Part 2 – coming soon
I’m a big fan of Sony vintage top ES CD players. I already wrote article about these. Now in this article series I would like to collect and make a timeline about all of the top of the line Sony ES amplifiers from the beginning to the end of the 20th century.
The abbreviation ES, according to Sony’s Japanese marketing materials, stands for Extreme high Standard. „ES” appeared in the brochures and advertisments in 1965-1966 but I didn’t see full text in these. The earliest mention of „Extreme high Standard” I saw was in a Japanese newspaper advertisement from October 1971. An ES catalog from October 1994 also advertises it this way but „Extremely High Standard”.
This article series contains timeline for integrated amplifiers, pre- and power amplifiers. I ordered the amplifiers into 4 categories. It seems to me that sometime Sony’s marketing papers also classified products but this calssification is based on my own concept (mainly based on original prices). I only took the top 4 categories into account. If an ES amplifier didn’t fit one of these 4 categories, I left that out. I didn’t want to deal with cheaper models. ES lineage is a little bit complicated, there were high-end non-ES Sony amplifiers too (like ESPRIT and R series). I collected data for these also because these were the reference Sony amplifiers.
There were multiple sources for technical and other data. Primary source was the official Sony Service Manual for the specific model. If data wasn’t available in service manuals, I took old Sony marketing materials. Sometime I searched photos about the inside of the amplifiers itself. It seems to me that even official Service Manuals wasn’t always correct about a specific data. Not to mention marketing papers. Exact release date is also very hard to determine. I added notes for the doubtful data. Please take into consideration that I don’t have phisycal example from these amplifiers and I haven’t seen most of them (except 1-2).
Because of the high number of amplifiers, I ordered the timeline into categories and every category contains only a few amplifiers. Release date and distribution based on original Japanese product catalogs. It is obviously possible that if there were stock items, distribution easily lasted longer (especially in non-Japanese areas where distribution dates are sometime different). But I only took into consideration original catalogs.
Due to the large number of amplifiers, I have divided the entire story into several articles. Below is the summary of the 4 levels of the Sony high-end amplifier line first stage.
Classic ES series (1965-1974)
Story of ES begun at 1965 with the world’s first all-silicon transistorized stereo integrated amplifier: it was the Sony TA-1120. It was the first product in the ES series.
At that time „ES” not appeared in the product name, it was a designation of a family of products Sony advertised as „ES series”. Sony advertised their best high fidelity products as part of the ES series at first. It contained amplifiers, reel to reel decks, turntables, speakers. Sony’s first top of the line amplifier model numbers started with „TA” (it maybe stands for Transistor Amplifier, I don’t know). First number designated the product category:
- 1: integrated amplifier (for example: TA-1120)
- 2: preamplifier (TA-2000)
- 3: power amplifier (TA-3120)
- 4: active crossover (TA-4300, I will not deal with this category in this article)
Later in the 60’s and early 70’s Sony created product serieses in the categories. These were advertised with series numbers but higher number meant lower category. For example 130 series contained TA-1130 amplifier and ST-5130 tuner. Top series was 120. Series numbering wasn’t completely consistent but good to know about it.
Sony’s first 3 completely transistorised ES amplifier models:
Although could drive stereo speakers, power amplifier was made specifically for multi-amped speakers. These was quite common in those days. Power amplifier was approximately half size width. TA-1120 was usable as preamplifier for the TA-3120.
Sony revised the top models in 1967 and released the „A” version. „A” didn’t appear in the front panel, just on the back panel. TA-1120A had headphone output and Sony’s engineers completely redesigned its preamplifier section. It was the last ES amplifier which had high sensitivity „tape head” input. Although this was not mentioned in the service manual, Sony advertised these new models as being able to drive 4 Ohm speakers. Previous models could only drive 8 and 16 Ohm speakers.
Sony released its first completely transistorised preamplifier in 1968. It was the TA-2000.
In 1969 Sony refreshed the amplifier line with the then new FET and direct-coupled amplifier technology. New versions got „F” designation (F for FET). Japanese versions had smooth knobs and a little „F” plate in the upper right corner of the front plate. International versions had knurled knobs and they didn’t have that little „F” plate (although I’ve seen smooth knob versions in early German catalogues too).
TA-1120F was the new reference in 1969. It seems to me that it was sold only in Japan. I didn’t see any instance of it in foreign catalogues. They sold TA-1120A and cheaper models overseas. 1120F was very successful in Japan, it remained in the catalogues until 1977 summer. It was in production for 8 years, the longest any Sony amplifier has been in production. Of course, life was much slower back then.
Three new power amplifier appeared in the catalogues in 1969 (photo about TA-3130F later with TA-3140F). These could drive stereo speakers, although they was made specifically for multi-amped speakers.
It seems to me that top model TA-3120F was sold only in Japan. It was the first ES amplifier which had 100W RMS power output (20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohm).
In 1970 Sony revised the preamplifier too and released the TA-2000F. It was very successful and it remained in the catalogues until 1977. They also released a new integrated amplifier: TA-1130. It was the first ES amplifier which had loudness control.
In 1971 Sony released its new reference power amplifier: TA-3200F. It was the second ES amplifier which had 100W RMS power output (20Hz-20kHz, 8 ohm). In addition, the lower price range product category was also expanded with TA-1140 and TA-3140F. Later, class 3 products were also released: the TA-1150 in 1972 and finally its enhanced version: TA-1150D in 1974 (the latter was only sold in Japan). (There were other models like TA-1160 and others but these were even lower category models so I will not deal with these.)
The TA-1150D was a late product as the original ES series was come to end in 1973. In 1974, a new era began: the ES-II.
Below is the complete reference data of classic ES era. All amplifiers were AB class and basically stereo 2 channel models. Current price is calculated with inflation calculator.
RMS output is from the original service manual or advertising brochure. Real produced power could be different based on the localized amplifier model because of different local current voltage.
