is rated to accept up to 350 watts of musical program material.
Sansui's economy receiver
For the budget-conscious music lover, Sansui Electronics Corp. has introduced a stereo FM/AM receiver that, despite its modest price (about $200), upholds the company's traditional concern with quality. The Model 331 carries specs of 12 watts minimum continuous power per channel into an 8-ohm load from 40 Hz to 20 kHz with THD of 1% or less. The tuner section is rated at 2.5 microvolts' IHF sensitivity and is capable of alternate-channel selectivity exceeding 60 dB and a signal to-noise ratio of 65 dB or better. A meter is provided as an aid to accurate tuning.
Twin super-amps from SAE
SAE (Scientific Audio Electronics) of Los Angeles has announced a 200 watt-per-channel stereo power amplifier that will be available to both the professional and the consumer market. The 2400, the professional version, is a 19-inch, rack-mounted model with a black anodized face plate. The consumer version, Mk. XXIV, comes dressed with the company's traditional champagne gold front. The units share maximum harmonic and intermodulation distortion ratings of 0.05%, frequency response of ± 1/4 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, forced-air cooling, and a $750 price tag.
MXR aims at the high fidelity market MXR Innovations, Inc., a company whose reputation up to the present has lain in the professional area of audio, has introduced its first product intended for the home. Its ten-octave-band graphic equalizer is compact and has been designed for use with component music systems. Ten sliding potentiometers per channel control filters with center frequencies ranging from 31 Hz to 16 kHz and allow 12 dB of boost or cut in each audible octave. The handsomely styled equalizer is sold for $199.95.
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(High Fidelity, Feb. 1976)
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