"Vega 50U-122S" (amplifier): characteristics and reviews

Every music lover knows that the built-in acoustics ormultimedia computer speakers are not capable of delivering quality sound from any source. Therefore, you need a passive speaker system with an amplifier. The latter, incidentally, affects the sound quality in the most determined manner. It depends on him how much wat and kilogertz will be able to give out your columns.

Modern Hi-End class amplifiers are unrealisticexpensive. Not everyone can buy them. However, there are domestic models (even from the last century) that provide acceptable sound quality and cost a penny. Soviet amps have always been quoted among music lovers. And "Vega 50U-122S" (amplifier) ​​is no exception. Many scold this amplifier for what light stands, others with insane persistence prove the opposite. Who is right? To do this, you need to consider the technical characteristics of the device, examine the feedback of the owners and form their point of view. Only after this it is possible to draw any conclusions.

A little about the company

Soviet producer of radio electronics "Vega"was located in Berdsk, Russian Federation. In principle, the plant is still there, but things go wrong with it. But that's not the point. Earlier the company was called "Berdsky radio factory". She was engaged in the production of household radio electronics: amplifiers, cassette decks, turntable recorders, acoustic systems. A little later the plant mastered the release of CD players. Until the 90s of the last century the production of the Vega software was almost in every house. Her amplifiers enjoyed a frenzied success. No exception, and our hero - "Vega 50U-122S" (amplifier). However, after 1997, the plant's solid position was shaken. And at the beginning of the two thousandth company was declared bankrupt and disaggregated.

Today the software "Vega" is engaged in the repair of householdradio electronics and the release of devices for special orders. From its greatness there is no trace. Now legendary amplifiers and speakers can only be found in the secondary market. But their condition will, of course, not be new. Nevertheless, the memory of high-quality acoustic systems was surprisingly tenacious. Many music fans are still looking for "legendary" Vega 50U-122S ("amplifier") on the "flea markets". Why is this device so tempting audiophiles? Let's try to figure it out.

Appearance and design

Let us begin with the appearance of this amplifier, for to pass totechnical specifications are still too early. Usually Soviet devices were heavy and cumbersome. About design and it is better to keep silent. But the sound amplifier "Vega 50U-122S" is not at all like that. He has an unrealistically thin body (for Soviet equipment). Most of all it resembles a Chinese DVD player. This design made it very desirable for many music lovers. However, despite the thin body and not too large dimensions, the amplifier weighs a lot. Its weight is more than five kilograms. For a stationary device this is quite normal. However, taking it somewhere with yourself will be problematic.

The second design feature are the buttonsswitching of the playback device. They are quasisensory. This means that the usual click (as in other Soviet amplifiers) will not. They are pressed gently and easily. An unprecedented achievement for the domestic technology of the 80-90s. "Vega 50U-122S" (amplifier), technical characteristics of which we will analyze later, can be considered the most stylish device in the post-Soviet space. Although the quality of sound, it can be inferior to other more famous brands. But we will talk about this further.

Sound quality

Here is a "double-edged sword". Judging by how they respond about this amplifier, the quality of the sound can not satisfy the exacting audiophiles. However, for an average person the quality of "Vega" is enough with a vengeance. It has the ability to reproduce sound ranging from 20 Hz to 25 kilohertz. This range is quite enough to capture the fullness of the picture of the musical composition. Amplifier "Vega 50U-122S", reviews of which do not differ in a flat picture, it is suitable for home use, because the sound quality is fully consistent with average needs.

An important role in sound quality is played byAcustic systems. If you use speakers with a resistance that is very different from the nominal one, then there is no need to wait for the sound quality. Under the amplifier "Vega 50U-122S", the instruction to which is not required at all, you need to select the speakers, based on the technical characteristics of the amplifier itself. This is the only way to achieve high-quality sound. Do not forget about the connecting wires. Thin and substandard wires can spoil the sound. And this is a scientifically proven fact.

Specifications

So we got to the most interesting. I just want to note that the device's power, declared by the manufacturer, is real. In the Soviet Union, they responded to this responsibly and did not mold the boxes with numbers "from the ceiling." Specifically, the power on which the amplifier is able to work for a long time without any harm to itself and other components of the audio system is indicated. So, the output power is 50 watts with a resistance of 8 ohms and 80 watts with a resistance of 4 ohms. These are "honest" watts, so the neighbors will be delighted with your sound. That is the amplifier "Vega 50U-122S". Its characteristics are not limited only to power.

For example, its sensitivity is 79decibel This is a good result. I would also like to note the presence of loudness for turntables, support for four sources of playback and cost effectiveness in terms of energy consumption. There is also another feature - a lot of sound settings that make the “Vega 50U-122C” amplifier sound completely different. How to connect it? This is also not problematic, because all connectors are signed in Russian. It is simply impossible to make a mistake.