Integrated amplifier specifications:
| Japanese model | TA-1120 | TA-1080 | TA-1120A | TA-1120F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | not released | |||
| European model (if different) | not released | |||
| Japanese release | 1965 | 1965 | 1967 | 1969 |
| Distribution | 1965-1967 | 1965-1966 (1970 overseas) | 1967-1969 (1972 overseas) | 1969-1977 |
| Amplifier section | ||||
| Circuit type | Quasi-complementary symmetry single-ended push-pull OTL circuit | Quasi-complementary symmetry single-ended push-pull OTL circuit | Quasi-complementary symmetry single-ended push-pull OTL circuit | Direct coupling semi-complementary symmetric SEPP circuit |
| Power transistors | 8 x 2SD45 | 4 x 2SD45 | 8 x 2SD88 | |
| RMS output 8 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 30 W | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 80 W (at 1 kHz) |
| RMS output 16 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 35 W | 2 x 27 W | 2 x 35 W | |
| RMS output 4 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | - | - | - | |
| Power bandwith (8 Ohm) | 8 Hz – 30 kHz | |||
| Frequency response (+0/-1 dB) | 10 Hz - 100 kHz | 15 Hz – 100 kHz | 5 Hz – 200 kHz | 5 Hz – 200 kHz |
| Damping factor ( 1kHz, 8 Ohm) | 70 | 40 | 180 (360 at 16 Ohm) | 200 |
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | <0,1% (at 1 kHz) <0.5% (20 Hz – 80 kHz) | <0.15% | <0.05% (at 1kHz) <0.1% (20 Hz – 15 kHz) | <0.1% |
| Harmonic distortion at 1 W output | <0.05% (at 0.5W) | <0.1% (at 0.5W) | <0.03% (at 0.5W) | <0.03% |
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | <0.3% | <0.4% | <0.1% | |
| Intermodulation distortion at 1 W output | <0.03% | |||
| Signal to noise ratio | 110 dB | 110 dB | 110 dB | |
| Residual noise (8 ohm) | <0.05 µW | <0.03 µW | ||
| Speaker out | 8-16 Ω | 8-16 Ω | 8-16 Ω3 | A – B (4-16 Ω) |
| Inputs | ||||
| Phono RCA | 1 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| 5 mV, 47 kΩ 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±0.5 dB | 2.3 mV, 47 kΩ 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±0.5 dB | 1,2 mV, 47 kΩ 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±0.5 dB | 1,2 mV 50 kΩ | |
| signal to noise ratio | >80 dB | >70 dB | >70 dB | >70 dB |
| Phono secondary RCA | 1 stereo | - | - | - |
| 1 mV, 47 kΩ 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±0.5 dB | - | - | - | |
| >70 dB | - | - | - | |
| RCA other (aux, tuner, tape etc.) | 3 stereo (2 adjustable) | 3 stereo (2 adjustable) | 3 stereo (2 adjustable) | 4 stereo (2 adjustable) |
| 0,2 V, 100 kΩ 30 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 120 mV, 100 kΩ 30 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 0,15 V (adjustable on tuner, AUX) 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 140 mV 100 kΩ 5 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | |
| >90 dB | >80 dB | >90 dB | >90 dB | |
| Tape Head RCA | 1 mV 500 kΩ (adjustable) 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±0.5 dB | 0,7 mV 100 kΩ 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±0.5 dB | 1,2 mV 500 kΩ (adjustable) 30 Hz – 15 kHz ±0.5 dB | - |
| >70 dB | >60 dB | >70 dB | - | |
| Power amp in | 1 stereo | - | 1 V 100 kΩ | 1.25 V 100 kΩ |
| Jack (aux) | - | - | - | same input as AUX 2 |
| - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | ||
| Microphone | 1 stereo | - | 1 stereo | 1 stereo (2 mono jacks) |
| 2 mV 500 kΩ 30 Hz – 50 kHz +0/-2 dB | 1.2 mV 500 kΩ 30 Hz – 50 kHz +0/-2 dB | 1.4 mV 100 kΩ 15 Hz – 30 kHz +0/-2 dB | ||
| >65 dB | - | >65 dB | >65 dB | |
| Outputs | ||||
| Center channel out | - | - | - | - |
| Rec out | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo |
| specification | 0.2 V | 120 mV | 0.15 V | 140 mV 10 kΩ |
| Preamp out | 1,5 V | - | 2 V | 1.25 V 1 kΩ |
| Headphone out | - | - | 6V | x |
| DIN Rec/PB out | 25 mV | 12 mV | 25 mV | 32 mV 82 kΩ |
| DIN Rec/PB input | 0.5 V | 0.5 V | 0.5 V | 140 mV 100 kΩ |
| Functions | ||||
| Bass tone control1 | 100 Hz ±10 dB | 100 Hz ±10 dB | 100 Hz ±10 dB | 100Hz ±10dB |
| Treble tone control1 | 10 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz ±10 dB | 10kHz ±10dB |
| Loudness | - | - | - | - |
| High filter1 | 9 kHz | - | 9 kHz | 9 kHz |
| Low filter1 | 50 Hz | - | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Balance | x | x | x | x |
| Stereo switch2 | x | x | x | x |
| Construction | ||||
| Transformator count | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Capacitors in the power supply | 10000 µF | 6000 µF | 16400 µF | |
| Power consumption | 30W at zero signal 200W at rated output | 25W at zero signal 200W at maximum output | 40W at no signal 260W at maximum output | 200W |
| Heat sink | metal plate | metal plate | metal plate | heat sink |
| Construction | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis |
| Optional wooden cabinet | TAC-1 (eurasian teak cabinet) | TAC-1 (eurasian teak cabinet) | TAC-1 (eurasian teak cabinet, 4600 yen) | TAC-1 (eurasian teak cabinet, 4600 yen) TAC-1N (3000 yen) |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm |
| Height | 145 mm | 145 mm | 145 mm | 149 mm |
| Depth | 310 mm | 310 mm | 310 mm | 327 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 11 kg | 11 kg | 13 kg |
| Original price | 88000 yen | 69000 yen | 96000 yen 449.50 USD 1698 DM | 138000 yen |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 411000 yen | 322000 yen | 410000 yen | 532000 yen |
1: all tone controls could be turned off
2: channel switch, switch to channel sum to mono, and functions like this
3: there was a US brochure where it was 4-16 Ohm
| Japanese model | TA-1130 | TA-1140 | TA-1150 | TA-1150D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | not released | |||
| European model (if different) | not released | |||
| Japanese release | 1970 | 1971 | 1972 | 1974 |
| Distribution | 1970-1974 | 1971-1974 | 1972-1974 | 1974-1975 |
| Amplifier section | ||||
| Circuit type | Quasi-complementary symmetry single-ended push-pull OTL circuit | Quasi-complementary symmetry single-ended push-pull OTL circuit | Direct coupling, complementary symmetrical SEPP circuit | |
| Power transistors | 4 x 2SD88A | 4 x 2SD316 | 4 x 2SC1060, 4 x 2SA670 | |
| RMS output 8 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 65 W | 2 x 40 W | 2 x 30 W | 2 x 35 W |
| RMS output 16 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | ||||
| RMS output 4 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 70 W | 2 x 50 W | ||
