Stereo Tape Decks / CD / Misc
Kenwood KX-1030
stereo cassette deck ('77-'80) $300
In perfect cosmetic condition, this beautiful Kenwood KX-1030 deck has all new belts (installed Sept 2023). The unit is also in excellent working condition as well. Near the top of the line for cassette decks in the late 70's the KX-1030 is certainly a top shelf, well built and reliable deck.
The typically boring metal case has been upgraded with a coat of multicolored textured aged iron.
The Kenwood/Trio KX-1030 features three ferrite heads.
Sound that is actually being recorded on tape can be checked by one-touch operation, ensuring optimum recording at all times.
Fine Bias adjustment controls are provided for setting optimum bias for proper use of every type of tape currently available on the market.
The use of a Dolby noise reduction system greatly reduces hissing noise which is inherent in cassette tapes.
Specs:
Type: 3-head, single compact cassette deck
Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo
Tape Speed: 1.78 inches per second
Heads: 1 x record, 1 x playback, 1 x erase
Motor: electronically controlled DC
Tape Type: type I, FeCr, CrO2
Noise Reduction: B
Frequency Response: 25Hz to 20kHz (Cr02 tape)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 67dB (dolby B)
Wow and Flutter: 0.06%
Dimensions: 17"W x 6.5"H x 13"D
Weight: 17 lbs
Nakamichi CR-1A
stereo cassette deck ('88-'90) $225
Fully serviced, in excellent cosmetic condition and working perfectly, this Nakamichi CR-1A stereo cassette deck features a proprietary Nakamichi 2-head reproduction system. One head is used for recording and playback while the other head is used for erasing tapes. It was engineered in such a way as to deliver sound and performance typically expected from a high quality 3-head design.
The heads, transport and electronics were all specifically designed in-house by Nakamichi to deliver the peak of perfection in a two-head configuration. The combination of the CR-1A's microprocessor control and silent mechanism makes it a great unit!
Operation:
You can playback and record on a variety of cassette types, including Type 1 (I), Type (II) chrome and Type (IV) metal tapes. There is one knob on the far right of the front panel that serves two functions. The inner portion of the knob allows you to adjust the input signal when you are recording on a cassette. The outer portion allows you to adjust the left and right channel if needed while recording.
The auto-repeat function causes the tape to automatically rewind and start playing again once the side selected has finished playing.
Learning how to properly record on a cassette can sometimes be a challenge. The key is recording on a quality type II (or type IV if you can find one) tape and making sure the input signal is registering properly at +3 for type II and +7 for type IV. With a little practice you will be surprised with how well you can record sound with this Nakamichi CR-1A deck.
Essential Specs:
2-Head, Single Compact Cassette Deck
Track System: 4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo
Tape Speed: 4.8 Cm/S
Heads: 1 X Record/Playback, 1 X Erase
Motor: 1 X Reel, 1 X Capstan, 1 X Mechanism
Tape Type: Type I, CrO2, Metal
Noise Reduction: B, C
Frequency Response: 20Hz To 20kHz (Metal Tape)
Signal To Noise Ratio: 70dB (Dolby C)
Wow And Flutter: 0.06%
THD: 1.0%
Dimensions: 17"W X 4"H X 10.5"D
Weight: 12 Lbs
About Nakamichi...
Nakamichi was founded in 1948 by Mr. Etsuro Nakamichi, starting from a small research institute in Tokyo, Japan that provided R&D for major brands, government entities, universities and organizations. Since then, it has established itself as a trusted creator of high-quality audio products, such as the Nakamichi 1000, the world's first 3-Head cassette deck. Nakamichi's product lines are driven by an intense scientific curiosity, the passion for audio, and commitment to uncompromising quality and performance.
The Nakamichi Shockwafe represents a fundamental disruption in home entertainment. We have successfully blended plug-and-play simplicity with high-end surround performance. Our suite of hybrid soundbar systems allows you to enjoy a cinematic experience at home, with minimum effort. To date, the Nakamichi Shockwafe has been rated the best Dolby Atmos soundbar by both audio critics and users.
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Akai GX-625
stereo reel-to reel deck ('80-'82) $800
In absolutely pristine cosmetic appearance and completely functional, this Akai GX-625 is a feature-rich deck that preferably runs reels up to 10" in size. Notably, the GX-625 uses Akai's famous Glass Ferrite heads.
Fully serviced it also comes with two 10" metal reels (one take-up reel and one empty reel).
Also included are the reel hub adapters and a pair of the original Akai M7 corded microphones.
The walnut side panels add a touch of class to this magnificent example of Akai's leading technology in the field of tape deck design in the early 80's.
From the brochure:
"Continuous innovation is the kernel of Akai's success. Follow the Akai's lead to a new concept in open reel decks and enjoy a deck which takes care of playback for you automatically.
