KENWOOD KR-7050 (1979) | Hi-Speed High Fidelity

 

The KR-7050 from 1979 was in no way inferior to its larger siblings in terms of sound quality and offered more than sufficient 2 x 80 watts RMS power at 8 ohms between 20 and 20,000 Hz with simultaneous drive of both channels. The Kenwood-developed, direct-coupled DC high-speed amplifier section of this receiver does without phase-shifting coupling capacitors, which significantly improves sound quality. It offers interference-free record playback thanks to the innovative equalizer with a signal-to-noise ratio of 84 dB. Switchable IF bandwidth, i.e., either optimal selectivity for receiving weak stations in the crowded FM band or maximum transmission range with minimal distortion for receiving strong local or regional stations. Versatile sound nuance options thanks to the tone control network with bass, midrange, and treble controls, as well as additional 5-position crossover switches for the low and high frequencies. Microphone input jack. Specifications: 80W + 80w 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20.000Hz with no more than 0,02% total harmonic distortion | Damping factor 100 | Dimensions (W/H/D) 546x172x411mm | Weight 17,2kg | Original sale price in Germany 1600 DM.

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Technics Cassette Deck RS-G700 | Not AI

 

Today's most important news, This is Not a Drill... and Not AI. The specifications so far are: Amorphous 3-head system / Digital servo quartz direct drive / Dual capstan-closed loop system / Horizontal power loading / Virtual battery operation system / Hi-res phase compensation circuitry / Play direct function / Dual range peak hold OLED meters / Digital noise reduction system / DTC - Digital tape calibration system / 24bit Hires digital analog converter / Digital optical output.

(Image source: Technics)

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National NV-850 (1983) | First National Hi-Fi VHS

 

The National NV-850 marked a significant transition from VCRs being utility video players to high-end audio-visual components. The National NV-850 (often identified as the NV-850A or NV-850-B) was released in 1983 as National/Panasonic’s first major foray into the VHS Hi-Fi market. It was designed to compete with the high-fidelity sound of Betamax and was marketed as a "professional-grade" machine for home consumers, often used in university video labs and production environments. The core feature of the NV-850 was its FM-modulated depth-multiplexed audio. It achieved sound quality near FM stereo or CD levels, with a dynamic range of approximately 80dB. The front panel featured prominent multi-color LED audio level meters, which were essential for manual recording level adjustment. Users could switch between Left channel only, Right channel only, or standard linear mono tracks. The NV-850 is remembered for its "classic" early-80s styling before the industry moved toward cheaper, plastic designs. Metal Construction: Unlike later models, the NV-850 featured a heavy metal chassis and a flip-down door that concealed secondary controls for the timer and Hi-Fi settings. Reflecting its professional leanings, many versions came with BNC video jacks rather than the standard RCA, requiring adapters for home use. It used a complex belt-driven system (specifically the VBK46 belt kit) and a tracking dial that was highly regarded for its precision compared to later auto-tracking systems. Longevity & Maintenance Issues: Power Supply Heat - A known issue with the NV-850 was insufficient ventilation, which could lead to early failure of the power supply capacitors. Backup Power - The machine utilized three "Gold Cap" capacitors to maintain clock and timer settings during power outages; these are often found oxidized or leaking in vintage units today. The idler wheel and pinch rollers are the most frequent points of failure today, often requiring replacement to restore fast-forward or rewind functions.

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SANYO PH-WCD800 (1988)

 

The Sanyo PH-WCD800 portable CD component system delivers an immersive "sound and light" experience. This is a 3-piece portable CD component system from 1988 with a flexible layout. Great sound isn't something you hear with your ears, but something you hear with your body. Yes, something you feel with your whole being. For that, resonant bass, a spectrum analyzer that dances in time with the sound, and surround sound that expands the audio are essential. And that's where the PH-WCD800 comes in. A layout-free 3-piece type that lets you create the stylish soundscape of a city in your own room. A great feature is the spectrum analyzer, and the LCD centralized display. The first thing that catches your eye...Read More Here

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Aurex V50 (1984) | Midi Hi-Fi CD-AV

 