| Power bandwith (8 Ohm) | 7 Hz – 30 kHz | 6 Hz – 35 kHz | 8 Hz – 35 kHz | 8 Hz – 35 kHz |
| Frequency response (+0/-1 dB) | 10 Hz – 200 kHz +0/-2 dB | |||
| Damping factor ( 1kHz, 8 Ohm) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | <0.1% (1 kHz) | <0.1% | <0.2% | 0.20% |
| Harmonic distortion at 1 W output | <0.05% | 0.10% | ||
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | <0.1% | <0.1% | <0.2% | 0.20% |
| Intermodulation distortion at 1 W output | <0.05% | 0.10% | ||
| Signal to noise ratio | 110 dB | 110 dB | 110 dB | |
| Residual noise (8 ohm) | <0.008 µW | <0.05 µW | ||
| Speaker out | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B |
| Inputs | ||||
| Phono RCA | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| 1,2 mV 47 kΩ | 1,2 mV 47 kΩ | 1,2 mV 47 kΩ | 2 mV 47 kΩ | |
| signal to noise ratio | >70 dB | >70 dB | >70 dB | >70 dB |
| Phono secondary RCA | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | |
| RCA other (aux, tuner, tape etc.) | 4 stereo | 4 stereo | 5 stereo (1 adjustable) | 5 stereo (1 adjustable) |
| 130 mV 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz | 130 mV 100 kΩ 15 Hz – 80 kHz ±2dB | 140 mV 50 kΩ 15 Hz – 80 kHz ±2dB | ||
| >90 dB | >90 dB | >90 dB | ||
| Tape Head RCA | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - | |
| Power amp in | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo |
| Jack (aux) | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo |
| 130 mV 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz | 130 mV 100 kΩ 15 Hz – 80 kHz ±2dB | 140 mV 50 kΩ 15 Hz – 80 kHz ±2dB | ||
| >90 dB | >90 dB | |||
| Microphone | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | |
| Outputs | ||||
| Center channel out1 | - | x | 800 mV 680 Ω | x |
| Rec out | 1 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| specification | 150 mV 10 kΩ | 130 mV 10 kΩ | 140 mV 10 kΩ | 140 mV 10 kΩ |
| Preamp out | 1 V 5 kOhm | 1 V 3 kΩ | 0.8 V 2.7 kΩ | 0.8 V 2.7 kΩ |
| Headphone out | x | x | x | x |
| DIN Rec/PB out | 150 mV 10 kΩ | 30 mV 80 kΩ | 24 mV 82 kΩ | x |
| DIN Rec/PB input | 130 mV 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz S/N: >90 dB | 130 mV 100 kΩ 15 Hz – 80 kHz ±2dB | 140 mV 50 kΩ 15 Hz – 80 kHz ±2dB S/N: >90 dB | x |
| Functions | ||||
| Bass tone control2 | 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB |
| Treble tone control2 | 10 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB |
| Loudness | +8 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz | +10 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz | +10 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz | +10 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz |
| High filter2 | 7 kHz | 5 kHz | 5 kHz | 5 kHz |
| Low filter2 | 100 Hz | 70 Hz | 70 Hz | 100 Hz |
| Balance | x | x | x | x |
| Stereo switch3 | x | x | x | x |
| Construction | ||||
| Transformator count | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Capacitors in the power supply | 14000 µF | 9400 µF | ||
| Power consumption | 210W 280W (general export model) | 200W | 180W (US model) 250W (EU model) | 120W |
| Heat sink | heat sink | heat sink | ||
| Construction | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis |
| Optional wooden frame | TAC-1 (eurasian teak cabinet, 4600 yen) | x | TAC-IN (3000 yen) | |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm | 400 mm |
| Height | 149 mm | 149 mm | 149 mm | 149 mm |
| Depth | 327 mm | 316 mm | 316 mm | 316 mm |
| Weight | 13 kg | 9.8 kg | 8.3 kg | 8.3 kg |
| Original price | 88000 yen | 59800 yen | 49800 yen | 59800 yen |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 318000 yen 430 USD 1698 DM | 203000 yen 1111 DM | 161000 yen 280 USD | 141000 yen |
1: center channel was the sum of left and right channels
2: all tone controls could be turned off
3: channel switch, switch to channel sum to mono, and functions like this
Preamplifier specifications:
| Japanese model | TA-2000 | TA-2000F |
|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | ||
| European model (if different) | ||
| Japanese release | 1968 | 1970-10-21 |
| Distribution | 1968-1969 (1971 overseas) | 1970-1977 |
| Amplifier section | ||
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | <0.03% | <0.03% |
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | <0.05% | <0.05% |
| Inputs | ||
| Phono 1 | 1 stereo (adjustable) | 1 stereo |
| 1.2 mV 47 kΩ | high (1.2 mV) / low (0.06 mV) level 33 k, 47 k, 82 k, 10 Ω, 30 Ω switchable | |
| >70 dB | high level: >73 dB low level: >50 dB | |
| Phono 2 | 1 stereo (adjustable) | 1 stereo |
| normal (1.2 mV) / low (0.06 mV) level 200 Ω switchable | 1.2 mV 47 kΩ | |
| >70 dB (normal) >50 dB (low) | >73 dB | |
| RCA other (aux, tuner, tape etc.) | 4 stereo (3 adjustable) | 5 stereo (4 adjustable) |
| 20 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB 120 mV 100 kΩ | 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB 110 mV 100 kΩ | |
| >90 dB | >90 dB | |
| Jack (aux) | Same input as TAPE 2 | 1 stereo |
| - | 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB 110 mV 100 kΩ | |
| - | >90 dB | |
| Microphone | 1 stereo (2 mono jacks) | 1 stereo |
| 20 Hz – 30 kHz +0/-2 dB 1.2 mV 500 kΩ | 30 Hz – 30 kHz +0/-2 dB 0.5 mV 100 kΩ | |
| >50 dB | ||
| Tape head | 1 stereo (adjustable) | - |
| 1.2 mV 500 kΩ | - | |
| >70 dB | - | |
| Outputs | ||
| Center channel out | 1 V 7.5 kΩ (adjustable) | 5 V 2.6 kΩ |
| Rec out (RCA) | - | 1 stereo |
| - | 100 mV 10 kΩ | |
| - | ||
| Rec out (jack) | 1 stereo | - |
| Amplifier out | 2 stereo | 1 stereo |
| 1 V 10 kΩ / 0.3 V 4 kΩ | 1 V 3 kΩ / 0.3 V 6 kΩ | |
| Headphone out | 3 V 1.5 kΩ | 0.5 V 8 Ω |
| DIN Rec/PB out | 12 mV 80 kΩ | 30 mV 82 kΩ |
| DIN Rec/PB input | 120 mV 100 kΩ | 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB 110 mV 100 kΩ |
| 90 dB | ||
| Functions | ||
| Bass tone control1 | 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB |
| Treble tone control1 | 10 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB |
| Loudness | - | - |
| High filter1 | 9 kHz | 9 kHz |
| Low filter1 | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Balance | x | x |
| Stereo switch2 | x | x |
| VU meter | left/right | left/right |
| Construction | ||
| Transformator count | 1 | 1 |
| Power consumption | 10W | 23W |
| Construction | steel chassis | steel chassis |
| Optional wooden frame | TAC-1 (4600 yen) | TAC-1 (4600 yen) |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 400 mm | 400 mm |
| Height | 145 mm | 149 mm |
| Depth | 315 mm | 315 mm |
