EXPIRED Sony Pre Esprit TA-E88 preamp and TA-N86 power amp serviced

[coffeemachinist]

Further Information: 

 

Here we have two legendary vintage components - Sony’s statement series from the late 70s - precursor to the Esprit name, which denoted a whole division dedicated to the pursuit of two channel perfection.

 

To describe how these two sound is simply to state that the most (enthusiastic) f-bombs are dropped when they’re in the system than anything else I own, they really are superb. I would never sell them except that I have two of each- picking up these two as a refurb project. If you want one but not the other, I am open to splitting.

 

Condition wise - both serviced and calibrated to service manual specification for DC balance and bias, the preamp has had all problematic square tantalum caps which like to fail shorted replaced, and the smaller electrolytics even though they all tested on spec. Two damaged RCA plugs replaced and the rest reinforced. The amp has had all terminal and relay contacts cleaned, including desoldering the output relays. Power indicator lamp replaced. All set for years of operation. In terms of flaws, there are zero operational issues with all preamp functions tested. The power amp will happily run in class A mode with proper ventilation. Cosmetically there are flaws, but none are serious and they present well.

 

Following text from The Vintage Knob: Strict dual-mono structure with two transformers, select parts, an (almost) outboard power-supply and no superfluous controls, the TA-E88 was the second pre-Esprit component to appear and was introduced along its Class D TA-N88 mate.

 

The underlying philosophy was : no ICs ! The sealed volume and balance controls are stepped with 150 gold-plated contacts, made by ALPS on Sony's specifications : ZP-1 Perfect Balancer. The TA-E88 is the original japanese version (silver), TA-E88B is the export version in grey or "gun metal". However, the first export batch was silver. The final design was drawn in the spring of 1976 by Shigeo Takahashi, along with various layout versions which would later on resurface in other Sony products.

 

Apart from the ESPRIT TA-E900 (directly derived from the E88) and the much later TA-ER1, the pre-Esprit TA-E88 is probably Sony's best preamp and one of the best ever at any rate.

 

Bestseller of the pre-Esprit series, the N86 is the "little" one - but the best one. Not as problematic as the TA-N88 - in fact not problematic at all - and switchable in Class A, Class B or as a Class B monoblock. With four High fT transistors and a PLPS power supply chopping at 20Khz, the TA-N86 is a truly excellent amplifier in Class A, losing a little of its distinction when used in the other two modes.

 

Almost as hot in Class A as a Yamaha CA-1010, it stays cool, however, when driven in Class B or as a monoblock, but the diecast heatsinks do come handy in Class A for the idle current (sic, should be voltage) is to be set at 350mV !

 

Both units 100v. A TorTech stepdown transformer is included in the purchase price. Shipping available. Collection and audition in Northcote 3070. Thanks!

 

 

[G-man]

Hi there

 

can you tell me a little more about the preamp?

how is it powered as it’s a 110v

 

””Cheers

G

Edited November 18, 2023 by G-man

[coffeemachinist]

Hi Gerardo,

 

The preamp is Sony's statement pre from the 70's, and features strict dual mono construction and very high grade componentry. You can read more about the back story here:

 

http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-TA-E88B.html

 

And some user reviews/comments here:

 

 

If you google 'Sony TA-E88' you will find many, many forum threads and comments highlighting how special this one is. 

 

In terms of power, this is a Japanese domestic market model so is designed for 100V 60/50hz AC supply. In Australia, use of a stepdown transformer is required. 

 

I will supply a suitable transformer from TorTech for these two units which is rated for 500W so it has plenty of headroom. The transformer can be kept out of sight as long as it is accessible and has some ventilation, they don't even get warm in normal use. 

 

It looks like this:

 

 

You can also then run other 100V equipment from the same transformer, eg. if you bought a 100V Japanese turntable. 

 

Thanks, Rick

[G-man]

@coffeemachinist thanks for sharing and providing a little more info.

 

I'm a bit torn atm have 2 x TA-N55ES running in Mono which sound fantastic and wanted to pair them with a preamp more so the TA-E80ES which has been very challenging to source.

 

Have also been eyeing off the TA-E90ES there are a few on eBay from Germany but not 100% sold on them just yet.

 

So started looking further afield at other options when i noticed this thread which caught my eye.

 

I'm not a big fan of step down transformers due to limited space.

 

Will ponder it a little more.

 

thanks again for sharing.

 

""Cheers

G

[coffeemachinist]

No worries. 

 

I do love the 80s ES gear, I have a fair bit of it. But, this pre Esprit series is in another league in terms of build and sonic quality. Suggest a demo if you really want to dig deeper. 

 

This comment from TheVintageKnob owner sums it up in reference to the TA-E80ES:

 

'I really regret selling mine. But my "old" TA-E86B is, clearly, better everywhere.' (that's the more basic version of TA-E88)

 

Also these two would take up much less space than 2x TA-N55 and 1x TA-E80 as they are only 2 Rack Unit size (8cm high) each.

Edited November 19, 2023 by coffeemachinist
more info

[G-man]

@coffeemachinist im in Melbourne next Thursday do you have time for a coffee catch up?

PM me if that works for you?

 

""Cheers

G