Exposure 4 (1984–)
The Exposure 4 is one of those amplifiers vintage enthusiasts talk about in a particular tone of voice. It wasn't exotic or extravagant. It got the music right. Introduced in 1984 as the company's mid-range integrated model, it sat between the Exposure 3 below it and the Exposure 5 above it. It was meant to give you the house sound at a more accessible price than the top-end models. Information on the production run is thin - the introduction year is documented, but no end date appears in the record.
What is known about the design fits Exposure's minimalist approach of the period. The front panel has a volume control, source selector, and power button, and nothing else. Inside, the power supply and amplifier sections are kept separate to minimize interference. A toroidal transformer feeds discrete transistor circuitry and a heavy-duty power supply. The spec sheet shows 50W per channel into 8Ω (one source lists 55W, but the 50W figure is better corroborated), with frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, THD under 0.05%, and an unweighted signal-to-noise ratio above 80dB. Input sensitivity is 250mV. The rear panel has five line inputs, one tape input, a single pair of speaker outputs, and a pre-out. Dimensions are 432 × 115 × 330 mm, and it weighs 11 kg.
The reception history is where the Exposure 4 earns its reputation. Later commentary from tnt-audio.com describes the 4 as lively, transparent, and dynamic, with a presentation that belies its modest power rating, and as a superb amplifier offering outstanding value. Period reviews from Studio Sound (June 1977, p.24) reference Exposure Electronics in the professional audio market. Owner discussions keep coming back to the same point: aging capacitors are the main failure point, and a recap is often worthwhile on surviving examples.
Second-hand prices have been rising steadily, with examples typically changing hands in the £300-£500 range depending on condition. It's a sought-after classic among vintage audio enthusiasts. It isn't a rare museum piece, but it's a respected performer that rewards a little maintenance.
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