| Weight | 9 kg | 9 kg |
| Original price | 85000 yen 329,5 USD 1398 DM | 128000 yen 2300 DM |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 345000 yen | 462000 yen |
1: all tone controls could be turned off
2: channel switch, switch to channel sum to mono, and functions like this
Power amplifier specifications:
| Japanese model | TA-3120 | TA-3120A | TA-3120F | TA-3060 | TA-3130F | TA-3140F | TA-3200F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | not released | ||||||
| European model (if different) | not released | ||||||
| Japanese release | 1965 | 1967. április | 1969 | 1969 | 1969 | 1971 | 1971 |
| Distribution | 1965-1967 (1970 overseas) | 1967-1968 | 1969-1971 | 1969-1970 (1971 overseas) | 1969-1974 | 1971-1974 (1976 overseas) | 1971-1977 |
| Amplifier section | |||||||
| Circuit type | Quasy-complementary symmetry circuit | Quasi-complementary symmetry single-ended push-pull OTL circuit | Direct coupling, quasi-complementary symmetrical SEPP OTL circuit | ||||
| Power transistors | 4 x 2SD88 | 4 x 2SA705 | 4 x 2SD316 | 4 x SONY TX-183S | |||
| Stereo/Mono | stereo | stereo | stereo | stereo | stereo | stereo | stereo |
| RMS output 8 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 100 W | 2 x 30 W | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 35 W | 2 x 100 W |
| RMS output 16 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 35 W | 2 x 35 W | - | - | - | ||
| RMS output 4 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | - | 2 x 60 W | 2 x 75 W (1 kHz) | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 130 W | ||
| Power bandwith (8 Ohm) | 8 Hz – 30 kHz | 6 Hz – 35 kHz | 7 Hz – 30 kHz | 6 Hz – 35 kHz | 5 Hz – 35 kHz | ||
| Frequency response (test mode, +0/-1 dB)1 | 10 Hz – 100 kHz | 7 Hz – 180 kHz | 5 Hz – 200 kHz | 5 Hz – 300 kHz (+0/-2 dB) | 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+0/-2 dB) | 10 Hz – 200 kHz (+0/-2 dB) | 5 Hz – 200 kHz (+0/-2 dB) |
| Frequency response (normal mode, +0/-1 dB)1 | 30 Hz – 100 kHz | 15 Hz – 180 kHz | x (test mode switch) | - | - | - | |
| Damping factor (1kHz, 8 Ohm) | 70 | 180 (360 at 16 Ohm) | 200 | 200 | 100 | 200 | |
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | <0.5% | 0.2% | 0.1% (1 kHz) | <0.1% | <0.1% | <0.1% | <0.1% (1 kHz) |
| Harmonic distortion at 1 W output | 0.05% (at 500 mW) | 0.03% (at 500 mW) | 0.03% (1 kHz) | <0.05% | <0.05% | <0.05% | <0.03% |
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | <0,3% | 0.2% | 0.10% | <0.2% | <0.1% | <0.1% | <0.1% |
| Intermodulation distortion at 1 W output | 0.02% (at 10W) | 0.03% | <0.03% | <0.05% | <0.05% | <0.03% | |
| Signal to noise ratio | 110 dB | 110 dB | 110 dB | >110 dB | 110 dB | >110 dB | >110 dB |
| Residual noise (8 ohm) | <0.1 µW | <0.03 µW | <0.03 µW | <0.008 µW | <0.01 µW | <0.003 µW | |
| Inputs, speaker out | |||||||
| Variable RCA | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 2 stereo |
| Fixed RCA | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1 V 100 kΩ | 1 V 100 kΩ | 1.4 V 75 kΩ | 0.9 V 100 kΩ | 1 V 75 kΩ | 0.85 V 70 kΩ | 1.4 V 75 kΩ | |
| Speaker out | stereo | stereo | A – B | stereo | stereo | stereo | A – B |
| 8-16 Ω | 4-16 Ω | 4-16 Ω | 4-16 Ω | 4-16 Ω | |||
| Other functions | |||||||
| Low filter | 30 Hz (in normal mode) | 15 Hz (in normal mode) | x | - | - | - | 30 Hz (in normal mode) |
| Power limiter | - | - | x | - | - | - | x |
| Protection circuit | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Construction | |||||||
| Transformator count | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Capacitors in the power supply | 8000 µF | 9400 µF | 12000 µF | 9400 µF | 16000 µF | ||
| Power consumption | 30W at zero signal 250W at rated output | 30W at zero signal 250W at rated output | 300W | 130W (US model) 175W (general export model) | 150W 260W (US model) | 110W 210W (general export model) | 280W 300 W (US model) 340 W (general export model) |
| Heat sink | metal plate | heat sink | heat sink | heat sink | heat sink | heat sink | |
| Construction | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis | steel chassis | |
| Optional wooden frame | - | - | TAC-1 (eurasian teak cabinet, 4600 yen) | - | - | - | TAC-1N (3000 yen) |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| Width | 180 mm | 180 mm | 400 mm | 200 mm | 200 mm | 200 mm | 400 mm |
| Height | 145 mm | 145 mm | 149 mm | 149 mm | 149 mm | 149 mm | 149 mm |
| Depth | 445 mm | 445 mm | 323 mm | 316 mm | 323 mm | 320 mm | 323 mm |
| Weight | 8 kg | 8 kg | 12.2 kg | 5.8 kg | 7.8 kg | 6.5 kg | 14 kg |
| Original price | 52000 yen | 55100 yen 249.5 USD | 75000 yen | 36800 yen 159.5 USD 700 DM | 59800 yen 1062 DM | 42000 yen 770 DM | 90000 yen 349.5 USD 1298 DM |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 243000 yen | 236000 yen | 289000 yen | 142000 yen | 231000 yen | 143000 yen | 306000 yen |
1: there was a normal/test mode switch on these old amplifiers. Low frequency filtering was switched on in normal mode and switched off in test mode.
ES-II series
In 1974 Sony released the world’s first amplifier that used V-FET transistors (V means vertical). This new technique made the older ES series obsolete. Sony’s designers designed new appearance for this new amplifier family. The company advertised this new amplifier line as „ES-II”. Reference models of these amplifiers were more expensive than any earlier amplifier Sony made. The earlier optional wooden frame now become part of the case decoration of the top models but it was still optional for some of the cheapest models. Numbering system also changed:
- TA stands for integrated amplifier. A higher starting number means a higher category.
- TAN stands for power amplifier. A higher starting number means a higher category.
- TAE stands for preamplifier. A higher starting number means a higher category.
First three reference models were the TA-8650 integrated amplifier, TAN-8550 power amplifier and TAE-8450 preamplifier. Lower cost model TA-4650 also released in 1974.
Most but not all ES-II models based on V-FETs. The smallest TA-3650 and the high-end TAN-8250 did not use V-FETs. All amplifier were class AB.
Most ES-II models were released in 1974. They were two integrated amplifiers, a preamp and two power amplifiers. The TA-4650 was a lower-end model, but the others were high-end. The most expensive was the TAN-8250 power amplifier, which interestingly used bipolar transistors instead of V-FETs. The TAN-8550 was the high-end power amplifier that used V-FETs.
