Nakamichi 420 (circa 1977–1978)
The Nakamichi 420 is a power amplifier. It belongs to a compact trio of separates that Nakamichi launched in the mid-1970s, along with the 410 preamplifier and the 430 FM tuner. Period advertising in Audio (July 1977, p.25) called the set “incredibly compact, beautifully styled and decidedly affordable.” The pitch was Nakamichi quality in a smaller footprint, at a lower price than the company's flagship separates.
The 420 measures less than 9 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 3¼ inches tall. It's a deliberately space-saving chassis that fits on a shelf or in a cabinet. Walnut-finished enclosures were available as an option. High Fidelity (December 1977, p.93) noted that the three components together “occupy less space than most receivers,” while still giving you a separate preamp, amp and tuner. Not much else is documented. No power rating, no distortion figures, no weight and no production run length have turned up in the available record. The 420 appears to have been an entry-level power amp.
- Type: Solid-state power amplifier
- Dimensions: Less than 9" × 16" × 3¼" (W × D × H)
- Finish options: Bare chassis or optional walnut enclosure
- Part of system: Nakamichi 410 preamplifier, 420 power amplifier, 430 FM tuner
- Period: Introduced circa 1977; advertised through at least early 1978
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