Sony Pre Esprit TA-E88 preamp and TA-N86 power amp serviced

Further Information: 

Here we have two legendary vintage components - Sony’s statement series from the late 70s - precursor to the Esprit name, which denoted a whole division dedicated to the pursuit of two channel perfection.

To describe how these two sound is simply to state that the most (enthusiastic) f-bombs are dropped when they’re in the system than any other components. They simply draw away the veil from the music, as true high end should do. Superb. I would never sell them except that I have two of each- picking up these as a refurb project.

Condition wise - both serviced and calibrated to service manual specification for DC balance and bias, the preamp has had all problematic square tantalum caps which like to fail shorted replaced, and the smaller electrolytics even though they all tested on spec. Two damaged RCA plugs replaced and the rest reinforced. The amp has had all terminal and relay contacts cleaned, including desoldering the output relays. Power indicator lamp replaced. All set for years of operation. In terms of flaws, there are zero operational issues with all preamp functions tested. The power amp will happily run in class A mode with proper ventilation. Cosmetically there are flaws, but none are serious and they present well.

Following text from The Vintage Knob: Strict dual-mono structure with two transformers, select parts, an (almost) outboard power-supply and no superfluous controls, the TA-E88 was the second pre-Esprit component to appear and was introduced along its Class D TA-N88 mate.

The underlying philosophy was : no ICs ! The sealed volume and balance controls are stepped with 150 gold-plated contacts, made by ALPS on Sony's specifications : ZP-1 Perfect Balancer. The TA-E88 is the original japanese version (silver), TA-E88B is the export version in grey or "gun metal". However, the first export batch was silver. The final design was drawn in the spring of 1976 by Shigeo Takahashi, along with various layout versions which would later on resurface in other Sony products.

Apart from the ESPRIT TA-E900 (directly derived from the E88) and the much later TA-ER1, the pre-Esprit TA-E88 is probably Sony's best preamp and one of the best ever at any rate.

Bestseller of the pre-Esprit series, the N86 is the "little" one - but the best one. Not as problematic as the TA-N88 - in fact not problematic at all - and switchable in Class A, Class B or as a Class B monoblock. With four High fT transistors and a PLPS power supply chopping at 20Khz, the TA-N86 is a truly excellent amplifier in Class A, losing a little of its distinction when used in the other two modes.

Almost as hot in Class A as a Yamaha CA-1010, it stays cool, however, when driven in Class B or as a monoblock, but the diecast heatsinks do come handy in Class A for the idle current (sic, should be voltage) is to be set at 350mV !

Both units 100v. A TorTech stepdown transformer is included in the purchase price. Shipping available. Collection and audition in Northcote 3070. Thanks!

Edited 21 minutes ago by coffeemachinist
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