Integrated amplifier specifications:
| Japanese model | TA-8650 | TA-5650 | TA-4650 | TA-3650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | ||||
| European model (if different) | ||||
| Japanese release | 1974 | 1975 | 1974 | 1976 |
| Distribution | 1974-1977 (1978 overseas) | 1975-1977 (1978 overseas) | 1974-1977 | 1976-1978 |
| Amplifier section | ||||
| Circuit type | Direct-coupling V-FET pure complementary symmetry circuit | V-FET | Direct-coupled pure complementary symmetry circuit. Final stage V-FET | Direct-coupled pure complementary symmetry circuit. |
| Power transistors | 6 x 2SK60, 6 x 2SJ18 | 4 x Sony 2SK60, 4 x Sony 2SJ18 | 2 x Sony 2SK60, 2 x Sony 2SJ18 | |
| RMS output 8 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 80 W | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 30 W | 2 x 55 W |
| RMS output 4 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 90 W | |||
| Power bandwith (8 Ohm) | 5 Hz – 50 kHz | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | 5 Hz – 70 kHz | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Frequency response (+0/-1 dB) | 5 Hz – 100 kHz | 2 Hz – 100 kHz (+0/-2 dB) | 2 Hz – 100 kHz (+0/-2 dB) | 3 Hz – 100 kHz (+0/-2 dB) |
| Damping factor ( 1kHz, 8 Ohm) | 200 | 50 | 45 | 36 |
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| Harmonic distortion at 1 W output | 0.05% | 0.08% | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% |
| Intermodulation distortion at 1 W output | 0.05% | 0.08% | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| Signal to noise ratio | >100 dB | >110 dB | >110 dB | >110 dB |
| Residual noise (8 ohm) | <1 µW | <0.02 µW | <0.005 µW | <0.008 µW |
| Speaker out | A – B – DIRECT (4-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) |
| Inputs | ||||
| Phono RCA | 1 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| 2.5 mV 50 kΩ | 2.5 mV 50 kΩ | 2.5 mV 50 kΩ | 2.5 mV 50 kΩ | |
| signal to noise ratio | 70 dB | >70 dB | >70 dB | >70 dB |
| Phono secondary RCA | 1 stereo | - | - | - |
| 2.5 mV, 4.5 mV 50 kΩ, 100 kΩ | - | - | - | |
| 75 dB | - | - | - | |
| RCA other (aux, tuner, tape etc.) | 6 stereo (3 adjustable) | 7 stereo | 6 stereo | 4 stereo |
| 150 mV 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 150 mV 250 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 150 mV 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 150 mV 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | |
| 85 dB | >90 dB | >90 dB | >90 dB | |
| Tape Head RCA | 0.1 mV 30 Ω | - | - | - |
| 55 dB | - | - | - | |
| Power amp in | 1 V 50 kΩ | 1 V 50 kΩ | 1 V 50 kΩ | 1 V 47 kΩ |
| Jack (aux) | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | same as TAPE 2 |
| 150 mV 100 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 150 mV 250 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 150 mV 100 kΩ | - | |
| 85 dB | >90 dB | >90 dB | - | |
| Microphone | ||||
| 1 stereo (2 mono jacks, adjustable) | - | - | - | |
| 0.2 mV 50 kΩ 20 Hz – 20 kHz +0/-2 dB | - | - | - | |
| Outputs | 40 dB | - | - | - |
| Rec out | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| specification | 150 mV 600 Ω | 150 mV 4.7 kΩ | 150 mV 4.7 kΩ | 150 mV 10 kΩ |
| Preamp out | 1 V 600 Ω | 1 V 1 kΩ | 1 V 3 kΩ | 1 V 1.8 kΩ |
| Headphone out | 150 mV 10 kΩ | 2 stereo (150 mV 4.7 kΩ) | 2 stereo (150 mV 4.7 kΩ) | - |
| Ext. adapt | x | x | x | x |
| DIN Rec/PB out | - | 17 mV 82 kΩ | 17 mV 82 kΩ | - |
| DIN Rec/PB input | - | 150 mV 250 kΩ 10 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-2 dB | 150 mV 100 kΩ S/N: >90 dB | - |
| Functions | ||||
| Bass tone control1 | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB |
| Treble tone control1 | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB |
| Loudness | +10 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz | +10 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz | +10 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz | +10 dB at 50 Hz +3 dB at 10 kHz |
| Presence | +3 dB at 1 kHz | - | - | +2.5 dB at 1 kHz |
| Acoustic compensator | Low 1/Low 2 | - | - | - |
| High filter1 | 9 kHz / 20 kHz | 9 kHz | 6 kHz | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB |
| Low filter1 | 10 Hz / 40 Hz | 30 Hz | 35 Hz | 30 Hz |
| Balance | x | x | x | x |
| Stereo switch | x | - | - | - |
| Muting | x | x | x | x |
| Construction | ||||
| Transformator count | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Capacitors in the power supply | 26600 µF | 20000 µF | 9400 µF | 10000 µF |
| Power consumption | 240 W 260 W (US model) 800 W (EU model) | 160 W (US model) 440 W (EU model) | 270W | 320 W (UK model) 540 W (EU model) |
| Heat sink | heat sink | heat sink | heat sink | heat sink |
| Construction | steel chassis with wooden side panel | steel chassis | steel chassis | |
| Optional wooden cabinet | - | TAC-15 (2800 yen) | TAC-15 (2800 yen) | TAC-15 (2800 yen) |
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width | 440 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm | 460 mm |
| Height | 170 mm | 170 mm | 168 mm | 170 mm |
| Depth | 425 mm | 325 mm | 323 mm | 325 mm |
| Weight | 20.8 kg | 12.5 kg | 11.5 kg | 12 kg |
| Original price | 295000 yen | 99800 yen | 84800 yen | 63800 yen |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 695000 yen | 211000 yen | 200000 yen | 123000 yen |
| Original price in USD | $400 |
1: all tone controls could be turned off
TAE-8450 was the high-end preamplifier, TAN-8550 and TAN-8250 were the high-end power amplifiers. All of them had „Peak Program Meter” feature. TAN-8250 didn’t utilize V-FETs but it was far the most expensive Sony amplifier until the ESPRIT line. It was the first Sony amplifier which had bridged mono feature.
In 1975, three new mid-range models were released: these were the „5” models. The ES-II era ended in 1976, with the release of the lower-end TA-3650. This was the last ES-II amplifier.
The ES-II era did not last long, they were in the catalogs until 1977 in Japan and 1978 overseas. In 1978, a new era began, but more on that in the next article.
