This power amplifier is part of a complete Technics system, it can be used as a stand alone power amplifier (no preamp at all)
OR
build up an authentic all Technics system from these components
* ST-K808 (AM/FM Receiver plus preamp including Phono input)
* RS-M45 (Single cassette deck)
* SH-R808 (IR remote control system for all components except the power amplifier)
SL-Q33 - sold a while back, these turntables can be remote controlled by the SH-R808. So funny watching a turntable run without any hands near it!
* Denotes system components that I currently have, am evaluating or refurbishing - look at the separate advertisements for those items marked with a *
This is the audio power amplifier component only (SE-A808)
There are no volume, tone, input select controls because those functions are all provided by another component, the preamplifier unit.
Technics Stereo Power Amplifier
Slimline format
Model: SE-A808 (XA)
Multiple AC input capable
Switch underneath allows selection of 100V, 110, 220V & 240V
Made in Japan
Released to market 1980~1983
Power output: 45 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), 90 watts into 8Ω (mono)
Frequency response: 5Hz to 20kHz (I actually saw spec's indicating up to 60kHz but that's just a bit crazy)
Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%
Damping factor: 32
Input sensitivity: 0.5V
Signal to noise ratio: 108dB
Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω
Dimensions: 430mm x 75mm x 280mm
Weight: 7Kg (heavier on the left-side because of the two AC power transformers)
**SPECIAL NOTE**
The ORIGINAL AC plug remains fitted, 2 flat parallel pins (GPO earth not connected) as was common with 1980's Japanese audio equipment.
I am supplying a commecial plug adaptor (multi international standard to Australian 3 pin GPO) so this is easily useable with our Australian 240V GPO's (no need to bend the pins!) OR (once the AC voltage switch underneath is changed) used immediately in Japan, Asia, USA or Europe.
Rear panel has a single AC socket (2 pin flat, no earth) to supply AC to other components, maximum 500W rating
This rear panel AC socket is NOT switched, it comes alive immediately the power amplifier has AC power.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS:
No obvious modifications/repairs could be observed, just that old "Technics" smell! (no, not burning)
This means the ORIGINAL capacitors are in place, keep in mind that these are likely to fail - one day!
This amplifier uses the STK1050 power output hybrid block devices
No facility to adjust the clamp or bias of these blocks, unlike the Technics SU-V2 amplifier I have just dismantled.
Input differential amplifers are AN7060 SIP packages
Other than those two major components, not a lot else inside this power amplifier (other than the protection circuits)
Uses two (SEALED and heavy) AC power transformers, each supplying 33V AC instead of using one transfromer with a 33-0-33 output.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Case is clean and unscratched or unmarked - very nice!
Front panel is about as simple as you can get, there is no scratching and the labelling is clear, unworn
Rear panel has only the audio input sockets (RCA nickel plated) and the two sets of "twist lok" speaker terminals - these are clean and shiny
There is also a small slide switch so you can select STEREO or MONO - I found this switch to be a bit noisy (lots of Technics gear have switch problems) and now all is very good, nice reliable switching between stereo and mono operation.
The AC input voltage switch is underneath the amplifier (the base) and is set for 240V currently
TESTING:
I have had this power amplifer in storage since the audio post production days and bought it out, checked inside and gave those speaker select switches a clean up - nothing else much to do, there isn't a lot going on insde these power amplifiers.
I ran this amplifier on various speaker systems here, including Vifa, elcheapo JVC and my beautiful Monitor Audio S2's
I have been running this amplifier (source material preamplifier was a NAD system and also a ST-K808 which I currently have under test) with no issues at all.
The audio is very nice, nothing surprising at "normal" levels but it seems to enjoy being cranked up a bit - the sound "comes alive" at higher drive levels and no signs of breakup (distortion)
During normal operation, the amplifier runs just warm - I kept an eye on how hot the amplifier blocks were running and the warmest component is actually the two transformers with the STK1050 packs hardly getting warm at all - they are attached to a nice big heatsink system.
Another thing I noticed (but it is not a problem) is that at turn on, the protection relay takes around 3 seconds to kick in - this is slower than other gear around here but this is not an issue, just be a little more patient when it turns on!
Very sleek, un-assuming design which does it's job very well - produce nice clean loud audio!
Reluctantly seeking a new home for this amplifer (and it's mates mentioned above) as I have far too many audio systems from my post audio production days, time to let them go!
