PYE originally released the HFS30 as a hybrid integrated amplifier (solid state power amplifier and valve preamplifier) in 1961 and presented it at the April London International Audio Festival. It was the first commercial hybrid hi-fi amplifier produced by a British manufacturer (possibly any manufacturer) but never entered full scale production, making this version extremely rare.

In 1963 its fully solid-state successor, the HFS30T was produced. This was PYE's first fully transistorised amplifier and one of the very first of its kind in the United Kingdom. Its power output was 15 watts per channel (music power) into 15 ohms and 18 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

Controls included volume; bass (± 10 dB at 100 c/s); treble (± 10 dB to -15 dB at 10,000 c/s); balance (range 9 dB each channel); loudness (+ 10 dB at 100 c/s), scratch filter (roll-off from 5,000 c/s at 6 dB/octave); rumble filter (roll-off from 50 c/s, reaching 12 dB/octave below 20 c/s); and stereo/mono switch.

Priced at £66. 3s for chassis model HFS30T, £71. 8s for HFS30TC (wooden veneer case). Today's value would be around £25 - £60. The rare HFS30 hybrid model would be worth considerably more.

See the 1965 vintage test report for further details and description.

Click on a thumbnail
for enlargement