Technics ST-C03 (1980–1982)
A compact quartz synthesizer FM/AM stereo tuner made in Japan, designed to pair with the SU-C03 amplifier.
Overview
The Technics ST-C03 is a mini FM/AM stereo tuner produced from 1980 to 1982. It features digital tuning with a quartz synthesizer system and soft touch sensor buttons for precise station selection. Designed for integration into compact high-fidelity systems, it matches the SU-C03 amplifier and shares the same silver or brown finish options. The unit supports up to 8 preset stations and includes Last One Memory and Memory Lock functions for reliable operation.
Specifications
| Product type | Quartz Synthesizer FM/AM Stereo Tuner |
| FM Tuner Section Receiving frequency | 87.5 to 108 MHz |
| AM Tuner Section Receiving frequency | 531 kHz to 1602 kHz |
| FM Distortion Factor (1 kHz) | mono: 0.1%, stereo: 0.15% |
| FM Signal-to-noise ratio | mono: 75 dB |
| FM Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz ~ 15 kHz +0.5 -1.5 dB |
| FM Stereo separation | 45 dB (1 kHz), 35 dB (10 kHz) |
| General Output voltage | 0.6 V |
| General Power supply voltage | 100 VAC, 50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| General Power consumption | 10 W |
| General External dimensions | 297 x 49 x 244 mm (W x H x D) |
| General Weight | 2.8 kg |
Design
The ST-C03 uses a quartz synthesizer tuning system with soft touch sensor buttons for accurate station selection. Its front end incorporates a 4-pole MOS FET and back-to-back varicap diodes, while a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter is used in the IF stage for improved selectivity. The die-cast cabinet shields against interfering signals, and the compact design reserves internal space for stable thermal performance. The tuner includes digital display and supports 8 FM/AM presets with Last One Memory and Memory Lock functions.
Context
The ST-C03 was designed as a matching component for the Technics SU-C03 amplifier, forming part of a compact high-fidelity system within the Technics Micro Series lineup.
Market
Units in working condition have sold for $94 to A$125, reflecting its status as a well-built, functional example of early 1980s Japanese tuner design.
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