Technics CD-4 System Disc Demodulator
SH-3480

Clearly a piece of equipment aimed squarely at the professional market. This 'Turntable Pre-Amp' has inputs for up to 4 turntables but each input is for different cartridge types. Please check out the inside pictures as this unit has the highest quality cabling I have ever seen in any audio equipment to date. The quality of the components and layout are exceptional.

The white labels on the top of the case say 'SAMPLE'.
IS IT QUITE POSSIBLE THIS UNIT WAS NEVER PUT INTO PRODUCTION?

With no documentation and only a standard stereo turntable I had quite a bit of fun working out just how this unit worked (not to mention having to set up a step down transformer from 240 to 100 volts).

I decided to use my Sansui AU 555 as I thought the Pre-in/out would do the job. Wrong. Although I did get a signal through. I then tried the two different rated phono inputs and the 'obsolete' tape head input. No good either. Distortion and more distortion.

Last of all I thought I might as well try the tape input. Bingo! I was in business. With a Denon Moving Magnet cartridge fitted I found the Phono 2 mag input set to High coupled to the Phono High output worked best.

I had already been using Joe Jackson's Jumping Jive album to try and find a working setting but now I had it it was time to hear what the Technics SH-3480 Phono Pre-amplifier could do.

The Sansui is no slouch in the Phono stage so I did not know quite what a comparison might deliver. The good news is that this Phono Pre-Amp is no Jurassic freak but an extremely useful tool for those who love LP's.

Compared to the most favorable of the two native inputs on the Au 555 the Technics added more rounded and slightly fuller bass. Far better balance and stereo imaging and a richer feel to the music. The sound stage seemed much stronger. It might sound strange but the music sounded more confident, more assured and more natural.

The volume control is for the exclusive use of the 4 channel system. I tested it by using the 'front' inputs of the 4 channel system.

All in all a very useful piece of audio equipment for those who want to optimise their phono output. Invaluable for anyone running multiple decks with different cartridges or 4 channel and stereo decks.

Inputs/Controls
Front, Volume with Pre-Set (4 channel operation only) Selection, Phono 1, 2, 3 with lock to prevent accidental shifting from high to low sensitivity cartridges. Function, 2ch. 4ch, external.

Rear inputs as designated on the back panel.

Phono 1 ( Semiconductor) Phono 1.2 (Com), linked to a cartridge bias switch, on/off.

Phono 2 mag (links to level switch Hi/Low), Phono3 ceramic.

2 channel Pre out.

Phono 4 (4 Channel)

405 x 300 x 130, 8.5Kg *100 volts* I will supply in Australia with an external step down transformer.

It is big, and in excellent near mint condition, (I have change the feet as a couple were broken and one of the black knobs has a couple of scratches on the side). I don't expect to see anything quite like it again. I suspect it has never really been used.

Not something I would normally say but definitely one for the collectors or a unique way to get the best from your cartridge without resorting to upgrading your amplifier or even your turntable.

Price $650 AUD    contact us by email