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Which Hitachi Integrated Amplifier?

Ishmael

Ishmael

Super Member
I have been looking for the integrated amplifier the Hitachi FT-920 tuner was meant to partner with but can't seem to find a match. Here's what I have found out so far.

1. The FT-920 tuner was made in 1977.

2. From Hifiengine the Hitachi HA-610 (70 watts 8 ohm) was made in 1975, the Hitachi HA-1100 (100 watts 8 ohm) was made in 1976, and the Hitachi HA-330 (40 watts 8 ohm) was made in 1977.

3. None of the above integrated amplifiers appear on Hifiengine with a wood enclosure, however the FT-920 does have a wood enclosure.

4. The much earlier Hitachi IA-1000 (55 watts 8 ohm) made in 1971 does have lovely wood side panels.

From what I have been able to find on the web it looks like the FT-920 is a stand alone tuner without a partnering integrated/seperates amp-preamp? If this is true even though it is an earlier integrated amplifier would the IA-1000 be a better match given the wood case, or, should I consider one of the more contemporary amplifiers listed above? All our current vintage speakers are 8 ohm so power is likely not an issue from any of the amplifiers listed above. Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
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From the web I have found that there was an optional wood case which could be ordered for your Hitachi integrated amplifier, however given the brands rareness, finding hen's teeth may be an easier task.
 
What do members think of the Hitachi IA-1200? Any members own one? All Hitachi gear seems to be rare but well regarded. From the web and other posts it seems that they tried to get into audio late in the game, but seem to have done so with well made gear.
 
The FT-920 tuner I've got buried in my storeroom came without a wooden case, it also had the same aluminium side cheeks that match the HA-1000 which I've also got a couple of. They are a beast of an amplifier and beautifully made.
The FT-920 although looking the goods and sounding great seemed to lack sensitivity but I was comparing it to a SONY STS333esxII at the time. I just stuck it away in a box. There is also a matching three head cassette deck (either 1100 or 1000 designation IIRC) which I have one of in unrestored condition. I had grand plans with those but never got around to it- one day...
 
John thanks for the input. The case on the FT-920 is really in nice condition and what surprised me is that while two of the lights are out the auto tune light in the pointer still works. When I engaged the FM auto tune switch after I tuned in with the signal strength and center of signal meters it would take a few seconds and then light up, quite a surprise that it still works. I am not too sure about the sensitivity either, but again this is right out of the box with no cleaning or service/adjustment to the tuner. It was such a nice looking machine for $7.00 I could not pass it up. Like you it will go on a shelf for a while as I have a bunch of grandchildren projects to finish up first. Thanks for letting me know that the side cheeks on the HA-1000 would match. I followed another member's posts of his restoration of his HA-1000, a very nice machine and the circuit boards look very well laid out, not a spaghetti mess with little room to work. Given our 8 ohm speakers its power would be all we would ever need. What speakers are you driving with your HA-1000? Now finding one is a task, but that's the beauty of a hobby you can be patient.
 
Hitachi FT-920.jpg

This looks close. You've got to remember by the second half of the 70's cost cutting had already sent the carpenter out the door. Wooden boxes were an optional extra.
 
I own a Hitachi HA-330 amplifier that I acquired about 6 months ago - it had been dry stored for 25 years and looked in Mint condition !! Very crackly when first tried it, so cleaned it up with contact cleaner and it has now replaced both a Pioneer A400 (modded) and Sansui AU-217 MkII as my main system amp.

The Hitachi is a fantastic performer ... neither bass or treble is over emphasised ... the sound is supremely musical, with plenty of muscle and smooth as you like with bags of detail and a completely natural mid range ... tbh, it's staggeringly good ... the phono stage is simply divine and the headphone out is very VERY good indeed.

There's little on the inter web about Hitachi amps, but if you ever see a HA-330 offered for sale, snap it up, you won't regret it ... it's so good I doubt I'll ever want to replace it ... and it looks the part too
 
I recommend the HA-7700

75w MosFet integrated
Dual Mono PS
MC/MM phono stage with loading options
Very tubelike voicing
 
I have a pair of HA-1100 and I've always been impressed by their performance and reliability. Their weight will surprise you, the first time you go to pick them up.:thmbsp:
 
I have an HA-330 Integrated and an HT-340 Tuner. Very attractive pair of units, Dual power meters, lots of effortless power, and very much under the radar. I have a very high opinion of all Hitachi gear I have seen. Good quality gear!
 
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