This is the classic Technics SA-818. The SA-818 put out 110 watts per channel rms. It listed for $850.00 when introduced in 1980 and weighs just under 41 pounds. The SA-818 and it’s younger brother the SA-616 only lasted one year as they were totally redesigned the following year.
One of the SA-818’s features was called Synchro-bias which was a change in the circuitry to eliminate distortion from transistors switching on and off. It’s rated maximum Total Harmonic Distortion is .005% or less. Not bad. It also had Quartz Synthesized Tuning and a new Class A amplifier section.
The SA-818 also featured LED meters instead of the older analog needle meters (Vu). Unfortunately non-functional meter LED’s are a common problem with these units as they get older. In good working condition these receivers can sell for $300-$600.
I am the original owner of a SA-616 and am thinking of a sale. Do you know if anyone is interested? It is in very good condition and I would like it to go to someone who has an appreciation for the quality of classic equipment.
Thank you! Matt
Buenas noches ; yo tengo un SA-616 y es una maravilla ; no le pide nada a un Sansui ; si lo vendes me imagino que obtendrás otro ampli ; de verdad te recomiendo es un gran receptor y yo en lo personal NO LO CAMBIARIA ; a no ser que te encuentres con un fino LAFAYETTE CUADRAFONICO de alta gama
Hi just wanted to know if anyone knows the cause of losing one channel.. how do I go about fixing it its the model sa 818..
i just got a technic sa 818, the lights all power up but the red pertection light comes on, do not know what this is. is there a reset switch inside or something, looking for info. thanks Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Try checking out Audiokarma.org. Someone there should be able to help you out. I’m not that familiar with the SA-818. Looks like a nice receiver though.
En réponse a Mat. Si tu as tu peux toujours me rejoindre sur émail roadtrip2010@live.fr et on discutera. :)
Pour votre problème Kevin je ne sais quoi, petit truc qui devrais être vérifier par un bon électricien, vaux mieux pas laisser le mini problème devenir grand.
Admin translation: In response to Mat. You can always reach me at roadtrip2010@live.fr and discuss. Kevin :) For your problem I do not know what little thing that should be checked by a good electrician, better to not let the problem become big.
Where can I find a technics sa-818 to buy ?
I have a used that I will sell for a good offer
Looking for SA 818 Technics receiver
Any info on the BLACK FACE models of this receiver? Was there a choice between the 2 at time of purchase or like the Pioneer Models were they made for the Euro-Military market? Thanks!
It is my understanding from Albie at Cherry Vintage Audio, Greenville, SC that only 100 of these black-faced SA-818 were sold, and all of them came from a US Air Force Base BX in Germany. Another characteristic of these special receivers, other than the dark face, actually a very dark brown, is that the serial number will end with the letters “FEE”. Albie and I just made a receiver trade and I ended up with one of them. Very nice receiver! If you would like additional information, check out his website and shoot him an email about it. Thanks!
I just listed my Technics SA 818 on Canuck Audio Mart if anyone is looking for one.
I have Technics sa 818 for sale keenenleonard6@gmail.com for
I have a brown SA-616 and a brown SA-818. Is this an extraordinary model of the Technics Receivers?