JVC PC-D5L (1980)
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Meet the JVC PC-D5L from 1980, part of the ultra-versatile portable component system - JVC PC-5. This was a special concept from JVC with separate components that could be assembled into a portable unit. As a result of this concept the JVC PC-D5L compact cassette recorder can be used independently either with a 12V AC adapter, a 12V car adapter or 8 "D" size batteries. This makes it a high-quality portable field recorder as well as a Hi-Fi recorder. As a result of the incorporated SA (Sen-Alloy) record/playback head and the 2-gap SA erase head you get the full benefit from Metal tape in a two-motor, full-logic solenoid-operated design. To improve dynamic range while reducing tape hiss the deck is equipped with JVCs own noise reduction system, the ANRS and Super ANRS. The ANRS system is fully compatible with Dolby B noise reduction. For on-the-go Hi-Fi entertainment JVC offered a series of accessories such as a car adapter (CN-333K), rechargeable battery pack (BP-12K), AC adapter/charger (AA-12), stereo microphone (M-201) and stereo headphones (H-M11). There was also an optional wired remote-control unit - R-15E. The JVC PC-5 system was heavily promoted in magazine adverts by famous sport personalities like Bjorn Borg, the Harlem Globetrotters or Denise Biellmann. Unfortunately, the small flip down sub-panel is missing from my unit.
Published July 15th 2015
Published July 15th 2015
HITACHI TRK-5190 (1976)
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This model was the first STEREO portable radio and cassette recorder from Hitachi. A Stereo for "mobile" people. With this radio cassette recorder, you can record FM stereo broadcasts onto compact cassettes and play them back. A high playback quality was possible thanks to the one tweeter (5cm) and one woofer (10cm) combination per stereo channel. For low volume listening a automatic loudness circuit is built-in while the total power rating is 3,600mW (...that's milliwatt... which means 2x1,8 W EAIJ/DC). The cassette recorder section can handle Normal and Chrome tapes with a frequency response of 50-12000Hz (chrome). User can select between automatic or manual record level control that can be monitored through two needle type VU meters. The radio section features 4 wavebands: FM, MW, LW, SW. The TRK-5190 also features built-in microphones but when using a pair of external microphones (NCM-50 sold separately) one can mix his voice either when recording or when you playback radio or tape. The unit can be also used with external loudspeakers and can be used either with batteries or directly from mains. We have two of these units in our collection but both were completely missing the cassette compartment door...so I've built one. The last few photos show some of the stages of the construction. Dimensions (W/H/D) 403x230x118mm | Weight 4.5g (including batteries) | Original sale price in Japan ¥52,800
Cover Photo Art: Orbiting the Airwaves | Published June 15th 2026
Cover Photo Art: Orbiting the Airwaves | Published June 15th 2026
PHILIPS COMPO SOUND MACHINE D8718 (1983)
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This is one of the most complex portable radio cassette recorders ever built, the COMPO SOUND MACHINE D8718 - made by PHILIPS as part of the 1983-84 model range. It has the same configuration as a Hi-Fi system only in a battery or AC operated portable unit.
Here are some highlights usually find on separate Hi-Fi components and (almost) never on a portable unit:
- 3 motor drive, RS servo-controlled cassette recorder
- manual recording level control with separate L and R channel control and LED VU meters
- DNR noise reduction (a PHILIPS type playback only noise reduction system)
- TPSS - Tape Program Search System for up to 3 tracks forward or backward on your cassette
- metal tape compatibility
- input for AUX and PHONO!!! too, to connect a turntable for your favorite vinyl
- removable 2-way loudspeaker system
- separate BASS and TREBLE, LOUDNESS and STEREO SPATIAL for an increased sound space
even with the speakers attached to the unit
- Rec out connectors for any source played through this unit
Cover Photo Art: Look Mama I can Fly - Published August 15th 2015
Here are some highlights usually find on separate Hi-Fi components and (almost) never on a portable unit:
- 3 motor drive, RS servo-controlled cassette recorder
- manual recording level control with separate L and R channel control and LED VU meters
- DNR noise reduction (a PHILIPS type playback only noise reduction system)
- TPSS - Tape Program Search System for up to 3 tracks forward or backward on your cassette
- metal tape compatibility
- input for AUX and PHONO!!! too, to connect a turntable for your favorite vinyl
- removable 2-way loudspeaker system
- separate BASS and TREBLE, LOUDNESS and STEREO SPATIAL for an increased sound space
even with the speakers attached to the unit
- Rec out connectors for any source played through this unit
Cover Photo Art: Look Mama I can Fly - Published August 15th 2015
PHILIPS playby GF 423 (1975)
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Introduced in 1975, the PHILIPS playby GF 423 was an updated and streamlined version of the previous GF 403 briefcase shaped portable turntable. Conceived as a 3-speed unit (33, 45, 78) this portable turntable can be either operated by 6 (Size D) batteries or directly from the mains supply. It is a manual operated monophonic idler drive turntable that was available in red, black and white. There's a built in 2.5 W (max. power) amplifier and speaker that can be controlled via a slider volume and a slider tone control while the record is played by a GP 214 ceramic cartridge. The unit measures 240x420x80 mm. As you would expect from any old unit like this....it is still fully functional.... after 40 years....50 years...
Cover Photo Art: Red Perspective - Published 15th November 2015
Cover Photo Art: Red Perspective - Published 15th November 2015
SONY WM-FX221 (1995)
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The SONY WM-FX221 was introduced in 1995 and was the smallest member of the radio-cassette WALKMAN line-up. Other models of the series were the SONY WM-FX421/FX423/FX425. The unit can be operated either with two AA batteries or with an external power source through the DC IN 3 V jack located on the right side of the unit. It allows playback of Normal/CrO2/Metal tapes with or without Dolby B noise reduction. Alternatively, you can listen to FM or AM radio broadcasts using the built in radio receiver. No external antenna is required for radio reception as the headphone cable doubles as antenna for radio signal. The unit has also a built-in clock and with the supplied belt clip, you can wear your WALKMAN on a belt for convenient use.
Published September 15th 2016
Published September 15th 2016
Technics SL-XP505 (1992)
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The Technics SL-XP505 portable CD player was introduced in 1992. It features a double floating mechanism and is equipped with 16 bit 2 DAC/8 times oversampling 18bit Digital filter. The original earbud had integrated remote control but there was also available an infrared remote system comprised of a receiver and the handheld unit. Unfortunately, I don't have these components but the unit can be successfully used with any headphone equipped with a 3.5mm jack. This is a (AA) battery operated portable unit but with an AC adaptor it can be transformed into a standalone unit. When the unit is powered by the AC adaptor the STOP and PLAY buttons will illuminate and the backlight of the display will be turned on. The unit is equipped with a dedicated line output for optimal performance when connected to an amplifier.
Cover Photo Art: Electro_Motion - Published 15th July 2016
Cover Photo Art: Electro_Motion - Published 15th July 2016