The Aurex V50 Midi Hi-Fi from 1984 was an advanced new system that lets you enjoy the next era of CD sound with comfortable operation. Experience an overwhelming sense of realism through the interplay of sound and visuals. The Aurex V50's AV compatibility expands your horizons and combines superior sound quality, functionality, and ease of use with expandability. Main features include: ● Direct operation system that allows recording and playback of each source with a single touch. ●Double reverse mechanism for full enjoyment of long continuous recording and playback. ●One-touch double Fast copying makes tape editing easy and quick. ● New MQJS with a variety of automatic track selection functions. Equipped with B-C. ● 70W + 70W high power amplifier ●6 FM/AM stations each, 12 stations total can be preset. ●One-touch recording to tape with the duplicate button. ●Simple operation full audio ●Excellent magnetic shielding design of the loudspeakers prevents color shift and unevenness even when placed next to a TV. Full list of components for the V50 system: Integrated Amplifier SB-V51 | FM/AM tuner ST-V51 | Turntable SR-V51R | Speaker system SS-V51W | Cassette deck PC-V51 WR | CD player XR-Z61 | Graphic Equalizer EQ-V51 | AV System Selector SD-V3AV | Alarm clock AT-V5 | Remote switcher AT-V5S | TV 21K692 | Hi-Fi Video V-L70S | Video Disc Player VDP-880D | TV stand STR-40G | Audio rack AR-V45 | Speaker stand AA-V10.

The advertising campaign of Aurex by Toshiba featured Japanese actress and singer Tomoyo Harada, who was the model for the brand at that time. The model, Tomoyo Harada, is a well-known figure from the 1980s Japanese "idol" era, famous for her lead role in the 1983 film The Little Girl Who Conquered Time. Using such high-profile talent helped position Aurex (Toshiba's high-end audio brand) as a desirable lifestyle choice for young consumers in Japan.

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AKAI GX-F90 (1979) | 3-Head Super GX

 

Introduced the the German market in November 1979, the Akai GX-F90 cassette deck stands as a landmark in high-end analog audio engineering, showcasing Akai’s long-standing expertise in tape technology—from open-reel machines to advanced cassette systems. Designed as a flagship 3-head deck, the GX-F90 featured the brand’s proprietary Super GX (Glass & X’tal Ferrite) heads, a breakthrough that used precision-grown single-crystal ferrite encased in ultra-hard glass to deliver exceptional durability, ultra-low noise, and extended high-frequency response. Unlike competing designs moving toward Sendust alloy heads, Akai refined ferrite to achieve superior magnetic performance, with a 4-micron recording head gap and an ultra-precise 1-micron playback head gap for optimal fidelity. The deck’s robust two-motor transport system combined a direct-drive, brushless FG servo capstan motor with Hall-effect control for outstanding speed stability, minimizing wow and flutter while ensuring accurate tape handling. Advanced IC logic enabled feather-touch controls and smooth function switching, complemented by a visually intuitive illuminated interface and a 24-segment digital peak/VU level meter. Additional features such as the IPLS (Instant Program Locating System) for automatic track cueing, repeat and memory playback functions, and a one-touch recording cancel mechanism enhanced usability. The GX-F90 supported all major tape types (LN, LH, CrO₂, and Metal), incorporated Dolby B noise reduction, and offered precise recording calibration via an internal 400 Hz oscillator. Akai’s proprietary ADR (Automatic Distortion Reduction) further optimized recording by dynamically adjusting equalization to reduce high-frequency distortion. With its combination of precision engineering, innovative head technology, and sophisticated control systems, the GX-F90 delivered a characteristically clean, detailed sound while setting the stage for its successor, the GX-F95, cementing its reputation as one of the most advanced cassette decks of its era. Specifications: Wow and Flutter: 0,03% WRMS | Frequency Response 25-21.000Hz Metal | Dimensions (W/H/D) 440x105x370 mm | Weight 9,8kg | Color: silver and black | Original sale price in Germany 1498 DM.

