In the days of transistors, popular combo sound kits often contained a range of components to meet the user's audio needs. These components can vary depending on the size of the system and the needs of the user, but a typical combination may include a few main components:
1.Tuner: A tuner is a component used to receive broadcast signals that users can tune to different radio channels. This was one of the main ways of radio listening in the past.
2.Amplifier: An amplifier is a component used to amplify an audio signal, which can include a pre-amplifier and a power amplifier. The preamplifier is used to take the low-level audio signal and amplify it to the appropriate level, while the amplifier post-amp further amplifies the signal to enough power to drive the speakers.
3.Loudspeakers: A loudspeaker is a device that converts an amplified audio signal into sound. Combo sound kits typically include one or more pairs of speakers to provide a stereo effect.
4.Tape Deck: A tape deck is used to record tapes. In the past, tape was one of the primary audio storage and mediums.
5.Turntable: A turntable is a device used for vinyl records. In the past, vinyl was a common audio medium, and a cartridge was a device used to convert the audio signal on a record into an electrical signal.
6.Audio processing equipment: Some combo kits may contain audio processing equipment, such as equalizers and reverberators, to adjust the spectrum and ambient effects of the audio signal.
7.Controller and display: Combo sound kits usually come with a controller for selecting audio sources, adjusting volume, and other settings. Sometimes a display is also included to show the current operating status and settings.
The combination of these components can form a complete sound system that provides users with a diverse audio entertainment experience. With the development of technology and the rise of digital audio and networked audio, modern sound systems have evolved into more digital and networked forms, while traditional combo packages are gradually being replaced by more integrated and versatile audio equipment.
In the past, the popular combination audio package in the transistor era was usually designed with a split structure (i.e., each functional module was designed separately) for the following reasons:
1.Technological limitations: In the era of transistors, the technology and cost of electronic components limited the increase in integration. In order to achieve the independent design and optimization of different functional modules, the split design is a more flexible and practical way.
2.Modular design: The split design allows different functional modules to be assembled and replaced independently, allowing users to choose different components according to their needs, thus achieving a personalized audio system configuration.
3.Independent Adjustment: Each functional module has an independent control panel, and the user can easily adjust the parameters of each module to achieve the best sound quality and effect.
4.Easy Maintenance and Upgrades: The split design makes maintenance and upgrades easier. If a function module fails or needs to be upgraded, the user only needs to replace or upgrade the module instead of replacing the entire sound system.
With the development of digital technology and the reduction of costs, modern sound systems often adopt an integrated design, i.e. the integration of individual functional modules into the same device. The reasons why this design is more common in mid-to-high-end audio packages include:
Increased Integration: Advances in digital technology have made it possible for audio processing and amplification to be done on the same chip, enabling higher levels of integration and performance.
Size and appearance advantages: The integrated design can reduce the number of components and volume, making the entire audio system more simple and beautiful.
Performance Improvements: The integrated design enables higher performance and features, such as better sound quality, more audio processing capabilities, and more.
Convenience and ease of use: The integrated design makes operation and control easier and more convenient, and users can do it all from a single device.
Therefore, although split designs were popular in the past, with the development of technology and changes in market demand, modern audio packages often have an integrated design, and split packages only appear in mid-to-high-end audio packages.