Technics SC-VC1180

In 1994, the Technics SC-VC1180, with an RRP of DM 2499, represented the top model in the manufacturer's mini-series.

By the standards of the time, the mini system, consisting of 4 individual components, a large remote control and a complete loudspeaker set designed for "Dolby Surround ProLogic", was lavishly equipped and featured a whole range of unique features that were otherwise familiar from the top models in the 43cm class from Technics at the time:

- SL-VC1180 3-way video CD carousel changer.

   + PlayExchange function - one CD plays, the other two can be changed
   + 32 track memory for 3 different CDs 
   + MASH D/A converter  
   + Automatic title selection for tape copy
   + AutoPause, LastFade, Intro (play function)
   + CD-R playable

   - unfortunately no CD-Text 

- Double cassette deck SC-CA1060

   + Full-Logic Control
   + Dual head system
   + 2 x Autoreverse 
   + Dolby B/C NR
   + CCRT - Computer Controlled Record Tuning (automatic tape measuring system)
   + motor-driven, remote-controlled cassette trays
   + THDP Technics Hybryd Dygastic Panel
   + automatic music search 
   + automatic recording level control
   + automatic tape type selection - the drive is also suitable for metal cassettes !

   - unfortunately Dolby HX-Pro is missing
   - a tape counter is also missing - standard with the competition ! 

- Preamplifier ST-VC1180 with integrated PLL tuner

   + LW, MW, FM; 39 station presets; cable/antenna connection
   Timer for recording and playback
   + Connectors: CD input, tape input/output, DCC input/output, phono input, VCR.   
              input/output with videocinch input, VDP input with videocinch input, VCD 
              input with video cinch input
   + integrated Dolby Surround ProLogic decoder with Normal, Wideband, Phantom modes 
        and adjustable volume and delay time for Surround and Center
   + VBO Virtual Battery Operation
   + two heavy-duty, cast-aluminum knobs with substantial resistance for station search
        and volume control
   - unfortunately no electronic EQ and no spectrum analyser
   - unfortunately no RDS, but very good reception and sound !
   - unfortunately no digital inputs/outputs 
   - a multi-channel input for connecting external surround decoders is missing

- SE-VC1180 power amplifier

   + 2 x 60W sine wave power into 6 ohms, or 2 x 75 watts into 4 ohms, or 2 x 45 watts into 8 ohms
   + 2 x 15W Surround, 1 x 15W Center in ProLogic mode
   + MOS-FET technology
   + Bass, sub-bass and treble controls for sound tuning
   + 6.25mm headphone jack, gold-plated
   + Two large, illuminated analog VA meters as eye-catchers
   

- SB-VC1180 speaker in 3-way technology, with tweeter dome and midrange driver radiating to the front, while the woofer sits in the cabinet and radiates to the rear via a passive diaphragm

   + frequency response 31Hz - 22kHz
   + 2cm dome tweeter
   + 8cm midrange driver
   + passive bass cone (18cm) with bass driver (14cm), rear radiating

- surround/center speaker

   + Full range speaker
   + Frequency response 110Hz - 22kHz

A point of criticism could be the fact that the individual components only have a central power supply and are connected with ribbon cables - so they can not be used individually. Furthermore, the terminals for the speaker cables on the amplifier are very small, although with 2 x 75W at 4 ohms there is a lot of power available - large cables can only be connected with a little trickery. Otherwise, the technical design is quite acceptable, especially the speaker cabinets make a solid impression. However, the display of the preamplifier lights up more and more dimly with time, so it is recommended to disconnect the system from the mains when not in use.

This system is probably the last classic mini system from Technics, which was explicitly aimed at an adult clientele who were looking for a high-quality system for music enjoyment and home cinema use. The successor models, on the other hand, appeal specifically to a youthful audience through styling and features - high-quality features such as THDP, VBO, Dolby C NR, etc. are no longer found there.