Sony TA-1080 (1966)
An all-silicon transistor stereo integrated amplifier released as a sister unit to the TA-1120.
Overview
The Sony TA-1080 is a stereo integrated amplifier built entirely with silicon transistors, part of Sony's early high-fidelity audio lineup. Released around 1966, it was positioned as a companion model to the acclaimed TA-1120. It delivers 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms and features comprehensive input options including phono, tuner, tape, and auxiliary, with precise equalization and low distortion across all stages.
Specifications
| Music Power (IHF Standard) | 90W (8 Ω, both channel operation) |
| Rated output | 30W + 30W (8 Ω) |
| Rated output | 27W + 27W (16 Ω) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (IHF Standard) at rated output | 0.15% or less (overall), 0.1% or less (Power Amplifier Part) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (IHF Standard) at 500 mW output | 0.1% or less (overall), 0.05% or less (Power Amplifier Part) |
| Intermodulation distortion factor (SMPTE standard 70Hz:7kHz=4:1) | 0.4% or less (Rated Output), 0.2% or less (10W Output) |
| Frequency characteristic Power Amplifier Part | 15 Hz ~ 100 kHz +0 -1dB (at Rated Output) |
| Frequency characteristic Tuner, AUX, Tape | 30 Hz to 100 kHz +0 -2dB (30 Hz or less low-cut) |
| Frequency characteristic Phono1, 2 | 30 Hz to 15 kHz ± 0.5 dB (flatness correction characteristic by RIAA equalizer) |
| Frequency characteristic Tape Head | 30 Hz to 15 kHz ± 0.5 dB (Flatness correction characteristic by NAB equalizer) |
| Damping factor | 40 or more (8 Ω) |
| Residual noise | 0.1 μW (8 Ω) or less |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF closed circuit) AUX, Tuner | 80 dB or more |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF closed circuit) Phono1, 2 | 70 dB or more |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF closed circuit) Tape Head | 60 dB or more (Auditory Sense Correction Using ASA and A Curve) |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Tape Head | 0.7mV / 100k Ω or more (1 kHz), 200k Ω or more (10 kHz) |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Phono1, 2 | 2.3mV / 47k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Tuner, AUX | 120mV / 100k Ω or more (adjustable with semi-fixed) |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Tape | 120mV / 100k Ω or more |
| Output level Rec Out | 120mV |
| Semiconductor used Transistor (30 pcs) | 2SC401 : 15, 2SC293 : 3, 2SC297 : 1, 2SC299 : 5, 2SD45 : 4, TX141 : 2 |
| Semiconductor used Diode (20 pcs) | DS2M : 2, FR-1U : 4, 1T206 : 10, SV6 : 4, SCR2SF - 103 : 1 |
| Power requirements | 100 VAC (Switchable to 117 V, 220 V, 240 V) ± 10%, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power outlet | Total 300W; Power switch interlock : 2 systems; Power switch not linked : 1 system |
| Power consumption No signal | about 20W |
| Power consumption Rated output | approximately 170W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 400 x 145 x 310 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 11 kg |
| Included accessories | Short plug, Pin plug, Silicon cloth, 5A Fuse |
| Sold Separately | Eurasian Cheek Finish Wood Case TAC-1 (¥ 4,600), Mounting Bracket MB-5 (¥ 2,800) |
Design
The TA-1080 uses an all-silicon transistor design, with Sony providing a permanent guarantee on the transistors due to their thermal stability and high-frequency performance. It employs a quasi-complementary SEPP OTL circuit without input or output transformers. A twin T-filter cuts frequencies around 5 Hz to prevent speaker overtravel, and a muting circuit shorts the speaker terminals during power on/off to eliminate transient noise. The equalizer section uses a 3-stage direct-coupled NF-type amplifier with low-noise 2SC401 transistors for precise RIAA and NAB equalization. Volume control combines NF and resistance attenuation methods to maintain signal-to-noise ratio at low levels, and a protection circuit using an SCR safeguards the system. The front panel includes a quick-access lever for Tuner, Phono, and one preset input, along with continuously variable left/right tone controls and a tone cancel switch.
Context
The TA-1080 was released as a sister unit to the Sony TA-1120, which helped establish Sony’s reputation in high-fidelity amplification. A 1968 review noted it as a capable integrated amplifier, stating, "No TA-1120, but still a good integrated amp."
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