NEW PRODUCTS: Roundup of the latest audio equipment and accessories
Winegard's Stereo Ceptor FM -2400 in door FM antenna has a bidirectional reception characteristic with a gain of -9 dB compared with a standard dipole. The FM element is rotatable for fine tuning, and triple "multipath reflector" bars are claimed to increase the directivity of the unit. The housing is of black Cycolac with protective rubber feet. Antenna output is at 75 ohms.
A short length of coaxial cable is supplied along with a 75- to 300 -ohm matching bal un. The FM -4400 version (not shown) contains an FM amplifier with a gain of about 15 dB, for an overall antenna gain of +6 dB. The FM -4400 requires a.c. power but is otherwise similar to the FM -2400. Both units measure 19 x 61/2 x 41/2 inches. Prices:
FM -2400, $39.95; FM -4400, $69.95.
Nakamichi Cassette Deck Automatically Aligns Own Heads
The Model 680ZX cassette deck from Nakamichi has an Auto Azimuth Alignment system using a servomotor that manipulates the record -head mounting base until the head's gaps are parallel with those of the playback head. During the alignment operation (which takes about two seconds), a 400 -Hz signal is recorded on each track.
A phase comparator measures the phase error between the two channels and drives the servomotor until precise head alignment is achieved. The 680ZX uses the same dual -
capstan, diffused -resonance transport as the earlier Model 680; like the 680, it will play and record both at the standard cassette speed of Ps ips and at half speed (15/16 ips).
Frequency response at the higher speed is 10 Hz to 22 kHz, ±3 dB (10 to 15,000 Hz at 15/16 ips). Weighted-rms flutter is less than 0.04 per cent at 17/s ips.
The 680ZX has settings for metal, chrome, chrome -equivalent, and premium ferric tapes as well as separate record -level calibrations for each tape type. These calibrations ensure proper Dolby -circuit tracking. Timer operation is possible in either the record or play modes. Fluorescent level in dicators (which may be switched between VU, peak, or peak -hold ballistics) provide continuous program -level monitoring over a range of more than 50 dB. Price: $1,550.
Ready -to -assemble Stereo Furniture From Gusdorf
The six pieces in the Gusdorf "Status Pro" collection of "electronics furniture" all have a protective walnut -tone finish, 1 1/2 -inch -thick sides, continuously adjustable shelves, concealed fasteners, sculptured molding, solar -bronze tempered safety -glass doors with magnetic catches, and hooded, double -wheel casters. The Model 1990 6 1/2 -foot -tall tower (shown) is de signed to house both audio and video equipment. Behind the glass doors there is space for up to five shelves (supplied), each deep enough for a turntable. Below this is a section for a television set. At the bottom is a two -door enclosed compartment with a re movable slide -out shelf for a videocassette unit. Record dividers and a rack -mounting kit are optional. The tower is 20 1/4 inches deep and 27 inches wide. Price: $300. Gusdorf Corp., Dept. SR, 6900 Manchester, St. Louis, Mo. 63143.
Koss' Lightweight Headphones Have Foam Ear Cushions
Unlike most other lightweight head phones, those in the Koss HV/X series have ear cushions that fit around the ears instead of resting on them. Each (removable) ear cushion is made up of a material that is acoustically transparent at its perimeter but denser as it reaches the center. This vari able -density design provides a pattern of acoustical resistance that creates a seal for portions of the bass range without inhibiting venting action at middle and high frequencies. Rated frequency response is from 15 to 35,000 Hz. Weight is about 7 3/4 ounces. The HV/XLC has a volume/balance control in each ear cup, the HV/X (shown) does not. Prices: HV/XLC, $79.95; HV/X, $69.95.
Microprocessor Controls Tuner in Revox Receiver
The tuner section of the Revox B780 FM receiver has pushbutton tuning with an accuracy of ± 0.005 per cent. Eighteen pre selected stations can be stored in the unit's memory with instantaneous recall available through front -panel pushbuttons. There is no tuning knob; tuning is accomplished by pushbutton scanning through the FM band in 25 -kHz steps. The IHF sensitivity is rated at 2.5 microvolts (13.2 dBf); 50 -dB stereo quieting sensitivity is 30 microvolts (34.8 dBf). Alternate -channel selectivity is 78 dB, and total harmonic distortion (THD) in stereo is 0.25 per cent. Capture ratio is 2 dB, AM suppression 70 dB, and the ultimate signal-to-noise ratio 78 dB.