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SONY CFD-900 (1990) | DoDeCa HORN CD

 

The Dodecahorn XL system from Sony achieves advanced sound quality performance comparable to home audio. Furthermore, it incorporates Sony's pioneering digital technology, born from its experience in CD development. A remarkably intelligent sound machine has arrived in 1990. The sheer power of the Dodeca Horn resonator produces a robust, deep bass sound. The new resonator (resonant tube) further refines the deep bass of the Dodeca Horn. Thus frequency peaks that disrupt the sound balance are ... Discover More on BOOMBOXCITY here.

AKAI GX COMPO 930 (1988) | DOISYS Interface

The AKAI GX COMPO 930. A luxurious system meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, designed to create an ideal sonic paradise. The GX COMPO's top-of-the-line MU-930 is a luxurious collection of components, each boasting a high level of perfection. The speakers, in particular, feature an unparalleled design of resonance-free and high rigidity. The side wood used in all components not only adds elegance and sophistication befitting a high-end system, but also serves as part of the highly rigid construction aimed at even more effective vibration dispersion. But perhaps the most luxurious feature is the inclusion of a digital and optical interface system. Beyond the crystal-clear digital sound reproduced by a transmission method that eliminates any sound degradation, one can almost hear the exhilaration of the performers' spirits. The ideal transmission method for preserving the purity of digital signals: Digital & Optical Interface System. Conventional analog transmission methods inevitably suffer from sound quality degradation due to distortion caused by cable materials and connected devices, and deterioration of phase characteristics due to capacitors. Therefore, digital transmission, which converts signals into a simple combination of 1s and 0s, emerged. However, as long as coaxial cables are used, the problems of unwanted radiation and external noise induction remain unresolved. Furthermore, in simultaneous analog/digital connection methods, complete electrical isolation is not achieved due to coexistence with analog circuits, and signal influence via ground lines, etc., remains a problem. The digital & optical interface system (DOISYS) adopted by GX COMPO is an ideal signal transmission method that takes digital transmission a step further. Because it converts digital signals into light and transmits them via fiber optic cables, sufficient electrical isolation between connected devices is achieved, and theoretically, sound quality degradation due to cable materials is impossible, allowing high-purity digital sources to be extracted with their original quality. This connection is used to connect the CD player and DAT recorder to the system amplifier. The shown components of the GX COMPO 930 System are: AT-M730L Quartz Synthesizer FM-Stereo tuner, CD-M930 CD player, AM-M930 Digital Stereo Integrated amplifier, AD-M930 Digital Audio Tape deck and GX-M950W Stereo Double Cassette Deck featuring GX heads and CRLP (Computer Recording Level Processing System).

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ULTRX R100 (1984) | Beyond the Ordinary

 

At the time of its introduction, the ULTRX™ R100 was easy to dismiss. On paper alone, 100 watts per channel of very low-distortion power placed it well beyond what most domestic systems required. In practice, however, such reserves made sense when paired with the increasingly dynamic, high-quality recordings of the era—especially for listeners intent on approaching live sound levels at home. The feature set followed the same philosophy. A digitally controlled FM tuner with 20-station memory would have seemed generous to the average user, yet entirely justified for serious radio listeners. More telling is the inclusion of both dbx and DNR noise reduction systems (for external sources). These were not everyday conveniences, but responses to a changing landscape: the growing expectation of low-noise playback introduced by digital sources. With dbx, cassette recording could approach a level of silence previously unattainable in the format, while DNR offered a way to improve less-than-ideal program material. Additional provisions—TV/VCR inputs and a stereo synthesizer—hint at a broader ambition. The R100 was clearly conceived not just as a music receiver, but as a central control unit for increasingly complex home audio-video setups. In that sense, the R100 was less about necessity and more about possibility. Whether “overkill” or not depended largely on the user. For the casual listener, much of its capability would remain unexplored. For the enthusiast, however, it represented a level of completeness rarely encountered in a single chassis at the time. So, who actually made this ULTRX receiver you might wonder. Well this was nothing more than an attempt of Sanyo to re-enter the US market with a more special product.

