SONY TA-E1

Commentary

A control amplifier that pursues simplicity and straightness, giving top priority to reproducing the information amount of SACD.

In order to achieve high frequency reproduction, we have reduced the number of functions to the minimum required and eliminated signal degradation caused by switches, etc. as much as possible, making it possible to design circuits that achieve simple and straight signal flow.
The basic circuit consists of an input section using a high-quality gold contact resin-encapsulated relay for switching signals at the shortest distance. The amplifier section uses a linear phase circuit with excellent frequency and phase characteristics. Each amplifier block consists of a metal core module. The last output stage is equipped with a MOS-FET with excellent high-frequency characteristics.

A newly developed linear phase circuit is used for the amplifier.
This circuit is characterized by low attenuation in the high-frequency range and low phase rotation, which reduces the need for phase correction and enables high-slew rate a high slew rate.

Each amplifier block of balance input, balance output and line amplifier is a metal core module.
Components are surface-mounted on a metal core (metal substrate) made of an aluminum alloy. The substrate itself has excellent thermal conductivity, and the heat balance of the entire circuit is extremely good. In addition, each block is made into a module, making it resistant to external vibration, contributing to improved sound quality and reliability.

An amorphous power transformer is used for the power transformer.
This transformer uses an amorphous metal core, which has excellent characteristics. Since it is an amorphous metal with no crystal structure, there is little conversion loss, electrical noise and mechanical vibration, and the S / N ratio and the amount of information in the sense of hearing are increased.
Moreover, the transformer is mounted in a non-magnetic NF (non-fired) ceramic case with excellent vibration characteristics.

A high-precision volume with an interlocking error of ± 0.5 dB within a range of -100dB to 0 dB is used.
The volume uses oxygen-free copper terminals and a gold-plated multi-contact brush, the resistor uses a CP (Conductive Plastic) resistor with low strain and high reliability, and the exterior casing is machined from brass for a high strength case with a diameter of 50 mm and a maximum thickness of 9.5 mm.

Model Rating

Type	Stereo preamplifier
Gain	18 dB (CD in ~ Pre out)
Input impedance	Unbalanced : 20k Ω Balance : 40k Ω
Output impedance	Unbalanced : 220 Ω Balance : 1k Ω
Frequency characteristic	5 Hz ~ 300 kHz + 0 -1dB
Signal-to-noise ratio	115 dB (input short, A-Fil)
Total harmonic distortion factor	0.005% (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Pwer	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power consumption	12W
External dimensions	Width 430x Height 108x Depth 445 mm
Weight	Approx. 22 kg
Attachment	Power cord Audio connection cable Power plug conversion adapter