Description
To make room for other Hi-Fi gear, a fully restored KA5ES from my stack is listed for sale. One of the last ES series released by Sony from 1994 onwards, sold only in Japan alongside KA7ES whom it shares many components and the design itself with not much difference set. KA7 has double transformers for servo/digital and audio, has a slightly improved mechanism, gold plated head, cooper plated chassis and some small differences in the choice of components on the boards (capacitors, OP AMPs etc.). Sound-wise I could not really tell the difference between the two models both fully restored, aligned, calibrated and recapped. RM-J701 remote is included, looking great. KA5ES has laser amorphous heads, extremely resistant to wear and offer a detailed and neutral sound. Also the TCM-200 mechanism is one of the most reliable on the market, not difficult to service and with spares relatively available. 3 point calibration ensure a flatter response on recording than the usual two points (bias and level). It is the successor of 333ESJ in Japan, having no parent product (with Dolby S) in Europe. I will not bother to copy-paste technical specifications, are fully available on the web. The unit has undergone complete restoration with the following operations performed: - full disassembly and deep cleaning of all components, chassis and assemblies - full recapping on all boards, using a fine mix of Nichicon Fine Gold and Muse for audio / power purposes (coupling, VRMs, filtering) and Wurth Electronik for mech, digital and servo parts. Sound is crisp, clear, warm and detailed in all aspects- Full restoration of the mechanism with new belts, rollers , oil, grease. Heads are in near perfect condition with little wear. Geometry is still factory aligned, upon checking, no adjustments of any kind (azimuth, zenith, tilt narrowtrack) were necessary. DD motor is recapped, rotary encoder cleaned, leaf contacts the same.- NPC fuses on the rectifier board were replaced with receptacle and glass user replace-able fuses for the +- 14V DC rails- Full calibration using a whole array of test tapes, music tests. Sony HF, UX-S and Metal XR were used to align the FR on recording- 230V conversion using internal step down transformer, heat protected with fuse. Possible to switch to 120V for potential US customers. A custom made IEC cable with US plug will be provided in that case also.- all tact switches on the front panels were replaced with high quality ones made by ALPS.- IEC connector on the back with own master fuse, makes it easier to place or pull it into a stack, L N correct connection every time. the fuse Also protects the unit since it has no other fuses beside the one in the transformer which is encapsulated thus impossible to replace. Better safe than sorry.- EMI filter was added on the 230V input to remove parasites and noise from the todays polluted power grids, full of switching power supplies.- flood LED light added to the tape well, looks nice and cozy, dirt on the head and capstans and rollers are easier to see and keep in control. Transparent shells look also nice being slightly illuminated. Overall, a great deal of detailed work and bench time. The results are satisfying tough in terms of sound quality and servitude of operation and longevity of the vintage product. Overall, is one of the high range models, ideal for mid-high passionate / knowledge users / collectors. Will ship to EU Countries preferably (shipping costs reflect that) very well packaged. But if interested and located in other non EU areas (US / UK / CH / Norway / Canada / Australia, and so on, even if your country is not allowed at the first glance) please ask for an up-to-date shipping cost (depending on your location). I am available for questions and details if they are further needed. Thanks for your interest!
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