Additional options

What else can boast the amplifier "Vega50U-122С "? Its characteristics are far from the main point. The most interesting is the additional features of this model. These include excellent protection against voltage surges and overloads. If the voltage reaches a critical point, the amplifier automatically turns off. So it is completely protected against burnout. Also There is an option to automatically turn off if there is no sound signal from the source for a long time. This helps to save energy. Thus, this amplifier can be called unique, especially compared to other products from the Soviet Union. tskogo Union.

What else is characterized by "Vega 50U-122S"? The amplifier is equipped with a four-band equalizer. It helps to make the sound better. It is possible to make the device work in mono mode. But this is not important. Much more interesting is the ability to connect additional acoustics. In addition to the main pair of contacts for attaching columns, there is one more. With this type of connection it is quite possible to get surround stereo sound using four different speakers. Not all amplifiers of this class have such a useful option. This alone makes Vega a very interesting device.

Revision

"Vega 50U-122S" - the amplifier is not very high quality. Especially those models that were produced after the collapse of the Union. The soldering was of disgusting quality. The wires fell off by themselves. Just like other components. Therefore, after the purchase had to solder everything manually. But the full potential of "Vega" is revealed only after proper completion. What is the essence of the refinement? In the "Vega" standard capacitors of the UM type are installed for such devices. These are not very high-quality components, so there is no need to wait for high-quality sound. It is better to replace them with something comparable from TDA or STK. It seems to be a trifle, but the sound will improve. To do this, it is necessary to remove the old capacitors from the printed circuit board and put new ones in their place, which will not be difficult to buy at any radio store.

But that's not all. It would be desirable to replace the VT49 transistors with more adequate components (VT43 is perfect). You can also fix the manufacturer’s flaws (poor soldering, wires). All this can be replaced, which means that the amplifier will sound much better. That such a "universal" was "Vega 50U-122S." Refinement will help the amplifier to work for a long time and efficiently. That is exactly the way he was supposed to initially. But move on to the next section of the material.

Amplifier repair

Amplifier "Vega 50U-122S" - quite reliableapparatus. But he also has the ability to fail. But the repair of the amplifier "Vega 50U-122C" does not present any problem for those who are at least a little versed in radio engineering. What most often fails in this device? Usually these are diodes in bridges KD202D and KD202K. Because of the voltage drop, they burn and the amplifier simply refuses to turn on. Replacing them is not difficult. They are in any radio store. You must first "ring out" the diodes with a tester in order to make sure that the problem lies in them, then evaporate the damaged components and solder the others in their place.

However, this is the simplest fault. But what to do if the amplifier turns on, but there is no sound? There may be several problems here. However, the most common - the failure of a capacitor. To confirm this hypothesis, you should ring all capacitors with a tester, identify the faulty one and replace it. But remember: never do anything with amplifier boards without a circuit. Unknowingly you can do such a thing, that the equipment will be a direct road to the garbage. By the way, the scheme of this device is posted in the article.

Positive owners feedback

So, what do people say about a product likeamplifier "Vega 50U-122S"? Reviews of some - just ode to the praise of the amplifier. It seems that these people agree to idolize all Soviet equipment. Whatever quality it is. Nevertheless, the owners note the high sound quality for an amplifier of this level (of course, in tandem with a good speaker system). Many rejoice in the thin body (which is, indeed, unusual for Soviet equipment). But the majority rejoice at the price (in the secondary market) and ease in terms of rework and repair. These are the features against which it is impossible to come up with any counterarguments.

Negative owners feedback

Here the picture is just the opposite. Dissatisfied users note the disgusting quality of soldering in 1992 models (and this is true). The sound quality does not suit many (apparently, they are audiophiles). Almost all annoying auto-off amplifier when there is no sound signal. And some annoying built-in overload protection, which does not unscrew the volume knob to the maximum. The case is also considered flimsy: it is necessary to drop the amplifier a little and then dents appear. People are also annoyed by the equalizer, which they consider an unnecessary addition.

Where can I buy it?

Currently buy such an amplifier inretail is almost impossible. The only way out is to look for something similar in the secondary market. Incidentally, there may be already modified models. And this is good. No need to spend time on upgrades. To buy such a device in another way is almost impossible.

Conclusion

So, we have considered "Vega 50U-122C". The amplifier belongs to the entry-level devices, has excellent sound, slim body and some very interesting options. It is perfect for home use and will last a long time after some refinement. But from the budget devices (especially domestic ones) we should not expect more.