Aiwa M-501 (circa 1980–1981)
Not much is documented about the Aiwa M-501, and what exists comes from period advertising. It was a four-component mini-component system. The ads called it a “technological gem” built to deliver full performance in a stack no more than thirteen inches high and nine inches wide. The system pictured typically included the SA-05OU stereo preamplifier and the SD-L50U. The SD-L50U is likely a cassette deck or tuner, but component identities beyond the preamp are not confirmed. Aiwa’s own advertising in High Fidelity (February 1981, p.65) promoted an infrared remote control that could activate the entire system, an unusual feature for a mini system of the period. The amp section was claimed to deliver a minimum of “RMS at 8 ohms, both channels driven from 20-20,000 Hz with no more than 0.1% THD” (HiFi-Stereo, July 1980, p.67). No independent test reports, pricing, or production run details have surfaced. The M-501 appears to have been a short-lived early entry in the mini-component trend before Aiwa shifted toward more integrated systems later in the decade.
- Type: Four-component mini-component system
- Claimed amplifier power: minimum RMS at 8 ohms, 20–20,000 Hz, both channels driven, ≤0.1% THD
- Notable feature: infrared remote control
- Approximate stack dimensions: 13 in high × 9 in wide
- Period: ~1980–1981
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