Sound Technology Model 1701a
-Audio Bandwidth Distortion Measurement System

External - Internal Views and Service Manual
Additional information is being added as time allows

Although now discontinued, these units were and are a valuable component of the retail high-end audio community, many audio component designers and diyAudio types. At one time these or equivalent units were required for all McIntosh dealerships. Even though many have upgraded to newer digital test appliances such as Audio Precision or other PC-based signal analysis, the Sound Technology line is still an affordable way to make accurate analysis of audio signals. This unit and other models (1700a, 1700b, 1710a, 1000a) are regularly available on Ebay for very affordable prices for hobbyists and engineers alike. Unfortunately there is little documentation available directly (for free) on the internet regarding manuals and technical considerations.

Sound Technology does still offer repair and calibration services for a flat rate of around $1000 per unit. However some of us think we can potentially bypass that much cost and still have a unit that is in working condition and still fairly accurate for our own purposes. So for the purchase price of $200-450 for a unit on Ebay and the usual amount of DIY labor and ingenuity, the goal is to have better analysis of audio equipment for the pursuit of that lofty goal of realistic reproduction of music or at least what you may regard as music.

Other items to come
- PDF Operation and Service Manual
- Additional pictures
- Any information we can get out of various people that have experience in modifications and alignment

***All picture files located below are 300dpi - so please be patient if you click on one for the "large" version

 
Oscillator - Overall PCB

 
Oscillator Relay detail                                       Oscillator (top) and Buffer (lower left) with Optocoupler
                                                                      to lower right of oscillator

 
Oscillator Board - Connection detail                    Oscillator Board - Connection detail

Oscillator Relays - cold solder joints - click for extreme detail
 

Measurement and Meter Section

 

Oscillator PCB and Schematic