The amplifier section has provisions for tuner, phono, auxiliary, and two tape in puts. The stepped tone controls offer ± 8 dB adjustment at 120, 3,000, and 8,000 Hz.
The power -amplifier section is rated at 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms with no more than 0.04 percent THD from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Dynamic headroom is 1 dB. The receiver measures 17 3/4 x 6 x 16 1/2 inches and weighs 38 pounds. It can be used with European, Asian, and U.S. station allocations and de -emphasis curves and with any standard a.c. line voltages. Price: $2,699.
Sony's Lightweight Portable Stereo Cassette Player O The 13 7/8 -ounce Sony "Soundabout' portable stereo cassette unit (Model TPS L2) plays standard -size audio cassettes through a 1 1/2 -ounce set of headphones (supplied). The Soundabout comes with its own carrying case and strap, and can be hung from a user's shoulder, neck, or belt; an optional accessory nylon pouch has four-way adjustable straps allowing the unit to be used while the user is running, jogging, skating, dancing, etc. Separate volume controls adjust the stereo balance, and a tone -selector dial adjusts the treble response. The player also has cue -and -review capabilities. A built-in microphone lets a user talk or sing along with a cassette and hear the results through the headphones.
Since two pairs can be plugged into the Soundabout at the same time, this feature also permits phone communication between persons sharing the unit while riding the same motorcycle or other vehicle.
The MDR -3L2 phones that come with the Soundabout player feature samarium-cobalt magnets in the drivers. They are available separately and can also be used with other audio equipment. Dimensions of the lightweight player are approximately 3 1/2 x 5 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches. Prices: Soundabout player with one pair of MDR -3L2 head phones, $199.95; extra headphones, $50 each pair.
Technics Turntable Has Linear -tracking Tone Arm Technics' SL -10 quartz -controlled, direct -drive turntable has a dynamically balanced, motor -driven linear -tracking tone arm mounted in the upper half of its die cast aluminum cabinet. The two halves of the cabinet are sealed together during operation. The motor and arm are so designed that the unit can be used either in the nor mal horizontal position or in an upright, vertical position. Automatic turntable operations include disc-size/speed selection and repeat, cueing, search, muting, stop, and re turn functions. Weighted-rms wow and flutter is 0.025 percent; rumble is -78 dB (DIN B -weighted). The unit measures 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 x 31 1/2 inches and weighs 14.3 pounds. It can operate from alternating line current or 12 volts d.c. from a car battery.
The turntable comes with a switchable moving -coil -cartridge pre-preamp and a Technics 310 MC moving-coil cartridge.
The cartridge has a frequency response from 10 to 60,000 Hz (10 to 10,000 Hz, ±0.5 dB), compliance of 12 X 10-6 cm per dyne, and an output level of 0.2 millivolt with a 5-cm/sec groove velocity. Channel separation is greater than 25 dB at 1,000 Hz, and channel balance is within 1 dB.
Price: $600.
Ferric Cassettes From RKO Tape
Broadcast I ferric cassettes from RKO Tape give optimum performance at "nor mal" bias settings. Available in C-60 and C-90 versions, the tape has a highly calendered mirror finish for extended and consistent high -frequency response. The tape housing uses a five -screw construction with ultrasonically sealed plastic tape windows.
Prices: C-60, $3.79; C-90, $5.75. RKO Tape, Dept SR, 3 Fairfield Crescent, West Caldwell, N.J. 07006.
Kenwood Cassette Deck with Bias Adjustments
The KX-1060 stereo cassette deck from Kenwood has a variable bias control and a built-in test oscillator allowing the user to adjust the deck for optimum results with pure -metal, chromium -dioxide, or ferric tapes. The unit has three ferrite heads for extended frequency response (30 to 18,000 Hz ±3 dB with chromium -dioxide or pure - metal tape) and improved playback sensitivity. Separate record and playback Dolby circuits are included for off -the -tape monitoring while recording. Signal-to-noise ratio is 65 dB (Dolby circuits on, pure -metal tape). An electronically controlled d.c. servomotor drives the capstan; the wow -and -flutter specification is 0.045 per cent. Other features include a tape -counter memory, dual VU meters with a peak -level LED, and a stand-by setting that permits starting the deck with an external timer. Dimensions: 17 3/8 x 6 x 147/8 inches. Price: $450.
