Silver Hitachi DA-800 early CD player, born October 1983

[442_Tom]

So I slid that Sony CDP 400 back into its storage spot in the closet, until the focus STKs are ordered, and saw this: a Technics SL-PJ1. Despite its odd model number, lack of headphone jack, and undersized heat sink, it looks and performs quite well - born in June 1985.

This SL-PJ1 is another example of a smaller sized early CD player, although Technics has more than a few of these (approx) 12.5”x12.5” in their early /mid 80s catalog.

Absolutely an inventive time, designing and delivering this new digital technology, although many may (rightly so) remember the early 80s as the beginning of the end, with build quality /design beginning to deteriorate.

Certainly compared to the receiver war heyday of the late 70s, that probably is true - but as Sony, Technics, Marantz, Philips, Hitachi, Onkyo, Yamaha, et al sorted out this novel technology, we were afforded a plethora of high quality options, both visually and technically.

 

[Sansuiman]

That one appears to be yet another derivative of the SL-P1 and 2 and associated models, which were technically second generstion, but shared much with the SL-P7 and 8 which could rightly be called first gen/second series. The 8 was the most fully featured model of that lineup, having the better display, remote, headphone jack, pitch control and full programming facilities.

The lower models all lost one or more of those features, but were still decent enough, well made basic players. No surprise there are still many of them around and in service. The elusive MCS 6801 from JC Penney was also derivative of the SL-P8 (probably the SL-P78, actually), but lacked the remote control.

Technics got a lot of mileage out of that basic platform, though I will give them credit for continually improving it throughout the course of production as new models were added. The SL-PJ models were probably further refinements of the previous years lineup, with lower parts counts as the chipsets needed became more highly integrated. Looking inside an SL-P7 or 8 reveals a LOT of discrete components yet, and they were mostly built in 1984.

Models that dropped in 1985 saw another round of refinement and parts count/cost reductions. This went on until Technics released what were arguably their most well regarded CD players with the SL-P770/777/990/999/1000 lineup from around 1988. These were still well built, fully featured, with more advanced D to A processing, and have maintained a reputation for great sounding and highly sought after players even today. After that series, things began going noticeably downhill as Technics began to lose their mojo, at least with regard to CD players.

But then, save for the serious high end offerings of the 90's onward (Sony ES, Pioneer Elite and various boutique brands with limited exposure) most of the other players available saw their quality and performance steadily decline from the peak to one extent or another. Yet another reason I'll stick with these old beasts.

 

[442_Tom]

Upon further inspection, the engineers of this early entry level SL-PJ1 did something pretty incredible. We all enjoy “seeing” our media turn or spin, but most CD players don’t allow for that, except for perhaps the early high end vertical loaders, and maybe top loading units like the big dollar Technics SL-P1200 and Philips CD100.

So it’s nice to see a very cool (but limited) view, from above or straight on, of whatever disc your enjoying. Pictured is a creative optical illusion, the disc appears to have been loaded vertically, but in reality it’s spinning in a horizontal tray. Nice!

 

[Sansuiman]

Yes, this was a neat, if frivolous, feature of many Technics CD players. Even the SL-P770-1000 lineup have a small viewing window with a green LED to help illluminate the inner portion of the disc tray. I'd say the implementation on the SL-PJ models is a bit better than the later models, as it makes the disc more easily viewable at a right angle. The later models simply present an edge view. The Pioneer P-D70 also offers an edge view with green illumination via axial lamp.

I gather you've noted the DA-800 has a similar take on this, with an edge viewing window and three amber LEDs aimed at the top of the disc. Depending on design on the label side of the disc, it makes a cool refective light pattern on the disc in play, and makes the rotation clearly visible. Obviously, it doesn't improve the sound quality or overall functionality of the player, but it does add some extra bit of enjoyment to the experience of using it, if you value details in good design.

This is just another example of the neat design touches we used to get with good gear, before it all got cheapened and homogenized so much that there was little aesthetic or tactile excitement to be found. There has been a bit of trend to recreate visual interest in some newer high end gear, but it certainly isn't common.

I might add here that I just negotiated a deal for a Kyocera DA-710Cx with the original remote that needs work, should be in next week. Hopefully I can get it working, as the Kyocera models sound excellent, and are quite striking in their design.

 

[442_Tom]

Was watching that Kyocera 710 with remote, hope you can resurrect!

How about this recent find… original box with packing materials /manual, and transport screw, possibly never removed…

 

[Sansuiman]

Now that is a very nice find indeed. Consider me a little bit jealous, my DA-800 came with nothing but the euro to us plug adapter. I'm hoping that this Kyocera is salvageable, it's a very clean unit, and the remote is a nice bonus. Now it has me looking at their matching amps which are very highly regarded.

