Sony TA-F555ES
Sony TA-F555ESII
(1983 - 1985 - 1987)

The TA-F777ES topper, like a few other early ES units, was not released outside its country of origin so, elsewhere (everywhere), the F555ES represented the top of the newly (re)launched ES series. A fairly basic amp if very healthy indeed, and quite a best-seller, too. But the ES line was starting afresh so the PPS, Heat-Pipe and other "old" technologies had vanished... The one reminiscence is the placement of the volume knob: left, just like the pre-Esprit and ESPRIT preamps, thus hinting that these amps also used the "simple signal path" inaugurated with the TA-E88B in 1976 - but hinting only.

The F555ES was largely upgraded in mid 1985 (F555ESII), gaining power, weight and a fully copper plated chassis, replacing along the way the AUX input with two a/v inputs plus a loop/monitor and scrapping the pF settings for MM carts (sign'o'the times).

Mostly, inside, the F555ESII was a smaller... TA-F777ES ! This revised version garnered a Stereo Sound "Best Product" award, following in that -surprise- the original F777ES !