This document describes the Technics SA-X800L Cassette Receiver, a stereo double cassette system with integrated AM/FM tuner and amplifier.
Function Description
The SA-X800L is a versatile audio component designed to serve as a central hub for various audio sources. It integrates an amplifier, an AM/FM tuner, and a double cassette deck, allowing users to play compact discs (via external connection), radio broadcasts, and cassette tapes. The double cassette deck supports recording and playback, including high-speed dubbing. It features Dolby noise reduction for improved audio quality during cassette playback and recording. The unit can be controlled directly from the front panel or via a remote control transmitter.
Important Technical Specifications
Amplifier Section:
- Continuous Power Output (40 Hz~16 kHz, both channels driven): 2 x 18W (THD 1%, 8Ω)
- Continuous Power Output (1 kHz, both channels driven): 2 x 20W (THD 1%, 8Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (half power at 1 kHz): 0.05% (8Ω)
- Power Bandwidth (both channels driven, -3dB): 15Hz~40kHz (8Ω)
- Damping Factor: 22 (8Ω)
- Input Sensitivity and Impedance:
- PHONO: 3.0mV/47kΩ
- CD: 250mV/20kΩ
- Frequency Response (PHONO): RIAA standard curve ±0.8dB (30Hz~15kHz)
- Frequency Response (CD): 18Hz~50kHz (-3dB)
- Tone Controls:
- BASS: 50Hz, +10dB~-10dB
- TREBLE: 12.5kHz, +10dB~-10dB
- Load Impedance: 8Ω~16Ω
FM Tuner Section:
- Frequency Range: 87.50~108.00 MHz (0.05 MHz step)
- Sensitivity (S/N 26dB): 14.7dBf (1.5µV, IHF '58), 1.2µV (40kHz mod., 75Ω)
- Total Harmonic Distortion:
- 1kHz MONO: 0.15%
- STEREO: 0.3%
- S/N MONO: 70dB (78dB, IHF)
- S/N STEREO: 65dB (71dB, IHF)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz~15kHz, +0.5dB~-1.5dB
- Image Rejection at 98 MHz: 40 dB
- Stereo Separation:
- Antenna Terminals: 75Ω (unbalanced)
AM Tuner Section:
- Frequency Range:
- MW: 522~1611kHz (9 kHz steps), 530~1620kHz (10 kHz steps)
- LW: 155~353kHz (9kHz step), 153~351kHz (-2kHz shift)
- Sensitivity (S/N 20dB):
- MW: 20µV, 300µV/m (999kHz)
- LW: 40µV (254kHz)
- Selectivity:
- MW: 55 dB (999kHz)
- LW: 55dB (254 kHz)
- Image Rejection:
- MW: 40 dB (999kHz)
- LW: 50 dB (254 kHz)
Cassette Deck Section:
- Deck System: Auto stop double cassette system
- Track System: 4-track, 2-channel
- Heads:
- PLAY: Solid permalloy head
- REC/PLAY: Solid permalloy head
- Erasing: Double-gap ferrite head
- Motor: DC servo motor
- Recording System: AC bias, 100kHz
- Erasing System: AC erase, 100kHz
- Tape Speed: 4.8cm/sec. (1-7/8 ips)
- Frequency Response:
- CrO2: 30Hz~16kHz (DIN), 40Hz~15kHz, +3dB, -6dB
- NORMAL: 30Hz~15kHz (DIN), 40Hz~14kHz, +3dB, -6dB
- S/N (CrO2 type tape):
- DOLBY NR in: 66dB (CCIR)
- DOLBY NR out: 56dB (A-WTD)
- Wow and Flutter: 0.2% (WRMS)
- Fast Forward and Rewind Time: Approx. 150 seconds with C-60 cassette tape
General:
- Power Consumption: 130W
- Power Supply:
- For continental Europe: AC 50Hz/60Hz, 220V
- For Australia: AC 50Hz/60Hz, 240V
- For others: AC 50Hz/60Hz, 110V/127V/220V/240V
- Dimensions: 360 x 292 x 303 mm (14-3/16" x 11-1/2" x 11-15/16")
- Weight: 6.2kg (13.7 lb)
Usage Features
The SA-X800L offers a user-friendly interface with both front panel controls and a remote control.
