Technics ST-C03 (1980–1982)

A compact quartz synthesizer FM/AM stereo tuner made in Japan. It was designed to pair with the SU-C03 amplifier.

Overview

The Technics ST-C03 is a mini FM/AM stereo tuner built from 1980 to 1982. Tuning is digital, using a quartz synthesizer system, and stations are picked with soft touch sensor buttons. It matches the SU-C03 amplifier and comes in the same silver or brown finish. It holds up to 8 preset stations and has Last One Memory and Memory Lock functions.

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 front end uses a 4-pole MOS FET and back-to-back varicap diodes. A surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter in the IF stage improves selectivity. The die-cast cabinet shields against interfering signals, and the compact design leaves internal space for stable thermal performance. There is a digital display, and the 8 FM/AM presets work with Last One Memory and Memory Lock.

Context

The ST-C03 was made as a matching component for the Technics SU-C03 amplifier. Together they form a compact high-fidelity system in 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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