Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Hey everyone. I have something new to showcase.
Here’s the action packed 60WPC Technics SA-4046 from 1985.
You either like these or you don’t, all the receivers from this line over a four year period look similar to this, and I really like them. Has a typical backlit panel with aqua LCD frequency display. Lots of buttons and lights to tell you what you’ve selected.
I especially like the power meter. Also has a stereo expander and VCR sound EQ mode, from the EP speed tape days.
Wait….WTF does this EP speed thing mean you ask??  Back in the 1980s, if you use recorded video on the six hour speed on VHS (or 4hr on Beta), the sound was extremely low and required a significant boost in the mid range. While it was listenable on a TV with small speakers, the vocals often were muffled when played grandiosese on a stereo, and that was just a side effect of using such a slow speed on VHS tape. The SP 2 hour mode was fine. With this receiver, you could push the VCR sound EQ button and boost the audio range for better clarity. 
Anyways, it has some nice carryover features from the earlier days, such as a subsonic filter for when you play records and wish to put less stress on on your speakers. Also has TV tuner sound, so if you were watching Friday Night Videos at 11pm on NBC back in the 1980s, you’d tune in and hear it in stereo. Yes this has a TV tuner in it!
Got this for $50 on eBay, I reached out to the seller and told them I wouldn’t give them any trouble, and I’m glad I did get it for this price because it did need some significant work and effort.
Had to replace two incandescent bulbs, reflow the solder on 4 resistors in the power supply area that get hot and had broken solder connections. Also had to solder a number of spots behind the LCD panel, which seemingly became loose, but not from heat. Finally, the relay needed to be re-sanded cleaned and then resoldered below. 
All of this said, I don’t know if it’s a very high hour unit, but it definitely needed a tuneup.
To add some more fun and complexity, it has the beloved STK chip 🙂  So I better be sure not to crank this up and let it clip or to put stress on it. There’s no biasing or other adjustments.
Working like a champ as new.
I’ve got a Technics SA-828 on the way, which has less of a comical display and is more of a silver beauty, and I hope to showcase that in the next couple of weeks.
One more month left for those who have kids in school!
Mark.
Hey everyone. I have something new to showcase.
Here’s the action packed 60WPC Technics SA-4046 from 1985.
You either like these or you don’t, all the receivers from this line over a four year period look similar to this, and I really like them. Has a typical backlit panel with aqua LCD frequency display. Lots of buttons and lights to tell you what you’ve selected.
I especially like the power meter. Also has a stereo expander and VCR sound EQ mode, from the EP speed tape days.
Wait….WTF does this EP speed thing mean you ask??  Back in the 1980s, if you use recorded video on the six hour speed on VHS (or 4hr on Beta), the sound was extremely low and required a significant boost in the mid range. While it was listenable on a TV with small speakers, the vocals often were muffled when played grandiosese on a stereo, and that was just a side effect of using such a slow speed on VHS tape. The SP 2 hour mode was fine. With this receiver, you could push the VCR sound EQ button and boost the audio range for better clarity. 
Anyways, it has some nice carryover features from the earlier days, such as a subsonic filter for when you play records and wish to put less stress on on your speakers. Also has TV tuner sound, so if you were watching Friday Night Videos at 11pm on NBC back in the 1980s, you’d tune in and hear it in stereo. Yes this has a TV tuner in it!
Got this for $50 on eBay, I reached out to the seller and told them I wouldn’t give them any trouble, and I’m glad I did get it for this price because it did need some significant work and effort.
Had to replace two incandescent bulbs, reflow the solder on 4 resistors in the power supply area that get hot and had broken solder connections. Also had to solder a number of spots behind the LCD panel, which seemingly became loose, but not from heat. Finally, the relay needed to be re-sanded cleaned and then resoldered below. 
All of this said, I don’t know if it’s a very high hour unit, but it definitely needed a tuneup.
To add some more fun and complexity, it has the beloved STK chip 🙂  So I better be sure not to crank this up and let it clip or to put stress on it. There’s no biasing or other adjustments.
Working like a champ as new.
I’ve got a Technics SA-828 on the way, which has less of a comical display and is more of a silver beauty, and I hope to showcase that in the next couple of weeks.
One more month left for those who have kids in school!
Mark.
