Yamaha CA-700

In 1972, there was a big shift in high-end home stereo systems from the separate components that dominated the 1960s to new component types, and Yamaha released the first generation of component stereo, the 700 Series integrated amplifiers. They featured a rich assortment of input/output channels including separate MM-only and MC-only phono inputs, tape deck input/output, two channels of aux input/output, and a stereo microphone input on the front panel with mixing volume adjustment, making them suitable for a wide range of applications including home audio, audio-visual education, in-store, and other semi-pro uses. The power amplifier circuit was an orthodox ±2 power supply all-stage full-direct semi-complementary OCL type, and the tone control was one that would continue to be used in many later models as the “Yamaha method” tone control, the original NF type. The external design was a conservative style with not even a hint of the appearance of the CA-1000 that would be introduced the next year, and the circuitry was not the latest pure complementary type, but the engineers may have been avoiding an adventurous approach for their first foray into the component stereo field. The 400mm wide cabinet was slightly smaller than modern models, and the Brazilian rosewood veneer was luxurious by present-day standards. It didn’t have outstanding specs or appearance that would make it appeal to audio fanatics, but it was a fine, Yamaha-like piece of workmanship. The series included an inexpensive amplifier version, the CA-500, the CT-700 tuner, YP-700/500 players, and the TB-700 cassette deck.

Specifications

Power output: 60 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 20Hz to 30kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%

Damping factor: 50

Input sensitivity: 4mV (mic), 3mV (MM), 200mV (line)

Channel separation: 50dB (MM), 50dB (line)

Output: 200mV (line), 30mV (DIN), 0.775V (Pre out)

Dimensions: 400 x 300 x 140mm

Weight: 10kg

Gallery