10 February 2019

JVC DD-99 (1982) - Another Step Closer to Reality

cassette deck

When introduced in 1982 the JVC (Victor in Japan) DD-99 promised open reel sound quality with cassette convenience. To achieve this the DD-99 combines such high-technology JVC innovations as a Quartz-Lock, direct-drive Pulse Servo Motor with two new twists: a Double Servo and Multiplied Bridge Drive. Add them to a three-head design using an X-cut SA combination Rec/Play head and the B.E.S.T. tuning system, and you get peerless performance. The Quartz-Lock, direct-drive Pulse Servo Motor improves speed accuracy. Using a low-rpm direct-drive motor, the highly accurate tape transport of the DD-99 is simplicity itself. The coreless design completely eliminates jerky motion called "cogging" while speed accuracy is provided by means of a quartz-referred Double-Servo circuit, together with new "Multiplied Bridge Drive". 

The B.E.S.T. tuning system automatically compensates for any differences in Bias, Equalization and Sensitivity for flat response (from 40 to 12,500Hz +/-1dB) from any tape. It's done by means of a built-in computer and takes only about 30 seconds. Three heads - JVC's exclusive X-cut SA combination Rec/Play head (two heads in one housing), and two-gap SA Erase head - provide two very important benefits. One, it allows you to monitor your recordings as they're being made, and two, it means every head is provided with an optimum gap width - no compromises. The clearly discernible X-shaped core of the playback head eliminates the so-called contour effect, assuring smoother overall response. 

The two motor full-logic control tape transport features a tension stabilizing loop. The supply reel is connected to the takeup reel by means of a belt which supplies the proper hold-back tension throughout play or recording. It's an electrical system, no mechanical friction is emplyed to create tension. Therefore, tension is always uniform, and stability will not deteriorate with the passage od time.


cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck

cassette deck