Power amplifier specification:
| Japanese model | TAN-8550 | TAN-5550 | TAN-8250 |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | |||
| European model (if different) | |||
| Japanese release | 1974 | 1975 | 1974 |
| Distribution | 1974-1975 (1978 overseas) | 1975-1977 (1978 overseas) | 1974-1975 (1976 overseas) |
| Amplifier section | |||
| Circuit type | Phase-linear DC stereo V-FET pure-complementary symmetry circuit | Phase-linear DC stereo V-FET pure-complementary symmetry circuit | Phase-linear DC stereo pure-complementary |
| Power transistors | 3 x 2SK60, 3 x 2SJ18 | 4 x 2SJ18, 4 x 2SK60 | 6 x 2SB520, 6 x 2SD340 |
| Stereo/Mono | stereo | stereo | stereo/bridged mono |
| RMS output 8 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 100 W | 2 x 50 W | 2 x 150 W |
| RMS output 4 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 100 W | 2 x 200 W | |
| Bridged mono output (8 Ohm 20Hz-20kHz) | - | - | 500 W |
| Power bandwith (8 Ohm) | 5 Hz – 50 kHz | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | 5 Hz – 50 kHz |
| Frequency response (test mode, +0/-1 dB)1 | DC – 100 kHz (in test mode) | 0 Hz – 10 kHz +0 -2 dB (in test mode) | DC – 100 kHz +0 -3 dB (in test mode) |
| Frequency response (normal mode, +0/-1 dB)1 | 20 Hz – 100 kHz +0 -3 dB | 10 Hz – 10 kHz +0-2 dB | 20 Hz – 100 kHz +0 -3 dB |
| Damping factor (1kHz, 8 Ohm) | 200 | 100 | 250 |
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | 0.10% | <0.1% | 0.10% |
| Harmonic distortion at 1 W output | 0.05% | <0.08% | 0.05% |
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | 0.10% | <0,1% | 0.10% |
| Intermodulation distortion at 1 W output | 0.05% | <0,008% | 0.05% |
| Signal to noise ratio | >110dB | 100 dB | |
| Residual noise (8 ohm) | 0.01 µW | <0.02 µW | 1 µW |
| Inputs, speaker out | |||
| Variable RCA | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| Fixed RCA | - | - | - |
| 1.0 V (50 kΩ) | 1,0 V 50 kΩ | 1,0 V 50 kΩ | |
| Speaker out | A – B (adjustable) – DIRECT | A – B | A – B (adjustable) – DIRECT |
| 4 - 16 Ω | 4 – 16 Ω | ||
| Other functions | |||
| Low filter | 20 Hz (in normal mode) | 10 Hz (in normal mode) | 20 Hz (in normal mode) |
| Power limiter | - | - | x |
| Protection circuit | x | x | x |
| Optical peak or overload meter | x | - | x |
| Construction | |||
| Transformator count | 1 | 1 | 1 toroidal |
| Capacitors in the power supply | 10000 µF | 20000 µF | 20000 µF |
| Power consumption | 260 W (US) | 680 W (EU) | 380 W (US) |
| Heat sink | diecast heat sink with “heat chimney” and double normal heat sink | diecast heat sink with “heat chimney” and double normal heat sink | diecast heat sink with “heat chimney” and double normal heat sink |
| Construction | steel chassis with wooden panels | steel chassis | steel chassis with wooden panels |
| Optional wooden cabinet | - | TAC-1N (3000 yen) | - |
| Dimensions | |||
| Width | 440 mm | 460 mm | 440 mm |
| Height | 170 mm | 168 mm | 170 mm |
| Depth | 410 mm | 305 mm | 410 mm |
| Weight | 19 kg | 12.5 kg | 23.3 kg |
| Original price | 295000 yen | 87800 yen | 315000 yen |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 696000 yen | 186000 yen | 745000 yen |
1: there was a normal/test mode switch on these old amplifiers. Low frequency filtering was switched on in normal mode and switched off in test mode.
Preamplifier specification:
| Japanese model | TAE-8450 | TAE-5450 |
|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | ||
| European model (if different) | ||
| Japanese release | 1974 | 1975 |
| Distribution | 1974-1975 (1978 overseas) | 1975-1977 (1978 overseas) |
| Amplifier section | ||
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | <0.03% | <0.03% |
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | <0.05% | <0.05% |
| Residual noise | <70 µV | <200 µV |
| Frequency response on inputs other than phono +0/-1 dB | 10 Hz – 100 kHz | 10 Hz – 100 kHz |
| Inputs | ||
| Phono 1 | 1 stereo | 2 stereo |
| 1.5 mV 50 kΩ | 1.5 mV 50 kΩ | |
| 70 dB | 70 dB | |
| Phono 2 | 1 stereo | - |
| 4.5 mV 50 kΩ/100 kΩ | - | |
| 70 dB | - | |
| RCA other (aux, tuner, tape etc.) | 6 stereo (5 adjustable) | 6 stereo (2 adjustable) |
| 150 mV 50 kΩ | 150 mV 50 kΩ | |
| 90 dB | 90 dB | |
| Jack (aux) | 1 stereo | 2 stereo |
| 150 mV 50 kΩ | 150 mV 50 kΩ | |
| 90 dB | 90 dB | |
| Microphone | 1 stereo (2 mono jacks) adjustable | - |
| 20 Hz – 20 kHz +0/-3 dB 0.16 mV 50 kΩ | - | |
| 50 dB | - | |
| Tape head | 1 stereo, same as PHONO 2 | - |
| 0.16 mV 10 Ω, 30 Ω, 100 Ω, 1 kΩ | - | |
| 50 dB | - | |
| Outputs | ||
| Rec out (RCA) | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| 150 mV 1 kΩ | 150 mV 1 kΩ | |
| Rec out (jack) | - | - |
| Amplifier out | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| 1 V 1 kΩ | 1 V 1 kΩ / 2 kΩ | |
| Ext. adapt | 150 mV 10 kΩ | 2 stereo 150 mV 1 kΩ |
| Headphone out | 0.5 V 100 Ω | 0.3 V 50 Ω |
| Functions | ||
| Bass tone control1 | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB | 50 Hz, 100 Hz ±10 dB |
| Treble tone control1 | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB | 10 kHz, 20 kHz ±10 dB |
| Loudness | x | - |
| Presence | +3.5 dB at 1 kHz | - |
| High filter1 | 9 / 20 kHz | 9 / 20 kHz |
| Low filter1 | 10 / 40 Hz | 10 / 40 Hz |
| Balance | x | x |
| Muting switch | x | x |
| Stereo switch | x | x |
| VU meter | peak program meter | - |
| Construction | ||
| Transformator count | 1 | 1 |
| Power consumption | 20W (US model) 22W (EU model) | 9W |
| Construction | steel chassis with wooden side panel | steel chassis |
| Optional wooden frame | - | TAC-15 (2800 yen) |
| Dimensions | ||
| Width | 440 mm | 460 mm |
| Height | 170 mm | 168 mm |
| Depth | 340 mm | 323 mm |
| Weight | 11.8 kg | 9.2 kg |
| Original price | 285000 yen | 89800 yen |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 674000 yen | 190000 yen |
1: all tone controls could be turned off
Intermediate period
In 1977 Sony changed the entire amplifier model range. They discontinued the ES-II category and the entire „ES” designation disappeared for a few years. This was called the pre-ESPRIT period. This did not last long, in 1980 the ESPRIT designation appeared in some catalogs, and in 1982 a new amplifier appeared with the ES designation, but more on that later.
In 1977 a completely new family of amplifiers appeared. The model designations changed a little but not much. All amplifier model number started with „TA”:
- TA-Fx stands for integrated amplifier. A higher number means a higher category.
- TA-Nx stands for power amplifier. A higher number means a higher category.
- TA-Ex stands for preamplifier. A higher number means a higher category.
Although these amplifiers do not strictly fall into the ES or ESPRIT categories, I am including the top models in the article because they were Sony’s top of the line amplifiers in those years.
All new integrated amplifiers were class AB, but only the top model used V-FETs. The switch mode power supply appeared in the amplifiers in this period. Sony almost immediately began to use these in the top models, although some models also retained the traditional toroidal transformer. Sony called the switch mode power supply PLPS (Pulse Locked Power Supply).
