Sony ST-1950
A late-1970s FM/AM stereo tuner developed with FM air check in mind.
Overview
The Sony ST-1950 is an FM/AM stereo tuner made by Sony, designed with a focus on FM broadcast monitoring. It features a 76–90 MHz FM band range and uses a bar antenna for AM reception. The unit was marketed around 1976 and includes dual meters—a signal meter and a tuning meter—for precise reception monitoring. It was sold with an optional wood case, the TAC-17.
Specifications
| FM Practical Sensitivity (IHF) | 1.9 μV |
| FM Signal-to-noise ratio | stereo: 68dB, mono: 73dB |
| FM Capture ratio | 1.0dB |
| FM Selectivity (400 Hz) | 60dB |
| FM Image interference ratio | 50dB |
| FM IF interference ratio | 90dB |
| FM Spurious interference ratio | 75dB |
| FM Distortion factor | Mono: 0.2% at 400 Hz, 100% modulation; Stereo: 0.3% at 400 Hz with Sub 45% Pilot 10% modulation |
| FM Stereo separation | 100Hz: 35dB, 1kHz: 40dB, 10kHz: 35dB |
| AM Sensitivity (with bar antenna) | 250 μV/m |
| AM Signal-to-noise ratio | 50dB |
| Power consumption | 19W |
| External dimensions | Width 360 x Height 145 x Depth 310 mm |
| Weight | 5.1kg |
| Voltage | 100V |
| FM band | 76–90 MHz |
| Original price | ¥29,800 (circa 1976) |
| Accessory | Wood case TAC-17 (sold separately, ¥4,500) |
Design
FET technology is used at the radio wave input stage to improve sensitivity and interference rejection. A uniphase filter is employed in the IF stage, and a PLL IC is used in the MPX section. The unit is equipped with two meters: a signal meter and a tuning meter.
Context
The Sony ST-1950 was developed with FM air check applications in mind, suggesting use in broadcast monitoring or professional audio environments.
Market
Listed for sale on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace, often described as being for collectors. Some units are noted to need alignment, while others have confirmed operation.
eBay Listings
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