- Front Panel Controls: Includes a channel display, digital frequency display, preset-tuning buttons (1-16), tuning buttons, memory indicator, memory button, FM mode selector, band selectors (FM/MW/LW), audio muting switch, volume control, volume/balance level indicator, input signal indicators, power switch, headphones jack, tone controls (BASS/TREBLE), Dolby noise-reduction selector, and comprehensive controls for both DECK A and DECK B (Record, Playback, Rewind, Fast-forward, Stop/Eject, Pause, and Deck A counter/reset).
- Remote Control Transmitter (EUR64409): Allows for convenient operation from a distance (within 7 meters). It includes tuner preset-tuning buttons, source selection (PHONO, TAPE), amplifier muting, and volume control. For Technics compact disc players with remote-control terminals, it also offers CD playback controls (Play/Pause, Stop, Skip/Search).
- Dolby System: Incorporates Dolby noise reduction for cassettes, enhancing sound quality by reducing tape hiss.
- Beat-Prevention Switch (BEAT PROOF): Helps to minimize interference during recording.
- Input Selectors: Dedicated buttons for PHONO, TUNER, TAPE, and CD sources.
- Double Cassette System: Enables recording from various sources onto cassette tapes, as well as tape-to-tape dubbing.
Maintenance Features
The manual provides detailed instructions for maintenance and adjustment, crucial for optimal performance.
- Protection Circuitry: The unit is equipped with protection circuitry that may operate if conditions like excessive power output, overheating, or speaker connection issues occur. Troubleshooting steps are provided, including turning off the power, determining the cause, and turning the power on again.
- Before Repair and Adjustment: Emphasizes discharging power supply capacitors and ensuring the unit's power is off before any work.
- Disassembly Instructions: Comprehensive steps for disassembling various components, including the cabinet, rear panel, tuner P.C.B., remote sensor P.C.B., main P.C.B., headphones P.C.B., Dolby selector P.C.B., tone control P.C.B., bottom cover, band selector P.C.B., input selector P.C.B., power switch P.C.B., cassette lid, and remote control. This includes specific screw and connector removal instructions.
- Measurements and Adjustments: Detailed procedures for calibrating the unit's performance.
- LW/MW/FM Adjustments: Covers RF adjustments for MW and LW bands (L208, CT202, L209, CT203) and FM RF adjustments (CT201, T201). It also includes FM mono distortion adjustment (T203, T204) and MPX VCO adjustment (VR201) for stereo separation.
- Cassette Deck Adjustments:
- Head Azimuth Adjustment (DECK A/B): Involves playing a test tape (QZZCFM) and adjusting screws to maximize output and eliminate phase deflection.
- Tape Speed Adjustment (DECK A/B): Uses a test tape (QZZCWAT) and adjusts the motor's VR to achieve the standard speed (3000 ± 20Hz).
- Bias Oscillation Adjustment (DECK A): Adjusts L401 for 95~100kHz on the frequency counter.
- Erase Current Adjustment (DECK A): Adjusts VR401 for 70±5mV (Normal tape) or 80mV (CrO2 tape) on an AC Electronic Voltmeter.
- Recording Bias Adjustment (DECK A): Adjusts VR307 (Lch) and VR308 (Rch) for 4.8±0.1mV (Normal tape) or 5~8.0mV (CrO2 tape).
- Recording Current Adjustment (DECK A): Adjusts VR305 (Lch) and VR306 (Rch) for 0.38±0.01mV.
- Playback Gain Adjustment (DECK A/B): Adjusts VR301, VR302 (DECK B) and VR303, VR304 (DECK A) for 410 ± 10mV.
- Test Tapes: Specifies the use of QZZCFM (8kHz, -20dB) for azimuth, QZZCWAT (3kHz, -10dB) for tape speed, QZZCRA for normal reference blank, and QZZCRX for CrO2 reference blank.
- Heads and Capstan/Pressure Roller Cleaning: Regular cleaning is recommended for optimal performance.
- Lithium Battery Caution: Provides specific instructions for replacing the BR2325-1VC lithium battery, emphasizing correct polarity and placement for safety.
- Static Electricity Precautions: Advises covering plastic parts boxes with aluminum foil, grounding the soldering iron, and avoiding direct finger contact with IC/LSI legs during repair.