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JVC TD-V662 (1995) | 3-Head Direct-Drive

 

The TD-V662 is a Three-Head Direct-Drive Cassette Deck from JVC introduced in 1995. It's 3-Head Layout offers Off-Tape Monitoring while the transport mechanism is a Closed-Loop Dual-Capstan Drive. This is built around a Pulse Servo Direct-Drive Motor with Fully Logic Operation and "Silent Mechanism". Reduced Acoustic Modulation Noise is achieved by the Centrally Mounted Drive. It also features separate Analog and Digital Circuitry with "CD DIRECT" Input and DDRP (Dynamics Detection Recording Processor). Other features include: PCOCC Coil Wires in the Tape Heads, Motorized Cassette Compartment Cover, High Bias Frequency (210 kHz), Recording Calibration (Bias and Level), Dolby HX-Pro and Dolby B/C Noise Reduction with Switchable MPX Filter, Fluorescent Display with Digital Peak Level Meter, Four-Digit Linear Counter, Headphone Output with Volume Control and Enhanced COMPU LINK Control System. Specifications: Heads - METAPERM record head, METAPERM playback head, Ferrite erase head | Motors - Pulse servo direct drive capstan motor, DC motor for reel, DC motor for mechanism | Wow & Flutter 0,035% (WRMS) | Frequency response (-20db) 10-21.000Hz Metal, 10-19.000Hz Type II, 10-19.000Hz Type I | Dimensions (W/H/D) 435x133x332mm | Weight 5,2kg

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SANYO SVH-B1 (1988) | Digital - Hi-Fi - Satellite

The ultimate device for watching and recording popular satellite broadcasts. The SVH-B1 from Sanyo was a Video Recorder with built-in BS (Broadcast Satellite - SHF) tuner for receiving and recording satellite broadcasts. You could enjoy 24/7 nonstop programming from around the world, including music, sports, and international news, with this groundbreaking satellite broadcasting service. Its appeal lies in its crystal-clear, ghost-free images and CD-quality PCM digital sound. This Hi-Fi video system, with its built-in BS tuner, allows you to watch and record this entirely new broadcasting experience. You can even record satellite broadcasts airing late at night or early in the morning using the timer function, creating a video library of global programming. The BS tuner's tuning section employs a PLL frequency synthesizer system, along with Sanyo's unique direct-count digital AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) system for automatic fine-tuning. By inputting the intermediate frequency as a digital signal to a microcontroller and directly measuring the frequency for automatic control, highly accurate tuning is achieved. Special video playback, equipped with digital memory. This device converts video, external input images, and a single frame of a live satellite or television broadcast into a digital signal and stores it in memory. By displaying this on a television screen, it achieves a clear, special playback unique to digital technology. The digital strobe, which allows you to enjoy a strobe effect comparable to a promotional video with frame-drop playback, has a variable speed of 1 to 10 flashes per second. The memory still function, which freezes only the image while keeping the audio intact, is convenient for taking notes on applications for live programs or addresses for quizzes. Furthermore, it is equipped with basic functions such as variable-speed slow motion (1/5 to 1/30 times the normal speed) for smooth slow motion, clear stills, 2x speed playback (3x mode with audio), and frame-by-frame playback. High-precision cueing mechanism, equipped with VISS & VASS. VISS & VASS is a cueing signal system that uses control tracks based on the VHS unified standard. This allows for highly accurate cueing, enabling you to quickly find the scene you want to watch. In addition to address search, which allows you to directly recall by specifying the cueing signal number (address code), there is also index scan, which plays the intro portion of each cueing signal sequentially for 5 seconds. There is also a renumbering function that correctly rewrites all VISS & VASS cueing numbers in the order they appear on the tape. There is also a call function that displays the current tape number using the cueing signal number. Cueing signals can be easily entered at any point during playback and can also be erased. A wide variety of satellite dishes were available based on your location in Japan.