The automatic playback system newly developed for the GX625 gives you a new route to easy, relaxed playback of any section from the very first note. Such accuracy has been impossible to date because of the very rapid rewind speed necessitated by the length of open reel tapes, and 10 1/2" ones in particular.
Working in conjunction with a new digital tape counter, repeat, playback, memory auto play and stop are all possible with this deck. A press of a button converts the tape counter indicator into a digital timer which indicates the amount of tape used in hours, minutes and seconds, up to 2 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.
Unlike more conventional decks, the GX-625 has an electronic brake controlled by a micro-computer type processor which is activated to slow the speed of rewind prior to the mechanical brake stopping the tape at the desired position. This novel device protects your tapes and ensures that playback will always begin at the very beginning of a selection.
Add to these new features the benefits of Akai technology and you will admit that this is a deck to make the fingers of even the most discerning of audio buffs itch to try it."
Essential specs:
Track system: 4-track, 2-channel, stereo/monaural system
Heads: 1 x GX record, 1 x GX playback, 1 x erase
Motor: 2 x reel drive, 1 x capstan
Reel size: up to 10.5" reel
Tape speeds: 3 3⁄4 7 1⁄2 ips
Wow and flutter: 0.03% (7 1⁄2 ips)
Frequency response: 30Hz to 26kHz (7 1⁄2 ips)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 62dB
Total harmonic distortion: 0.5%
Dimensions: 17.3"W x 17.5"H x 9.5"D
Weight: 39 lbs
About Akai...
Akai was founded by Masukichi Akai and his son, Saburo Akai in 1929 in Tokyo. The word “Akai” in Japanese means “red”, which of course found a reference in the color of the brand’s logo. In the '40s, the company produced music and audio equipment. The expanding range of the company included originally reel-to-reel tape recorders, cassette recorder, audio amplifiers, video cassette recorder and speakers, followed by CD, DVD and mp3 players. Some of the products were sold in the United States under the brand of Roberts, A & D in Japan and Tensai and Transonic Strato in Western Europe. At the end of the 1960s, Akai and Tandberg introduced an innovative way of recording sound that allowed recording a wider range of high frequencies. In 1984, a new branch of the company called Akai Professional was created, producing electronic musical instruments. However, in the 90s, the company reduced its range of Hi-Fi equipment. At the end of 2004, Akai Corporation was taken over by Grande Group and Akai Professional by Numark Industries due to bankruptcy.
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Pioneer DV-09
DVD/CD player (1998) SOLD
In a nutshell, this Pioneer DV-09 is in absolutely mint condition and fully operational throughout and that includes the amazing remote control.
This beauty has a cosmetic design that is quite simply stunning. The laminated rosewood side panels just ooze with a luxurious visual that blends into the liquid smooth front glass panel. The rear panel has a copper laminate protective surface. Even the bottom plate of the player (something you never even see) has laminated copper.
Fortunately, this unit also has an excellent build quality. As a benchmark for Pioneer, it's a definitive example of late '90s technology. The DV-09 was in that rarified air of rather expensive models listing at about $2000 when released in the late 90's.
Although at Cherry Vintage Audio we're leaning towards mostly vinyl and/or streaming these days (rarely a DVD), we have to admit, if you're gonna do CD's...this is THE one to have.
The unit has dual transformers, independent boards for analog and digital, copper cladding and gold contacts. The proprietary "air-lock" door design assures virtually silent operation. Inside there are Dual Burr-Brown PCM1702 J DACs along with Elna and Silmic audio-grade capacitors throughout. It's a beast weighing in at a hefty 35 lbs.
The Pioneer CU-DVO11 remote control is a work of art by itself. There are three clearly defined sections of control. From power on/off through every imaginable function (including a unique rotary dial), it handles every facet of control from your easy chair.
Basic Specs:
Disc Formats: DVD, CD, VCD
Audio Formats: PCM, DD, DTS
THD: 0.002%
Digital Output: Coaxial, Optical
Video Connections: Component, SVHS, Composite
Dimensions: 18"W X 14.5"D X 5.7"H
Weight: 35 Lbs
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JVC KD-85
stereo cassette deck (1979) $300 (rare and perfect)
In immaculate cosmetic condition and 100% fully operational, this JVC KD-85 has a beautiful real red oak veneer case. This deck was one of JVC's top-of-the-line designs in the very late 70's (second only to the JVC KD-3030) yet with basically the same features and specs. Just take a peek inside this beast; it's an extremely well built unit indeed!
Essentially, at about 22 lbs, this is a heavy and beautiful tape deck with extremely good specs. It was listed at a whopping $500 MSRP in 1979.
From the brochure:
The JVC KD-85 is a beautiful machine to behold. It's a visual pleasure; a JVC design coup which, among other extras, includes a Spectro Peak Indicator. Superb specifications include a 30 to 16,000Hz frequency response with chrome tape, a better than 56dB signal to noise ratio with ANRS off and 0.05% wrms wow/flutter. Those figures are roughly comparable to open-reel performance parameters. The KD-85 uses the best mechanism ever conceived for a cassette deck - the two-motor ID mechanism. In this configuration, two motors are employed to insure stable tape transport: a frequency generator servo-motor for capstan drive and a DC motor for reel drive.
