This document is a service manual for the Sony TA-F445R Integrated Stereo Amplifier, AEP Model.
Function Description
The Sony TA-F445R is an integrated stereo amplifier designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction. It features a low-noise equalizer preamplifier and a pure-complementary SEPP OCL power amplifier with all stages directly coupled. This design aims to deliver clear and powerful sound across a wide frequency range.
The amplifier includes multiple input options for various audio sources, such as:
- PHONO (MM): For connecting a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge.
- TUNER: For connecting a radio tuner.
- CD: For connecting a compact disc player.
- AUX: For connecting auxiliary audio devices.
- TAPE 1/DAT: For connecting a tape deck or Digital Audio Tape (DAT) recorder.
- TAPE 2/MD: For connecting a second tape deck or MiniDisc (MD) player.
It also provides output options for:
- REC OUT: For recording to external devices.
- SPEAKERS: For connecting loudspeakers.
- HEADPHONES: For private listening.
The amplifier incorporates tone controls for adjusting BASS and TREBLE, as well as a BALANCE control for adjusting the left and right channel output. Additional features include a SOURCE DIRECT button for bypassing tone controls for a purer sound, an EON button, and a LOUDNESS button for enhancing bass and treble at low listening levels.
Important Technical Specifications
Amplifier Section:
- Continuous RMS Power Output (both channels driven simultaneously):
- Model for Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal:
- DIN, 1 kHz, 8 ohms: 60 W + 60 W
- 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 8 ohms: 50 W + 50 W
- Model for other countries:
- DIN, 1 kHz, 4 ohms: 75 W + 75 W
- DIN, 1 kHz, 8 ohms: 60 W + 60 W
- 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 8 ohms: 50 W + 50 W
- Harmonic Distortion (at 10 W output): Less than 0.025%
- Intermodulation (IM) Distortion (60 Hz: 7 kHz = 4:1, at 10 W output): Less than 0.025%
- Damping Factor (8 ohms, 1 kHz): 50
Input Sensitivity/Impedance:
- PHONO (MM): 2.5 mV / 50 kilohms
- TUNER, CD, AUX, TAPE 1/DAT, TAPE 2/MD: 150 mV / 50 kilohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N):
- PHONO (MM) (A, 5 mV): 76 dB
- TUNER, CD, AUX, TAPE 1/DAT, TAPE 2/MD (A): 100 dB
Frequency Response:
- PHONO: RIAA equalization curve ± 0.5 dB
- TUNER, CD, AUX, TAPE 1/DAT, TAPE 2/MD: 7 Hz – 100 kHz ± 3 dB
Tone Controls:
- BASS: ± 10 dB (100 Hz), Turnover frequency: 300 Hz
- TREBLE: ± 10 dB (10 kHz), Turnover frequency: 5 kHz
General:
- Power Requirements: 220 V – 230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
- Power Consumption:
- Model for Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal: 120 W
- Model for other countries: 180 W
- Dimensions (w/h/d): Approx. 430 × 135 × 315 mm (17 × 5⅜ × 12⅜ inches)
- Mass: Approx. 6.6 kg (14 lb 9 oz)
Usage Features
The TA-F445R can be operated directly from the front panel or via the supplied remote commander (RM-S311).
Front Panel Controls:
- POWER switch and STANDBY indicator: The STANDBY indicator blinks upon power-on and turns off when ready. If it continues blinking, it indicates a short-circuit in speaker outputs or other connected components, requiring a check of the system.
- INPUT SELECTOR: Allows selection of various audio sources (TAPE 2/MD, AUX, CD, TUNER, PHONO).
- SOURCE DIRECT button: Bypasses tone controls for a direct audio path.
- VOLUME control: Adjusts the overall output level.
- HEADPHONES jack: For connecting headphones.
- SPEAKERS selector: To enable/disable speaker output.
- TONE (BASS/TREBLE) controls: For adjusting bass and treble frequencies.
- BALANCE control: For adjusting the balance between left and right channels.
- EON button: Specific function not detailed in this section but likely related to enhanced audio.
- LOUDNESS button: Boosts bass and treble at low volume levels.
- TAPE 1/DAT MONITOR button: For monitoring the input signal of TAPE 1/DAT.
Remote Commander (RM-S311) Features:
- POWER switch: Turns the unit on/off.
- TUNER operation buttons: Selects TUNER mode and preset stations.
- CD operation buttons: Includes functions like Automatic Music Sensor (H/H), Disc Skip (D. SKIP), Play (►), Stop (■), and Pause (II). The play button automatically switches the amplifier to CD mode and starts playback.
- TAPE 2 DECK A/DECK B operation buttons: Includes Fast Winding (►►►), Stop (■), Reverse Play (◄), Forward Play (►), Start Recording (REC +►►), Reverse Recording (REC +◄), and Pause (II). Play buttons automatically switch to TAPE 2 mode and start playback.
- VOL (Volume) +/- buttons: Adjusts volume.
- PHONO operation buttons: START automatically selects PHONO mode and starts turntable playback. STOP halts playback.
- DAT/TAPE 1 button: Selects DAT or TAPE 1 mode.
- AUX button: Selects AUX mode.
Maintenance Features
The service manual provides detailed instructions for electrical adjustments and component replacement, crucial for maintaining the device.
Electrical Adjustment:
- DC Bias Adjustment:
- Procedure: Connect a VTVM (Vacuum Tube Voltmeter) to test points TP301 (L-CH) and TP351 (R-CH) on the MAIN BOARD.
- Adjustment: Adjust RV301 (L-CH) and RV351 (R-CH) to achieve a reading of 20 mV on the VTVM.
- Important Notes:
- Adjustments should be made within 2 to 3 minutes after turning on the power.
- Re-adjustment is necessary after replacing power transistors.
Safety-Related Component Warning:
- Components identified by a "▲" mark or dotted line with a "▲" mark on schematic diagrams and parts lists are critical for safe operation. These components must be replaced only with genuine Sony parts with the specified part numbers.
Component Identification:
- The manual includes detailed diagrams of printed wiring boards (Panel Section, Main Section) and exploded views of the front panel and chassis sections, with corresponding parts lists. This facilitates identification and replacement of specific components.
- Semiconductor lead layouts are provided to ensure correct orientation during replacement.
Parts List Information:
- The electrical parts list specifies part numbers, descriptions, and remarks for various components (capacitors, connectors, diodes, ICs, jacks, coils, resistors, relays, switches, transformers, transistors, thermistors, test pins).
- Standardized parts (-XX and -X) may differ slightly from the original.
- Items marked with an asterisk (*) are not typically stocked and may require anticipation of delays when ordering.
- Mechanical parts without reference numbers in exploded views are not supplied.
- Hardware list and accessories/packing materials are provided separately.