I have been chasing this amplifier for some time. The SE-A100 is generally regarded as a superb amplifier and it introduced the VC-4 Class AA configuration amplifier design. The amplifier was released in 1985, (yen300,000) and was in production to 1989. This example is a 1987 build. The amplifier that followed the SE-A5000 is simply a facelifted SE-A100.
Class AA is a simple yet brilliant idea. Four amplifiers, two per channel. A voltage control amplifier and a current drive amplifier. The voltage control amplifier is isolated from the load by a "Class AA" bridge. The bridge is a series of resistors in circuit between the Class A voltage amp and the Class B current drive amp. From my readings this particular part of the design (the bridge) was subject to a patent legal case between A.M Sandman and Matsushita.
Class AA was also used in integrated and preamplifiers and even in sources such as CD players! It continued through with Technics amplifiers right up until the SE-A7000 (Mosfet) power amplifier originally released in 1992 and finally ending with version4 of that amp in 1999.
I sourced this amplifier from Japan. These are very rare amplifiers in any country out of Japan. Technics did export these amplifiers, in numbers I'm not sure of. But in the years that I have been looking for one they are rarely for sale in Europe, the United States or any other country. And if you see a nice example be prepared to pay $$$$$ for one.
Note the "timber" side panels or "cheeks'. This was only offered on the Japanese models, and I think they look fine. The amplifiers are not rare in Japan, but you need to look closely and find a good example. Another reason to shop in Japan, as the Japanese generally really look after their hifi components, particularly those that may be considered luxurious "high-end".
After delivery, and prior to any power up, the amplifier was taken to Skippy's place for a once over. After lifting the lid, we note that Technics in their wisdom ensured a layer of protective material was placed over the internals of the amplifier.
An interesting design feature on top of the capacitors, that film of protective material - dust fallen through the perforate cap cover and settled on top of the caps. I quite liked it, but Skippy insisted it had to go.
Starting to get there. Looking better. You can see the two big transformers, the left and right large heatsinks, the capacitors next to the sinks and the two outer riser PCB's. This is the left and right channel current drive stage. The smaller transformer in the centre and the central heatsink, caps and centre cards represent the voltage control amplifier. The transformers are finished in a matt black with a textured finish, quite different to what I have sen before, but looked really nice in the flesh.
Cap cover after a wash and polish back in place. Note the riser cards protruding through the cover in their respective slots.
We brought her up on the dim bulb and all was fine. The amplifier initiates a start up procedure, where it will initiate power to the voltage control and current drive amps - the respective indicator lights will flash, and finally after about 15 seconds the speaker indicator will light and protection will be released. Provided all lights are illuminated the amplifier is stable and ready to go! Following close inspection we agreed, that this amplifier is an unmolested example, in original condition, free from any technical intervention.
The internal build quality is good, nice weight at 34kg, Its not in the class of the Sony TA-N902 ESPRIT, Sansui B-2102 or indeed the Sony TA-N7B meisterstuck, but the sound is what matters. Cosmetically, not mint but very nice, straight nothing major, presents very well. The design and presentation of the amplifier is first class. The dark overtones, with the black, with the silver highlites, the slightly smoky bevel full glass front panel and the subtle incandescent lights (there are four lights per meter) make for a very attractive and classy piece of audio.
Not a massively powerful beast, but at 170w at 8ohms an adequate power rating.
Sound can only be described as amazing. I have a few nice amps and this one may very well be the best. I knew from my research that this amp was good....but it is very, very good. It has an authority that is special yet the detail and finesse are there also, really nice. More listening and a few guys over on the weekend to judge it also. But from my listen today, this may well be the finest amplifier I have heard to date.