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SANYO MR-JJ (1982) | Body Stereo

 

The MR-JJ, advertised as the "Body Stereo" was introduced by Sanyo in 1982. This is a stereo cassette-radio unit with a unique design and features. The radio section offers stereo sound for FM/AM radio stations but also an receive TV audio (channels 1-3). The cassette section is Metal tape compatible and it features soft play mechanism, anti-rolling mechanism, pitch control and Twin headphone jacks. It has a shape with a natural curve that conform to the body for a just-right fit. Specifications: Frequency range 40-12.000Hz Normal tape, 40-15.000Hz Metal tape | Output 40mW | Power Supply: AC with Optional AC adapter (D3-A1) | DC with Batteries (AA x 2) | Optional battery case (JP-3, D x 2) | Optional car adapter (CB A-2MC) | Battery Life: Approx. 12 hours (using alkaline batteries) | Maximum External Dimensions: Width 108 x Height 114 x Depth 37 mm Weight: Approx. 350g | Available as MR-JJ(R) Red, (W) Silk White, (GR) Gray

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SANSUI aelf7 (1994) | Compact Pure Compo

 

D-alpha7 - Cassette deck featuring a tray-type horizontal loading mechanism that suppresses minute vibrations of the cassette half during tape transport, improving tape transport stability and reducing modulation noise. It is equipped with an auto-bias function, which allows you to automatically set the optimal recording bias value, which differs slightly for each tape, with a single touch. It is equipped with CARS PRO (Computer Assisted Recording System PRO). With this function, the optimal recording level and recording bias value are automatically set with a single touch, and the leader tape is automatically advanced, recording is done in the original track order up to the end of side A, and the last track fades out. On side B, recording starts from the beginning of the track and fades out at the end. If the last track on the tape is less than 32 seconds, it is automatically erased. An aluminum die-cast flywheel is used to achieve high rigidity of the rotating part and tape transport stability. A center mechanism layout is adopted considering the optimal weight balance. Dolby B/C NR noise reduction system and Dolby HX-PRO to improve high-frequency recording characteristics . The display unit has a large 16-segment peak level meter. Wow and Flutter 0,06%, Frequency response 30-18.000Hz Metal.

T-alpha7 - FM/AM stereo tuner.It allows for 15 preset stations for both FM and AM. Furthermore, it features AI Area Fine Memory, which automatically presets receivable frequencies and station names simply by selecting a region. Manual input allows station naming up to 5 digits. It supports AM stereo broadcasting. It includes a 3-program advanced timer for weekly operation (ONCE, EVERY1, EVERY2). A clock display with reduced brightness shows the time when the power is off.

CD-alpa7 - CD player with 1-bit ΔΣ (delta-sigma) D/A converter. The ΔΣ method combines oversampling and noise shaping technologies with high-speed CMOS-LSI technology. While conventional DACs required extremely high element precision and stability, this DAC has the excellent advantage of eliminating distortion dependent on element precision, as long as a stable reference frequency is available. This achieves low-distortion, linear characteristics from large amplitude signals of 0dB to minute signals of -100dB. To reduce vibration and resonance during motor drive, a newly developed transparent resin material, used in the insulators of the AU-α series, is employed as a vibration countermeasure. Furthermore, materials with excellent vibration absorption capabilities are used at the contact points (mechanism base) between each mechanism and the chassis to block vibration transmission paths. It features an optical digital output terminal. It supports CARS PRO recording (high-quality synchronized recording function) when combined with the D-α7 cassette deck.

A-alpha7 - Integrated amplifier of the ALFA series that compactly condenses the technology of the AU-α series. In the A-α7, the combination of the diamond differential circuit and the Wilson current mirror circuit is collectively called the Advanced Diamond Differential Circuit. By incorporating the diamond differential circuit into the power amplifier, the power transistors (LAPT) in the final stage are driven with ample headroom, the signal rise characteristics are improved, and it can handle rapidly changing digital sources. In addition, the Wilson current mirror circuit is used in the first stage of the power amplifier to suppress circuit noise generated in the first stage and improve the overall quality of the amplifier. A twin-monaural power unit configuration is adopted to improve L/R separation, reduce crosstalk, and eliminate mutual interference between L/R. Power output 2x50W 8ohm.

S-alpha7 - Loudspeaker system. The low-frequency range is handled by a 16.5cm cone-type woofer.

The diaphragm is made of non-pressed coniferous pulp material. The high frequencies are handled by a 2.5cm soft dome tweeter. The diaphragm is a 100% silk soft dome. An aluminum die-cast frame is used for the tweeter mounting. The enclosure is a bass reflex structure with a port on the rear. 

The baffle plate is made of high-density MDF and combined with 30mm thick side panels.

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