I'm sure i can get it powered up, but the whole Kyocera series of CD players is prone to age related failure of the optical pickup. More so than many other first and second generation players anyway. I will be really disappointed if I get it "live" again, only to find it has a dead laser. Then again, this is one of the models fpr which VAL is rebuilding pickups with new laser diodes, so all hope isn't lost. Will be an expensive fix if it's needed, though

Right now I'm getting ready to battle a dying internal headphone amp in my Technics SL-P1200. Has to be powered on for at least 30 mins before I can hear anything from the headphone port. Undoubtedly due to bad caps. Once it starts working, it sounds great, which strikes me as a little odd, if the caps are dried out.

I really need to get some pics up.

 

[442_Tom]

Absolutely, show us your stuff S-man

 

[442_Tom]

Wrapping up my summer vintage CD player inventory and review, with this Sony CDP 200 from early 1984. Great build quality, three separate motors and no belts - just gears, covered with lots of old yellow / orange goo. Make sure to clean that off and relube before you fire yours up. Sounds fantastic, and looks pretty good too…

 

[Sansuiman]

It is a nice looking player, in a more understated way. Many of the first gen models had styling that was very distinctive (DA-1000, Mitsubishi DP-101, Sharp DX-3, NEC CD-803 notably) where Sony went a bit more restrained. I do prefer a full width like the CDP-400, but might be persuaded to get a 200.

I just picked up a MCS 3285 receiver needing a minor repair, and will probably pair my black Technics SL-P8 with it. Will make a very nice "class of 1984" system.

 

[Moving Ahead]

The light in the play button is an uber cool feature.
I think it's debatable with small form CDP from this era (only) being a lesser machine. The boards inside often were the same as their wide form cousins, except the PCB was cut in half and stacked. As seen in your photo. From a design and marketing point of view the small form must have been a revelation representing future possibilities. Also looked neat when stacked in a vertical form with their family components. This didn't last long and the rest is history.

 

[442_Tom]

S-man, I’ve got a few MCS receivers / tape decks from the 79 - 81 era, and that 3285 is a interesting design experiment, a powerful mid 80s ‘industrial’ look receiver.

And MA, I agree it’s very cool to see that green illuminated ‘play’ icon, and even better when it plays a disc! Of the vintage units mentioned in this thread the CDP 200 is the most consistent, only found one disc that it won’t play, a newer compilation CD that only plays on ‘newer’ players.

Perhaps that is typical of these vintage temperamental beauties. I probably have 6 working ‘83-85 CD players, and each will play most discs - but none will play all.

 

[Sansuiman]

The light up button legends for play, pause even FF and FR on early players is one of those small touches that really makes those designs so neat. The DA-1000, 800 and several of the Technics models I own have this. That was largely lost after the 2nd generation player designs were phased out, I'm sure due mostly to expense reduction.

I think the MCS 3285 is a great looking receiver, and have wanted one for years now. Finally seeing it in person, it is a unique and well executed design IMHO. The overall build quality is no slouch, including inside, which is not surpsing for unit made by NEC. I'm still in the midst of minor repairs, so don't have a detailed take on the sound yet, but expect I'll be quite plessed with it.

Regarding the MCS receivers, I really like the looks of the series A models, which includes the 3285. The 3237 and 3246 are also very sharp in that 1980's futuruistic sort of say. Honestly, I'd not mind owning both of those also.

One more 80's receiver that has really caught my eye is the Pioneer SX-60. It is truly an over the top styling exercise, with a massive VFD display that makes up half the front panel. It is what the Kenwood KR-1000 "galaxy commander" should have been. It apparently shares the same basic amp circuit design as the SX-3900 and SX-D5000/7000 models that preceded it. I may go after one, there is something about it that appeals to me, as ridiculous as it looks. It would pair nicely with a P-D70, a silved SL-P8 or the Dual CD-120 which is another DA-1000 clone.

An interesting aside to this all this is that the MCS 6801 cd player is a tweaked Technics SL-P8 with a front panel that matches the style of the 3285 receiver perfectly. It would be nice to find one, but they are extremely rare. The SL-P8 in black (really more like dark charcoal grey with a hint of brown) will make a nice stand in for it. I've found the the SL-P8 and derivative models to be remarkably robust and reliable players that play almost any disc I throw at them. Really, all the Technics players I have and use are quite solid and enjoyable to listen to.

 

[442_Tom]

Here’s hoping one of you picked up this beautiful and rare Dual (rebadged Hitachi) CD120 from fleabay today.