Acoustic-suspension Speaker Systems From Electro-Voice
The Encore loudspeaker line from Electro-Voice is claimed to combine the low -frequency performance associated with acoustic -suspension speakers with efficiency that approaches that found in vented -enclosure designs. The three models in the series are capable of handling the output of 150 -watt amplifiers; their nominal impedance is 8 ohms. All Encore systems come in walnut - grain vinyl -covered cabinets. The smallest, the 21 1/4 x 11 3/8 x 9 3/4 -inch Encore 33, weighing 20 pounds, has a frequency response of 50 to 18,000 Hz with an output level of 89 dB with a 1 -watt input measured at 1 meter. Drivers are an 8 -inch woofer and a 2 1/2 -inch tweeter; crossover is at 2,500 Hz. The Encore 55 uses a 10-inch woofer and a 2 1/2 -inch tweeter in a cabinet measuring 24 1/4 x 13 3/4 x 10 3/4 inches; weight is 23 pounds. Frequency response is 40 to 18,000 Hz and output level is 92 dB. The three-way Encore 77 uses a 12-inch woofer, a 4-inch midrange, and a 2 1/2 -inch tweeter; cross overs are at 700 and 3,000 Hz. It has the same output level as the Encore 55 but a frequency response extending from 30 to 18,000 Hz. Its cabinet measures 25 1/4 x 14 3/4 x 13 1/8 inches, and it weighs 31 pounds.
Prices: Encore 33, $135; Encore 55, $195; Encore 77, $239.
Tangential Tone Arm In Phase Linear Turntable
The Phase Linear Model 8000 turntable uses a linear electric motor to drive its tangentially tracking tone arm. A cadmium -
sulfide photocell detects the arm's departure from tangency and controls the arm -deflection servo system. It is claimed that the arm is sensitive to deflections as small as 0.2 degree. The quartz -locked direct -drive turntable has a wow -and -flutter specification of 0.013 per cent and a speed deviation of less than 0.0002 per cent; it reaches speed in less than 0.6 second. A double -isolation suspension system separates the turn table from floor vibrations. The controls all mounted outside the dust cover-include switching for power, speed, disc size, and arm elevation. A cueing knob allows lateral movement of the arm to any portion of a record. Dimensions are 19 1/2 x 6 x 17 1/2 inches and weight is 26 1/2 pounds. Price: $749.95.
Shure Cartridges With Dynamic Stabilizers
Shure's M97 Era IV series of phono cartridges all employ a viscous -damped dynamic stabilizer and a telescoped stylus -shank structure. These design elements are said to increase tracking ability at low tracking forces. The cartridges have a stylus -protection device that withdraws the stylus assembly into its housing if the stylus is subjected to excessive side thrust. The top of the M97 line, the M97HE, is fitted with a hyperelliptical stylus, which is claimed to reduce both harmonic and intermodulation distortion. The M97HE is designed to track at 3/4 to 1 1/2 grams. Two other cartridges in the series track at the same force-the M97ED (elliptical stylus) and M97GD (spherical). The M97EJ (elliptical) and M97B (spherical) require 1 1/2 to 3 grams.
The styli (indicated by an "N" prefix) of all models in the series are interchangable.
Prices: M97HE, $112.50; M97ED, $99.50; M97GD, $79.50; M97B, $67.50.
AAL's Portable High -power Disco Speaker
The Disco Tower Series II loudspeaker from American Acoustics Labs is said to be compatible with amplifiers as powerful as 250 watts per channel. The minimum recommended amplifier power is 20 watts. The 46 3/4 x 21 x 16 -inch speaker produces a 103-dB sound -pressure level at 1,000 Hz measured 1 meter away. The nominal impedance is 8 ohms. The drivers include a 15-inch woofer, a 12 -inch midrange, and four 3-inch piezoelectric tweeters. Crossover frequencies are 1,500 and 7,000 Hz. The cabinet is made of 3/4-inch particle board with a heavy-duty scuff-resistant vinyl covering;
weight is 135 pounds. Connections may be made either with push terminals or with 1/4-inch phone jacks. Price: $499. American Acoustics Labs, Dept. SR, 629 West Cermak Road, Chicago, 111. 60616.
NOTICE: All product descriptions and specifications quoted in these columns are based on materials sup plied by the manufacturers.
Domestic inflation and fluctuations in the value of the dollar overseas affect the price of merchandise imported into this country. Please be aware that prices quoted in this issue are subject to change.
Also see: AUDIO/VIDEO NEWS: Now: dbx-Encoded Digital Discs, DAVID RANADA
Source: Stereo Review (USA magazine)