Sony TA-FE370

The TA-FE370 was a Spontaneous Twin Drive/Super Legato Linear integrated stereo amplifier manufactured by the Sony Corporation of Japan in approximately 2006. It was 70-watts per channel, whilst the TA-FE570, which was almost identical in every respect, was 110-watts per channel. These amplifiers had remote control facility through the remote commander RM-S325. The TA-FE370 uses STK4211MK2 audio amplifier IC, whilst the TA-FE570 uses STK4221MK2 IC, which has greater power output. These are Thick Film Hybrid ICs for the power output stage, manufactured by the Sanyo Corporation, utilising their unique insulated metal substrate technology (IMST).

Review

The Super Legato Linear System was Sony’s terminology that describes how they eliminate switching noise, or crossover distortion. Legato, which in Italian is "tied together" meaning smooth and flowing without breaks, describes the elimination of the signal gap that occurs in the crossover region when the signal switches over from one transistor to another. This part of the waveform is usually not flowing and neither linear, however the technology has a very good go at making it so, thereby reducing the total harmonic distortion (THD). I always considered this a marketing term because it is Sanyo’s STK4211MK2 IC with IMST technology that actually performs this magic. According Sanyo's documentation, this IC has 0.4 % THD rating.

The TA-FE-570 also had some additional features such as EON reception, and tape monitor functions, which made it even more desirable and expensive. Interestingly, the non-UK versions of TA-FE570 and TA-FE370 had switched AC outlets.

The sound quality is excellent due to Sanyo’s STK4221MK2 power amplifier module. These modules were used by many different manufacturers and whenever you find an amplifier that has one of these, you should buy it because you will be pleasantly surprised with the sound quality.

For my amplifier hobbyist friends, you will be interested to know that this volume knob is servo controlled, and has a motor fitted to it so it physically rotates when you use your remote control to adjust the volume.

Cost / eBay

These amplifiers are extremely popular due to Sanyo’s audio amplifier IC, which produces high quality sound. This was an affordable design that many people found difficult to let go unless it was broken. A good working one with the remote control could cost over a hundred pounds and more depending upon the day. On the other hand, a burnt out one that requires a new STK4211MK IC would not be worth much as these chips are getting difficult and expensive to source.

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