Sony’s flagship FM tuner of the late 1970s, engineered for exceptional sensitivity, stability, and stereo separation.
Overview
Designed to match amplifiers like the TA-N9000, it was part of Sony’s premium separates series and built to compete with flagship tuners from Yamaha, Kenwood, and Pioneer. It features a sophisticated PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) multiplex decoder for low distortion and stable stereo imaging. Reviewers and owners praise its ability to clearly receive weak signals, with sound described as clean, detailed, and authoritative.
Specifications
| Frequency Range | 87.5 to 108 MHz |
| Usable Sensitivity | 10.8 dBF (1.5 µV) |
| 50 dB Quieting Sensitivity | Mono: 15.2 dBF (2.5 µV), Stereo: 37.2 dBF (20 µV) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Mono: 90 dB, Stereo: 85 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | Mono: 0.05%, Stereo: 0.08% |
| Capture Ratio | 1.0 dB |
| Selectivity | 90 dB |
| Image Rejection | 95 dB |
| IF Rejection | 110 dB |
| Spurious Response Rejection | 100 dB |
| AM Suppression | 65 dB |
| Stereo Separation | 50 dB at 1 kHz |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 15,000 Hz +0.2 dB, -0.5 dB |
| Output Voltage | 1.5 V |
| Outputs | Tape out |
| Tuning scale | Fluorescent |
| Power requirements | 120V AC |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 480 x 150 x 400 mm |
| Weight | 15.5 kg |
Design
The ST-9000F uses a 5-gang tuning capacitor for high selectivity and image rejection, and features a fluorescent tuning scale with a large, illuminated signal strength meter and center-channel tuning meter on the front panel. It includes both variable and fixed audio output level controls, a muting circuit to eliminate inter-station noise, and a “Direct” button. The unit is housed in a wooden cabinet designed to match other components in Sony’s high-end series.
Market
Working units in good cosmetic condition sell for $800 to $1,500 USD. Common issues include failing electrolytic capacitors in the power supply and decoder sections, which can cause distortion or loss of stereo separation, and burned-out lamps for the meters and dial that require replacement. The tuning capacitor is robust but may develop noise if not cleaned periodically.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Sony ps-5550 (1978-1980)
- Sony ps-lx5r (1983-1985)
- Sony ss-7220a (1970s)
- Sony ss-97 (Late 1970s (approximately 1977-1979))
- Sony ss-999 (Late 1970s (approximately 1977-1979))
- Sony st-j88 (1986-1988)
- Kenwood kl-888s (Late 1970s (approximately 1978-1980))
- Sansui sax-200 (Late 1970s)
- Sansui sax-600 (Late 1970s)
- Sansui sr-222 (1973-1975)