Sony TA-N77ES Power Amplifier - Holy Grail from Sony

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General:
The Sony TA-N77ES is widely regarded as the finest power amplifier Sony ever produced. (surpassed only by the ultra-rare TA-N1 in the eyes of some collectors). Combining substantial power, exceptional build quality, and classic Sony ES-series engineering, it remains one of the most sought-after vintage Sony amplifiers ever made.

Standout features include its striking red backlit power meters and an impressive 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, providing ample headroom for even power hungry speakers.

This particular TA-N77ES has had its meter lamps replaced. This is a significant benefit, as the original lamps are known to fail after decades of use. With the new lamps installed, both meters illuminate evenly with a rich, consistent glow that looks especially impressive in a dimly lit listening room.

During testing, the amplifier performed flawlessly and sounded excellent. It delivered a powerful, dynamic, and controlled presentation with everything that was played though it.

This amp was so significant it even has its own page on the excellent website Thevintageknob.com.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
The front panel and side panels show light scratching and wear. Overall condition is great.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
Fresh meter lamps were installed.

Brand Background:
Since 1950 Sony has been building the most innovative products in the audio industry.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA inputs, Speaker Binding Posts.

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
7/10 = Good. One or two minor scratches. Well Maintained. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit and Manual

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
Power output: 200 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 1Hz to 200kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.004%
Damping factor: 100
Input sensitivity: 1V
Signal to noise ratio: 120dB

Dimensions:
470 x 185 x 440mm (18.5" W × 7.375" H × 17.375" D)

Weight:
55 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1987

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the amplifier's input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time.

We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier's frequency response characteristics.

This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.