Technics SU V40 (1986–1987)
A class AA integrated amplifier from the Technics SU-V series, built in the mid-1980s, with high-fidelity specs and a heavy power supply.
Overview
The Technics SU-V40 is a stereo integrated amplifier made by Technics, a brand of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., from 1986 to 1987. It belongs to the SU-V series and shares design lineage with the SU-V50, SU-500, and SU-700. Preamplifier and main amplifier sit in one chassis. It uses Technics' proprietary class AA technology for low distortion and dynamic speaker control.
Specifications
| Effective output (20 Hz to 20 kHz) | 60W + 60W (6 Ω, 0.005%) |
| Total harmonic distortion factor | 0.003% (Rated Output -3dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz ~ 20 kHz +0 -0.2 dB; 5 Hz ~ 120 kHz +0 -3 dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 100dB (IHF'66) |
| Damping factor | 60 (8 Ω) |
| Load impedance | Main or remote: 6 Ω ~ 16 Ω; Main and remote: 12 Ω ~ 16 Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance | Phono MM: 2.5mV/47k Ω; Tuner, Aux, Tape: 150mV/22k Ω |
| Phono SN ratio | MM: 81 dB (2.5 mV input) |
| Phono frequency characteristics | 30 Hz to 15 kHz, RIAA ± 0.8 dB |
| Tone control | Bass: ±10 dB (50 Hz); Treble: ±10 dB (20 kHz) |
| Loudness control (VR-30dB) | +9dB (50Hz) |
| Power | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 125W |
| External dimensions | Width 430 × Height 97 × Depth 290 mm |
| Weight | 6.3kg |
| Original price | ¥46,800 (around 1986) |
Design
The SU-V40 is a pre-main design built around Technics' class AA. A pure class A voltage-controlled amplifier, free from switching and crossover distortion, is paired with a current-driven amplifier for dynamic speaker drive. The power supply has a large transformer and capacitor bank that can deliver 300A of instantaneous current, and it is gathered into a concentrated power block. A large metal insulator reduces the effects of vibration. The Route 6 input jack has a source indicator, and there is a CD direct function.
Context
The Technics SU-V40 is part of the Technics SU-V series of integrated amplifiers and is listed alongside the SU-V50 as a contemporary model. It has family ties to the SU-500 and SU-700, which points to a broader lineup of mid-to-high-end amplifiers in this period.
Market
Common problems are faulty power buttons, speaker protection failures, and transistor failures that leave you with no sound. Repair documentation exists for servicing the unit. Current prices run from $169.00 for serviced units to $399.99 - $549.99 for used units, at regular or sale pricing.
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