Sony TAN-8550
(september 1974 - 1978)

The BIG V-FET power amp.
Not much else to say except we'd all like to have one! Too bad Sony didn't carry this lineup long enough to make a B-for-Bronze version of it. Or even a black-face.

Besides the V-FET transistors themselves, a part of the skyrocketing 1000$ original retail price was probably due to the Peak Program Meters and although these still are today the coolest and most legible meters ever, they were far more complicated to build than regular VU meters. V-FETs were expensive as well, so these units were kept in the lineups for only three years - too expensive.

A third speakers' pair is provided that doesn't pass through the speaker selector for a shorter signal path - neat. The 2 sets of inputs on the back can be independently switched for DC bandwidth or with a 20Hz cut to protect the speakers from potential mayhem. Although this seems a bit high a frequency cut, all the sources I have access to do indicate the same 20Hz... The accompanying preamplifier was the TAE-8450.

As all 1st generation Sony V-FET, do NOT use a variac
when powering the amplifier for the first time !