National AX-F333 (1985) | Chattanooga Choo Choo

 

The National(Panasonic) AX-F333 from 1985 is a triple cassette system that delivers a new dimension of sound playback. When released it had a price comparable to a double cassette deck. A colour matched add on component was the SL-N5 turntable with built-in phono stage. Features include: TV (channels 1-12) / FM / AM stereo | TV audio compatible | Mixing and Editing | Syncro Start function recording | 3 power modes | Receiving frequencies: TV 4-12ch 175-222MHz, FM/TVI-3ch 76-108MHz

MHz, AM 525~1,605kHz | Stereo speaker: 9cm round | Cassette Frequency range: Normal 40~12,000kHz (EIAJ) | Practical Maximum output: More here.

National RX-5500 DiscoMAC (1979)

 

The National (Panasonic) RX-5500 is one of the most iconic portable stereo cassette recorders of the late 70s - early 1980s, combining true component-level performance with the convenience of a portable - "stereo with a handle." Marketed as National DiscoMAC in Japan while the export models were part of Panasonic's prestigious Platinum Series and promoted by the legendary band Earth, Wind & Fire. The RX-5500 was designed to deliver "Platinum Power" with exceptional sound quality, advanced recording capabilities, and premium construction. Despite its premium price...

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National NV-DS1 (1988) | Digital & Hi-Fi

 

The National (Panasonic) NV-DS1 introduced in 1988 features Multi-Digital play that allows "a flexible and creative visual expression" of your video material. The enjoyment of AV deepens even further when you recreate various video scenes exactly as you want. 8-bit digital processing allows for 9-screen playback, strobe effects, graphic art, mosaics, and digital combinations of these. You can enjoy a variety of special effects, including mixing. The LCD multi-digital controller allows for centralized operation. Based on the high image quality of the S-VHS system, it delivers finely detailed digital images. The "8WD system" which creates the image, reproduces multi-digital play and Fine Slow motion more beautifully. Hi-Fi sound. The richness of the sound is further enhanced. Digital sub-bass sound offers a large scale sense of presence. Even double bass is reproduced with powerful bass. The basic sound is Hi-Fi with a dynamic range of 90dB or more. Audio-grade aluminum electrolytic capacitors improve the sound's attack and the clarity of the mid and high frequencies. Sub-bass reproduction has two selectable positions (music) depending on the source. Other features include: Title creation - digital. Barcode title input. Built-in title editing function. Create original titles with the same easy operation as barcode.

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National (Panasonic) RX-CD70 (1985)

 

With a built-in CD player, the functionality and sound quality of the "CD" boombox will surpass the ordinary boombox - at least this was promised by the original literature. The RX-CD70 from Panasonic (National in Japan) features a CD player with built-in TV (channels 1-12)/FM/AM stereo radio and twin cassette player/recorder section. List os features include": CD player with FF1 laser pickup... Read More Here

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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National NV-FS1000 (1988)

 

Brand: National

Model: NV-FS1000

Year: 1988

The NV-FS1000 is a S-VHS format VCR with a horizontal resolution of over 400 lines, Hi-Fi Stereo sound, jog/shuttle control and advanced editing functions. The Jog/shuttle search allows you to quickly find editing points and it can be controlled in both forward and reverse directions, from standstill to high-speed search. The Flying erase head allows for beautiful transitional editing. This suppresses noise and image disturbances in picture insert. Automatic editing function allows you to send only the necessary scenes to another video. The insert dubbing function allows you to insert other images and sounds into a recorded tape. The 5P socket allows connecting an external editing controller like the WM-EC200 or EC300. (National was a Matsushita Electric -today Panasonic - trade name)

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National TV advert feat. Jennifer Connelly (1986)

National RX-FW67 Japan TV advert feat. Jennifer Connelly (1986)

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National Panasonic SG-6070 (1978) - It Does Sound Rather Expensive

Panasonic's SG-6070 "3 in 1" stereo was a top people's music center if ever there was one. It's got a Direct Drive turntable with LED stroboscope. A superb two motor logic controlled cassette deck which, of course, has a Dolby noise reduction system. The radio is a supremely sensitive 4 band stereo receiver with no less than six FM pre-set station controls. Like all the main controls on thhe SG 6070 these are sensor touch operated. It also has a digital timer which allows you to set the radio or cassette to come on at a pre-set time. Or to pre-set the cassette deck to record from the radio. Since it's well known that top people love power, the amplifier delivers a whopping 45 Watts RMS per channel. The SB-67 3-way loudspeaker system was available separately. Dimensions: 740x430x190 mm | Weight: 23 kg. 

19 Stereo Consoles - Made in Japan

In the early days of Home Stereo it was a custom that all the components were housed in a single unit having the shape and design of a piece of furniture. This trend started where High Fidelity was born, namely in America. Japanese manufacturers were quickly adapting to this trend and created a series of Console Stereo during the 60's. Here are some fine examples from well known manufacturers featuring both Stereo and Quadraphonic (early Surround) systems.

COLUMBIA DSC835 (1964)

NATIONAL (1964)

ONKYO MC-2200 (1968)

PIONEER PSC-1 (1960)

PIONEER PSC-5A (1961)

SANSUI APS-530 (1965)

Technics SC-1600 (1969)

TOSHIBA MEISTERSINGER NO20 (1964)

VICTOR STL-3 (1959)

VICTOR STL-661 (1963)

VICTOR STL-690M (1967)

VICTOR STL-740MG (1966)

QUADRAPHONIC Consoles

SANSUI Q-2000 (1971)

VICTOR DF-11DX (1974)

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