The appearance of the amplifiers became a slightly updated version of the previous V-FET amplifiers. However, the wooden side panels were gone.
TA-F7 was the earliest model, it appeared in the catalogues in March, 1977. It was the only model which still used V-FETs. F6B and F5 arrived later, in November.
TA-F7 used 3 toroidal transformers but the others used the new switching power supply.
The new amplifiers were first released overseas in 1978. The TA-F7 was available for a short time, and was soon replaced by the TA-F7B version overseas. The B meant that it’s a black version. In Europe, the TA-F5A version was available instead of the TA-F5. This still had a DIN connector. In other markets, the DIN connector had already been discontinued.
The microphone input has also been removed from amplifiers from now on.
A new flagship power amplifier and a preamplifier were also released in 1977: the TA-N7 (and the N7B black version) and the TA-E7B. The TA-N7 was a V-FET amplifier.
At the end of 1978, the integrated amplifier product line was replaced. The new models no longer used V-FETs and all had switch mode power supplies. This time the design was also completely changed, becoming much more futuristic. Interestingly, the inputs were placed on the back of the front panel of the amplifier, in order to keep signal paths as short as possible (on TA-F80 and TA-F70). The previous VU meters have also been replaced with thin LED displays.
3 new integrated amplifier released in 1978.
The tone controls and other control buttons were behind the lower fold-down panel on TA-F80 and TA-F70.
Specifications:
| Japanese model | TA-F7, TA-F7B | TA-F6B | TA-F5 | TA-F80 | TA-F70 | TA-F60 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | TA-F5 | |||||
| European model (if different) | TA-F5A | |||||
| Japanese release | 1977 | 1977 | 1977 | 1978 | 1978 | 1978 |
| Distribution | 1977-1978 (1981 overseas) | 1977-1978 (1981 overseas) | 1977-1978 (1979 overseas) | 1978-1980 (1981 overseas) | 1978-1980 (1981 overseas) | 1978-1980 |
| Amplifier section | ||||||
| Circuit type | V-FET | Pure-complementary SEPP DC | ||||
| Power transistors | 6 x Sony 2SK60, 6 x Sony 2SJ18 | |||||
| RMS output 8 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 70 W | 2 x 100 W | 2 x 70 W | 2 x 120 W | 2 x 90 W | 2 x 75 W |
| Power bandwith (8 Ohm) | 5 Hz – 40 kHz | 5 Hz – 35 kHz | 5 Hz – 35 kHz | 5 Hz – 30 kHz | 5 Hz – 30 kHz | 5 Hz – 30 kHz |
| Frequency response (+0/-1 dB) | DC – 100 kHz | DC – 100 kHz | 3 Hz – 70 kHz | DC – 100 kHz | DC – 100 kHz | 3 Hz – 70 kHz |
| Damping factor ( 1kHz, 8 Ohm) | 60 | 50 | 40 | 100 | 100 | 40 |
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | <0.015% | <0.03% | 0.04% | <0.007% | <0.007% | <0.01% |
| Harmonic distortion at 1 W output | <0.015% | <0.015% | <0.02% (10 W output) | <0.003% | <0.008% (10 W) | |
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | <0.015% | <0.03% | 0.01% | <0.007% | <0.007% | <0.01% |
| Intermodulation distortion at 1 W output | <0.015% | <0.008% | <0.008% (10 W output) | <0.0033% | <0.003% | <0.008% (10 W) |
| Signal to noise ratio | >110 dB | >115 dB | 105 dB | 105 dB | 100 dB | |
| Residual noise (8 ohm) | <0.12 mV | <50 µV | <50 µV | <100 µV | <100 µV | <150 µV |
| Speaker out | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B (8-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) A – B (8-16 Ω on EU model) | A – B (8-16 Ω) | A – B (8-16 Ω) | A – B (8-16 Ω) |
| Inputs | ||||||
| Phono RCA | 2 stereo | 1 stereo | 2 stereo (TA-F5) 1 stereo (TA-F5A) | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 1 stereo |
| 2.5 mV 50 kΩ | 2.5 mV 50 kΩ | 2.5 mV 50 kΩ 250 mV (MC mode, only on TA-F5) | switchable: 2.5 mV 100 Ω 0.125 mV 100 Ω, 33 Ω | switchable: 2.5 mV 50 kΩ 0.125 mV 100 Ω, 33 Ω | switchable: 2.5 mV 50 kΩ 0.25 mV 100 Ω |
|
| signal to noise ratio | 75 dB | 85 dB | 85 dB | 88 dB / 80 dB | 88 dB / 78 dB | 88 dB / 75 dB |
| Phono secondary RCA | - | 1 stereo | - | - | - | - |
| - | 0.08 mV 100 Ω | - | - | - | - | |
| - | 70 dB | - | - | - | - | |
| RCA other (aux, tuner, tape etc.) | 5 stereo | 5 stereo | 4 stereo | 4 stereo | 4 stereo | 4 stereo |
| 150 mV 50 kΩ 5 Hz – 100 kHz +0/-1 dB | 150 mV 50 kΩ 2 Hz – 150 kHz +0/-1 dB | 150 mV 50 kΩ | 150 mV 50 kΩ | 150 mV 50 kΩ | 150 mV 50 kΩ | |
| 95 dB | 105 dB | 100 dB | 105 dB | 105 dB | 100 dB | |
| Power amp in | 1 V 100 kΩ | 1,3 V 50 kΩ | - | - | - | - |
| Jack (aux) | same as TAPE 2 | same as TAPE 2 | - | - | - | - |
| Outputs | ||||||
| Rec out | 2 stereo (one duplicated on the front panel as stereo jack) | 2 stereo (one duplicated on the front panel as stereo jack) | 2 stereo (TA-F5) 1 stereo (TA-F5A) | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| specification | 150 mV 10 kΩ | 150 mV 10 kΩ | 150 mV 4.7 kΩ | 150 mV 4.7 kΩ | 150 mV 4.7 kΩ | 150 mV 4.7 kΩ |
| Preamp out | 1 V 1.5 kΩ | 1,3 V 2.5 kΩ | - | - | - | - |
| Headphone out | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| DIN Rec/PB out2 | - | - | 22 mV 82 kΩ | - | - | - |
| DIN Rec/PB input2 | - | - | 150 mV 50 kΩ | - | - | - |
| Functions | ||||||
| Bass tone control1 | 30 Hz, 60 Hz ±10 dB | 60 Hz ±10 dB | 60 Hz ±10 dB | 25 Hz ±10 dB | 25 Hz ±10 dB | 60 Hz ±10 dB |
| Treble tone control1 | 20 kHz, 40 kHz ±10 dB | 25 kHz ±10 dB | 25 kHz ±10 dB | 50 kHz ±10 dB | 50 kHz ±10 dB | 25 kHz ±10 dB |
| Loudness | - | - | - | - | - | 60 Hz +10 dB 25 kHz +6 dB |
| High filter1 | 9 kHz | 9 kHz | 9 kHz | - | - | - |
| Low filter1 | 30 Hz | 30 Hz | 15 Hz | 15 Hz | 15 Hz | 15 Hz |
| Balance | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Stereo switch | x | x | x | stereo/mono | stereo/mono | - |
| Muting | x | x | - | - | - | - |
