Technics SA-180

The SA-180 and SA-180L were amplifier receivers manufactured by the Technics Corporation in Singapore. Both models were identical except the latter could also receive long-wave (LW). The amplifier is 35-watts per channel into 8 Ω loads and the total harmonic distortion (THD) 0.07 % (at half-power and 1 kHz). Its dimensions are 430 mm × 97 mm × 243 mm, and mass 4.5 kg, hence it fits perfectly into a standard size hi-fi stack.

Review

From the outside, it appears basic, however this amplifier uses the Sanyo STK4152-2 (STK4152II also known as SVIK4152-2M) hybrid IC which provides extremely good quality sound. Consequently, this IC was also used in many high-end models during its time. The SA-180 has some good points going for it such as a built-in phono RIAA preamplifier for connecting a record player or turntable, very high quality FM reception, and Baxandall-type bass and treble controls. If you have had a surround-sound system which converts your audio input to digital and pushes it through numerous digital signal processors (DSPs), then you will love to go back to a basic system that does not change the audio too much. Hence, if you are looking for a straight analogue amplifier that does not change the sound too much, then this is a good option.

There are no speaker protection relays in this unit and instead it uses the AN7072N integrated circuit for overload detection and protection. The tuner circuitry is based around the famous AN7273A, which is an FM/AM IF amp, detector, and AF amp. The MPX is provided by the AN7470, whilst the PLL Controller is UPD1718G512.

The phono RIAA preamplifier uses the AN6558F operational amplifier integrated circuit operating on split-rail voltage of ±15 V. The sound quality is excellent to say the least, and if you are intrigued, then I have some similar circuits in the record player section of this site that you could build for yourself.

Today, audiophiles usually tend to scoff when they see slider controls for the volume, however many high-end manufacturers use these types of controls. For example, many Bang & Olufsen music centre’s had slider controls and were thought to be unique and high-end in design.

Price/eBay

They no longer make these amplifiers, nor the Sanyo hybrid IC, and therefore those who know quality will always be looking for these. Sometimes people buy this amplifier only for the IC, which they install into another amplifier, because a genuine Sanyo IC alone is very expensive. Consequently, an amplifier in mint condition in its original packaging will be worth well over sixty pounds and considerably more on a good day. However an amplifier that is burnt is not worth much as the replacement hybrid IC is expensive and the labour costs tend to be high due to the time and skill it takes to replace it. You can follow this article in the pages below to see the inside of this amplifier when I repaired mine.

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