Because each drive mechanism operates independently of the other, and because its operation is thus simplified, the KD-85 achieves a very, very low wow/flutter of less than 0.05% wrms. Full logic control of the KD-85 is the job of three dependable TTL ICs - one custom made MSI type and two TTL ICs. These controls permit direct changing of modes with a light push of buttons which requires only a 6mm stroke. Memory Stop facility is also included."
Features:
~Super ANRS, ANRS
~Tape eq and bias selectors,
~Spectro-peak on/off, timer standby/off,
~Rec eq selector, output level control, push button tape operation
~Analog timer with reset input record level control for both right/left channels,
~Spectro-peak level indicator, both right/left VU meters,
~Both right/left mic inputs, and headphones output
Specs:
Type: 2-Head, Single Compact Cassette Deck
Track System: 4-Track, 2-Channel Stereo
Tape Speed: 4.8 Cm/S
Heads: 1 X Record/Playback, 1 X Erase
Motor: Frequency Controlled DC Servo
Tape Type: Type I, FeCr, CrO2
Noise Reduction: ANRS
Frequency Response: 30Hz To 16kHz (Cr02 Tape)
Signal To Noise Ratio: 61dB (ANRS)
Wow And Flutter: 0.05%
THD: 0.4%
Input: 80mV (Line), 0.2mV (Mic)
Output: 0.5V (Line)
Dimensions: 17.7"W X 6.2"H X 12.8"D
Weight: 22 Lbs
Year: 1979
MSRP: $500
About JVC (Victor) of Japan...
JVC was established in Yokohama, Japan in 1927 as the Japanese subsidiary of the U.S. firm, Victor Talking Machine Company. They pressed the very first record ever...in Japan in 1930.
Their unusual approach to design (for vintage stereo gear) included the extensive use of multi-band graphic equalizers instead of simple bass/mid/treble controls. The quality of their vintage gear is mostly first rate and under the radar type excellent value.
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MCS 3330
stereo 8-track tape deck (1977) $100
In very good cosmetic condition and working perfectly, this MCS 3330 8-track stereo tape deck was sold at JC Penney back in the late 70's. It was actually built by Fisher at one of their plants in Taiwan.
~The dual backlit meters are functioning as normal.
~The buttons are all functional.
~The programs jump from one track to another as they are supposed to.
Finally, it has a very nice woodgrain veneer with chrome highlights.
It measures 14"W x 6"H x 9" D.
In our humble opinion, even though it looks and works fine, it's more of a cool vintage collector piece than anything else.
Back story:
Playback of a magnetized recording on the 8 track tape is exactly the reverse of recording a tape. The magnetized tape is passed over the recording head or over a separate playback head, with the coil in the head connecting to an amplifier and loudspeaker. The magnetization on the tape induces electrical currents in the coil which are then amplified and reproduced, re-creating the original sound.
The reason that 8 track tapes became so popular in the '70s is because magnetic tape had been highly developed by then and the tapes could sometimes produce recordings of the highest caliber. The tape itself was usually made of plastic material, either cellulose acetate or polyester, and almost as wide as the one quarter inch wide reel-to-reel tape. The tape is coated on one side with iron oxide particles so fine that a linear inch of tape contains about one trillion particles. This coating is the actual magnetic medium on which the recording is made.
Truthfully, 8-track decks were never meant to be considered "high quality" for home HiFi use. However, in your vehicle with all the ambient road noise and surroundings, they sounded pretty good because you couldn't hear the hiss and relatively poor playback quality. Party on!
About MCS (Modular Component Systems)...
MCS was the house brand for JC Penney back in the 70's and was often passed over by audiophiles simply because it was sold by Penney's. However, in our opinion, whoever worked for JC Penney's electronics acquisition department at the time certainly had discerning taste which resulted in some very good products being offered.
Also, during the era, Sears and JC Penney were bitter rivals and constantly trying to outdo each other when it came to HiFi gear. While Sears relied heavily on either Fisher or Sanyo-built components, Penney's had a few more suppliers than Sears. Possibly, the biggest decisions made by consumers was based on which credit card they had in their wallet because Penney's was a bit more strict on credit ratings than Sears.
There is some debate over who actually manufactured the MCS series for JC Penney. Most seem to agree that it was either NEC and/or Technics. In most cases, certain turntable models were obviously made by Technics because there were clearly labeled parts and identical construction.
Probably, the different types of components in the MCS line were made by different manufacturers, all of whom designed great products for Penney's. By the late 70's, it was near the end of the receiver power wars and despite the fact that most of the mid to high range MCS units had actually incorporated some of the latest technology at the time, digital was looming on the horizon and was about to change the face of HiFi.
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