| VU Meter | left/right | left/right | left/right | left/right | left/right | left/right |
| Construction | ||||||
| Transformator count | 3 toroidal | 0 (switching PS) | 0 (switching PS) | 0 (switching PS) | 0 (switching PS) | 0 (switching PS) |
| Capacitors in the power supply | 60000 µF | |||||
| Power consumption | 192W 400W (EU model) 410W (UK model) | 190 W 450 W (EU model) 190 W (US model) | 160 W 270 W (EU model) 125 W (US model) | 195 W 550 W (EU model) | 145 W 120 W (US model) 370 W (EU model) | 110 W 120 W (US model) 310 W (EU model) |
| Heat sink | heat sink | heat sink | outer heat sink | Heat pipe system | Heat pipe system | Heat pipe system |
| Construction | ||||||
| Dimensions | ||||||
| Width | 430 mm | 430 mm | 410 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| Height | 170 mm | 170 mm | 145 mm | 160 mm | 160 mm | 155 mm |
| Depth | 420 mm | 390 mm | 370 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 340 mm |
| Weight | 20 kg | 12 kg | 7.2 kg | 9.9 kg | 8.7 kg | 6.7 kg |
| Color | TA-F7: silver TA-F7B: black | |||||
| Original price | 178000 yen | 99800 yen | 59800 yen | 158000 yen | 89800 yen | 69800 yen |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 318000 yen | 178500 yen | 107000 yen | 271000 yen | 154000 yen | 120000 yen |
1: all tone controls and filters can be turned off, except on TA-F5 and TA-F60
2: DIN connector only on TA-F5A
Two years after the 1978 TA-F series, Sony came out with another series: in 1980, the TA-AX series was released. The TA-AX series featured an amplifier technology called Audio Current Transfer and Legato Linear. They were the first amplifiers with these technologies. But basically, these were also class AB integrated amplifiers. Their special feature was the linear volume control. All models used the heat pipe cooling system.
The top model, TA-AX80, was only released in Japan. TA-AX series was not lived for long, its last model, the TA-AX70, was released in 1982, which was also only released in Japan. This had a traditional volume control. Just like previous serieses, there were of course lower end models in this series. As I mentioned in the beginning of the first article, I will not deal with those.
The tone controls and other control buttons were behind the lower fold-down panel on TA-AX series (except TA-AX70), just like on upper models of TA-F series. All Japanese TA-AX models had switching power supply.
| Japanese model | TA-AX8 | TA-AX7 | TA-AX6 | TA-AX70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA/Canada model (if different) | not released | not released | ||
| European model (if different) | not released | not released | ||
| Japanese release | 1980 | 1980 | 1981 | 1982 |
| Distribution | 1980-1981 | 1980-1982 | 1981-1983 | 1982-1984 |
| Amplifier section | ||||
| Circuit type | Audio Current Transfer Legato Linear | Audio Current Transfer Legato Linear | Audio Current Transfer Legato Linear | Audio Current Transfer Legato Linear |
| Power transistors | 2 x NEC A1141, 2 x NEC C2681 | |||
| RMS output 8 Ohm 20 Hz - 20 kHz | 2 x 100 W | 2 x 80 W | 2 x 75 W | 2 x 75 W |
| Power bandwith (8 Ohm) | 5 Hz – 100 kHz | 5 Hz – 100 kHz | 5 Hz – 100 kHz | |
| Frequency response (+0/-1 dB) | 0.1 Hz – 600 kHz (+0 -3 dB) | 0.1 Hz – 600 kHz (+0 -3 dB) | 5 Hz – 100 kHz (+0/-3 dB) | |
| Damping factor ( 1kHz, 8 Ohm) | 150 | 150 | 100 | 100 |
| Harmonic distortion at rated output | 0.004% | 0.004% | <0.004% | 0.004% |
| Harmonic distortion at 1 W output | ||||
| Intermodulation distortion at rated output | 0.004% | 0.004% | <0.004% | |
| Intermodulation distortion at 1 W output | ||||
| Signal to noise ratio | 95 dB | 95 dB | ||
| Residual noise (8 ohm) | ||||
| Speaker out | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B (4-16 Ω) | A – B |
| Inputs | ||||
| Phono RCA | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo | 1 stereo |
| switchable: 2.5 mV 100 / 50 kΩ 0.13 mV 40 / 3 Ω | switchable: 2.5 mV 50 kΩ 0.13 mV 40 / 3 Ω | switchable: 2.5 mV 50 kΩ 0.13 mV 40 / 3 Ω | ||
| signal to noise ratio | 81 dB / 70 dB | 80 dB / 70 dB | 88 dB / 68 dB | 88 dB / 68 dB |
| RCA other (aux, tuner, tape etc.) | 4 stereo | 4 stereo | 4 stereo | 4 stereo |
| 150 mV 50 kΩ | 150 mV 50 kΩ | 150 mV 50 kΩ | ||
| 92 dB | 92 dB | 98 dB | ||
| Outputs | ||||
| Rec out | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo | 2 stereo |
| specification | 150 mV 220 Ω | 150 mV 220 Ω | 150 mV 1 kΩ | |
| Headphone out | x | x | x | x |
| Functions | ||||
| Bass tone control1 | 60 Hz ±10 dB 50 Hz +4 dB (bass boost) | 60 Hz ±10 dB 50 Hz +4 dB (bass boost) | 60 Hz ±8 dB 50 Hz +4 dB (bass boost) | |
| Treble tone control1 | 25 kHz ±10 dB | 25 kHz ±10 dB | 25 kHz ±8 dB | |
| Low filter1 | 15 Hz | 15 Hz | 15 Hz | x |
| Balance | x | x | x | x |
| Stereo switch | stereo/mono | stereo/mono | - | - |
| Muting | x | x | x | - |
| Construction | ||||
| Transformator count | 0 (switching PS) | 0 (switching PS) | 0 (switching PS) | 0 (switching PS) |
| Power consumption | 190 W | 170 W | 120 W 150 W (US model) 140 W (EU model) | 120 W |
| Heat sink | heat pipe system | heat pipe system | heat pipe system | heat pipe system |
| Construction | ||||
| Dimensions | ||||
| Width | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm | 430 mm |
| Height | 105 mm | 105 mm | 105 mm | 105 mm |
| Depth | 350 mm | 350 mm | 350 mm | 360 mm |
| Weight | 7 kg | 6.7 kg | 6.1 kg | 6.3 kg |
| Color | ||||
| Original price | 130000 yen | 89800 yen | 69800 yen | 75000 yen |
| Calculated price in 2025 | 200000 yen | 138000 yen | 102000 yen | 107000 yen |
1: all tone controls and filters can be turned off
Róbert Sipos (2026)
Unless otherwise noted, all photos are scans from my own original Japanese Sony catalogs.