 

[Sansuiman]

I was watching it. It went too high for my taste, for a parts unit of unknown fault. Oh, and I have two just like it, both working. Would've like to snag it, but then last night I grabbed a mint condition Pioneer SX-60 receiver locally, so I'm not disappointed.

I'm putting together a select collection of my favorties of 1984. The SX-60, MCS 3285, Pioneer P-D70 and Technics SL-P8 are all part of that ongoing effort. Will get some pics up ASAP.

 

[442_Tom]

1982 was my year, college roommate laughed at the all in one I brought with me (probably from Sears or Kmart) and promptly took me into lower Manhattan to J&R music. What an incredible audio feast!

Walked out with a Technics SA 505, a long standing sentimental favorite midline receiver, matched with an RS-M218 cassette deck - nothing fancy but very effective. Hooked up to Optimus T110 towers sourced at a local radio shack, little problem rocking a 15 x 15 dorm room. And all I could afford at 18.

Look forward to seeing your ‘84 gear S-man!

 

[Sansuiman]

It's funny. My first love in audio is Sansui from the 1968-79 era. Started when I was about 4 and my dad brought home a Sansui 5000 receiver (2nd hand) to replace an unrepairable Lafayette receiver with a bad power transformer. This set off my lifelong (so far) obsession with Sansui. Started building my own collection in 96 when the vintage gear was cheap. Sold and traded a bunch in the process. Now that I have most of the Sansui stuff I ever wanted (and a lot I didn't even know I wanted, ha) I have started to dabble more in other brands and eras.

Have some mid-late 60's Sansui tube and early solid state stuff, and more recently went on a binge of early CD players. My fascination with early to mid 80's stuff kind of grew out of the CD player thing. It's sort of a weird hangup I guess, but I really like the styling of some of the 1980-85 era stuff.

Not a lot of it, but there are some select pieces that caught my attention like the MCS Series A receivers and a handful of other unusual looking but well executed items of that era. It was short lived, but there was a very unique styling trend that came and went quickly between about 81-84. Lots of silver, tons of square buttons and light, slider pots, and needless flair like light up block diagrams, huge VFD displays, bar graph power meters and the like. Yes, it is often garish and mostly unnecessary, but I'll admit I like it. Well, some of it anyway.

I was born in 74, so the bulk of my childhood was in the 80's, and have many fond memories of old stereo gear I saw and heard up until the dreaded BPC/rack system era that really set in about 1985 and took all the style, quality and fun out of it. The added bonus is much of this gear is still well enough made to be reliable and sound good, even if it doesn't meet the previous lofty quality standards of the 70's gear.

Picture below of my newly acquired Kyocera DA-710cx. Not working as it needs a power supply recapping/rebuild. This is post cleaning (was a bit grimy, and I have the cover off presently from troubleshooting earlier).

 

[442_Tom]

Posting here, hoping some knowledgeable 80s CD aficionados can help.

Pulled this 1984 Technics SL-P8 beauty out to see if it still worked, got clicking noise from inside - that’s typically the laser sled not stopping properly. Replaced drawer belt and laser motor spindle belt. Perusing the service manual now - in the meantime any ideas how to reset the ‘rest’ limit switch. That’s where the clicking is coming from, laser sled doesn’t want to stop at limit switch, wants to move thru it. Limit switches are discussed in the service manual but no description on how to reset.

Oh yeah, and pitch control in a CD player, pretty cool!

 

[442_Tom]

Put the SL P8 into storage, and had to grab this October 1983 Sony CDP 200. Think I’ve got two already but couldn’t pass this one up, the drawer would not open - diagnosed as mechanical blockage back left of tray. Someone had jammed it, very simple reason it would not open, wish they were all that easy. Also was able to remove that crazy orange gear glue that Sony used in 1983. Plays like it’s brand new and almost looks as good.

Anyone grab that phase linear 9500 that sold today on eBay - and there’s a Kyocera DA-01 also selling today - these early beauties deserve to be used and appreciated.

 

[Moving Ahead]

The CX20017 dac is sweet. I've got it in the Sony CDP 70 & Hitachi da 500 units. Both a little later than yours and definitely less circuitry than yours. Both have analogue filters. The Hitachi is a work horse not putting a foot wrong, and the 20017 sounds fresh.
The CDP 200 looks great and will be celebrating 40 birthday soon. A real soldier.
I got a Nakamichi OMS 5 recently. 14 bit and way overbuilt. Highly recommend.

 

[Moving Ahead]

Concerning the technics limit switch. Did you clean them? Check out of circuit?