mtc@datagen.UUCP (03/06/84)
(o,o) This article is written by a serious music listener who does NOT - fall into the category of a "golden-ears". My equipment is at the high end of the middle range; I listen to newer rock, some jazz, and avant-garde. I've seen Sony get a lot of flack recently, primarily about cassette decks. I'm a reasonibly satisfied owner of several Sony components, so here's a second opinion. I really got to like Sony because of an open-reel tape deck I bought in 1972, the TC-650. This deck still works very well even after 12 years of regular use! The best part about it is its mechanical reliability - I've NEVER had a problem with it. Granted, Sony has gone thru many changes in the past 12 years, in association and then disassociation with Superscope. [I am curious if anyone has comments about who makes the best hi-end consumer open-reel tape decks these days; most of you out in netland seem to be primarily cassette oriented.] In 1982 I bought the STR-VX6 receiver, then the top of their line, from a Stereo Discounters. The first one I was shipped had a few problems, but these could conceivably be attributed to mail shipping. (SD rushed me a new one, which arrived less than two weeks from the departure of the old one). I've been nothing but pleased with the replacement. 70RMS/channel makes a very noticeable difference in the sound of my stereo, even at low volumes, particularly in the bass regions. My mother bought the STR-VX2, which also had problems until she got an exchange; she is happy with the receiver now that she has a working one. The other piece of Sony equipment I have is the PS-X500 turntable, which is a direct drive manual (turns off and lifts at end, no return). I've been very happy with it; it seems very solid and consistent. It is a huge improvement over my older Thorens (I could hear the rumble plainly). It does very well with records which are in good condition, and the best job I've seen yet with warped records. I used to be a fan of Sony/Superscope tape (SLH-180 reels) until a whole bunch of them went bad (the coating started to come off as a sticky residue on the tape heads, guides, etc) after about two years of light to moderate use. I will never buy Sony tape again because of this experience. Finally, one of my housemates has a color TV by Sony which is one of the better sets I have watched. I don't watch TV much though; she seems very satified with its reliability and picture. I definitely agree that you don't need a lot of fancy features, particularly on mechanical-oriented components, and I don't have any experience with Sony tape decks of recent years. I also don't have any use for high-end cassette decks, since I use cassettes mostly for copies for friends and in the car. I disagree that Pioneer is better than Sony. I have always hated Pioneer, and still do; this is mostly prejudice. Summary: its worth noting the problems in getting a unit that works right from the first time. This is a bad hit against Sony. On the other hand, if you get a properly manufactured unit (or are willing to exchange, if necessary), they make some great stuff. I can sure do without all the hype of Sony ads, tho: "Sony - no baloney", "If only I had a Sony", etc. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mark Colan Data General Corp {allegra, decvax!ittvax, rocky2} ! datagen!mtc