Sony TA-F555ESG
(1989)

Japan-only and transitional unit, prelude to the excellent ESL, ESA and ESJ versions : the F555ESG was another step in refining the formula inaugurated with the original TA-F800ES (aka TA-F555ESX in Japan).

Minus the balanced i/os, the set of functions and part of the layout is exactly equivalent to the contemporary but export-only TA-E80ES preamp, even the massive aluminium-turned input and attenuator knobs are equivalent.

A G-chassis, STD drive, high Gm power transistors, a big transformer, vibration-free coated caps (à la TA-N80ES or TA-NR1) and 24kg made up for a healthy mid-end integrated amplifier which, like all of Sony's ES integrated amps (from 1965 onward !) sold very well, even if -due to its short lifespan- a little less than both its predecessors and followers.