For sale is a Nakamichi TA-4A Tuner-Amplifier, tuned up and upgraded. This was top of the line Nakamichi TA gear at the end of 1980s, with suggested MSRP $1299. Some specs and highlights: -STASIS power amp circuit topology designed by Nelson Pass; -100 WPC continous/132 WPC Dynamic power output; -Output Current Capability: 28 A peak per channel; -S/N ratio: better than 100 dB re rated power; -Inputs: Phono, CD, Tape 1, Tape 2, Tape 3/VCR, Aux1, Aux2, VCR ; -Two preamp outputs and a main amp input; -Remote control; -FM memory tuning, 10 stations -Defeatable tone controls; -Subsonic Filter; -MM/MC Phono stage; -Mute switch; -Variable Loudness Control; -Remote control outputs for a CD player and two cassette decks; -Two pairs of speaker outputs that can take bare wire, banana plugs and some spades. This TA-4A was a central component of my system for more than two years. It was well cared for and subjected to a number of upgrades which improved its sound: -All switches, contacts and potentiometers were cleaned with Caig Deoxit D5; -All knobs and faceplate washed in soap and water; -All electrolytic capacitors in the power supply/voltage regulator section were changed to Nichicon FG or PW; -Two power 12000 microF filtering capacitors were upgraded to maximum voltage from 71 to 80V -Stock steel amp-preamp jumpers were replaced with silver; -All electrolytes in the preamp, power amp and tone control sections were replaced with Black Gates PK, Nichicon FG or KZ or ELNA SILMIC II; -DC offset adjustment potentiometers were replaced with Bourns 10-turn and DC offset was set to specs as per service manual; -The TA-4A phono stage received most of upgrades. All electrolytic capacitors were replaced with Nichicon FG, Black Gates C and Black Gates STD. To improve sound and lower noise, several new elements such as ceramic and electrolytic capacitors and zener diodes were added. Wires that connect input sockets to the PB were changed to shielded ones. But most importantly, four OPAMPS (integral circuits) in the signal amplification path were upgraded from NJM4558 and NJM 5532 to modern LM4562, installed in the 8-pin DIP sockets. So now it's possible to easily change or "roll" opamps without de-soldering and experiment with the sound!
All these modifications greatly improved the sound. The stock version of the TA-4A had warm, "lush" sound that some people describe as "tubelike". On the other hand, it has strong bass and very fast response due to Nelson Pass STASIS design. Now, after modifications and the soundstage is more open and instrument positions on it are more defined that they used to be. Upper midrange and high frequencies became more crisp and clear while sound remains warm. However, it's the phono stage that benefited most from all of the tweaking. Now the bass is more deep and the midrange such as vocals s more "sweet". It's the best phono stage that I listened to in 10 or so pieces of gear including Luxman and Marantz. The phono stage works great with both MM and MC cartridges and has two MC gain settings. The tuner section of TA-4A is great, one of the most sensitive I've dealt with. All lights and indicators are working. The original remote control, RM-4TA that was supplied with this Nakamichi was lost and I replaced it with the RM-2TA from the TA-2A tuner amplifier. Using this remote, one can turn TA-4A on and off, adjust volume, activate muting, select preset radio stations or tune in and select between Phono, CD, Tuner, Video or Tape inputs. In addition, the remote can control a Nakamichi tape deck and a CD player if they are connected with TA-4A by a SRC-1 cable. There are no mechanical or electronic issues with this TA-4A. However, it has some cosmetic deficiencies that I don't consider major. The top surface of the faceplate has scratches at the left and at the right that were touched by black paint by the previous owner; he also painted four small scratches at the top cover. The top faceplate edge has a couple of small dents that I finished with repair with Aluminum Black metal finish. The bass and treble knobs each have a small dent and the speaker selector knob is also touched by a black paint. However, as you can see from pictures, its face is very presentable and blemishes are barely seen when the TA-4A is in the rack. There are no smashed angles, missed knobs, cracks on a front display or broken terminals. All knobs and switches are original. Selling because I got a Nakamichi PA-7A preamp and moving to separates. A copy of user manual and FM antenna adapter are included. I even have an AM antenna somewhere so let me know if you nee one. The price is $500 cash firm plus shipping. The TA-4A I will be packed well.
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