JVC KD-V6 Cassette Deck Review

Designed to appeal to audiophiles who seek an above-average combination of performance and features, the JVC KD-V6 is a three-head, single-capstan cassette deck with both Dolby B and Dolby C noise reduction, memory-play functions, and an unusual digital peak-level display.

The separate record and playback heads of the KD-V6 permit instant comparison between the input signal and its recorded version. The record head is made of long-wearing senalloy; the playback head uses a hardened permalloy material that is softer but will probably last the useful life of the deck. A single electronically regulated d.c. motor is used to drive both the Capstan and the take-up hub. A second d.c. motor is used for the fast-forward and rewind functions, and a third moves the tape heads and the pinch-roller into position.

The KD-V6 uses a deeper than average cassette well to accommodate a group of LED indicators behind its transparent door. Three of these show when the record, record-mute, and pause functions are activated; two others are arranged with the pause LED to form a flashing series that indicates the direction and speed of tape travel. Rear illumination shows the tape on each hub, but label visibility is only fair. The door is removable for head cleaning and degaussing.

Recording and playback levels are shown on peak-indicating, fifteen-element-per-channel fluorescent displays that are calibrated from —20 to + 9 dB. These displays are supplemented by a two-digit peak indicator that shows the higher channel’s reading in 1-dB steps from +1 to +12. The additional numeric indicator is needed because the “normal” recording level is marked at + 5 dB for ferric and chrome-type tapes and at + 9 dB for metal-particle cassettes. The highest level encountered is stored in memory and can be recalled at the touch of a button, which should help in making transfers from discs. As an additional aid in level setting, the long-throw master recording-level slider has dot markings at very close to 1-dB increments.

The KD-V6 has music-search facilities and also enables the user to designate a section of tape for repeat playing. The tape counter is conventional, counting reel-hub revolutions, but a “stop-watch” feature is also provided to allow timing when the transport is in record or playback mode. Additional controls are provided for output/headphone level and recording balance. Switches are used for selection of the noise-reduction system, the stereo FM-multiplex filter, and external timer activation. There is no provision for microphone recording.

The dimensions of the KD-V6 are 17-1/8 x 10-12 x 4-1/4 inches, and it weighs a little under 10 pounds. Price: $350.

Lab Tests

Measured with our IEC-standard BASF test tapes, the playback frequency response of the KD-V6 was exceptionally flat with either the ferric or the chrome/metal playback equalization. To check the overall record-playback performance of the deck we used the samples of Maxell UD (ferric), TDK SA (CrO2-equiva-lent), and JVC ME (metal) cassettes supplied with the unit. At the low frequencies the KD-V6 retained flat response all the way down to 20 Hz (most decks give up in the octave between 20 and 40 Hz). At the IEC 0-dB recording level the degree of rolloff at the highest frequencies was very respectable for a deck of this price. The measured signal-to-noise ratios were good.

The KD-V6 uses a “0 dB” marking that is 3 dB below the IEC-standard 0 dB at which our distortion measurements were made. Similarly, the +8-dB meter reading registered at the 3 percent third-harmonic distortion point with Maxell UD was actually + 5.2 dB above the IEC 0-dB level.

Although our measured wow-and-flutter figures were only fair by today’s standards, the effect was inaudible on almost all music selections. Flutter was identifiable only in source/tape comparisons of sustained piano tones and the like. Fast-winding times were average, and line-level sensitivity, though slightly low, was well within the acceptable range.

Comments

The JVC KD-V6 cassette deck succeeds well in meeting its design aims. It represents solid value well worth consideration for all but the most critical applications. Although it lacked the sonic transparency and high-frequency detail of our reference deck, it costs only a fraction as much. Its sound qualities are good, especially in the bass region, and the effectiveness of the Dolby C noise-reduction system in eliminating high-frequency hiss is remarkable.

Mechanically, the deck is well laid out, quiet and sure in operation, and generally easy to use. While there are some additional features we would have liked (such as an elapsed/remaining time tape counter), for a deck at this price JVC made excellent choices of what to include and what to omit. Especially noteworthy was the decision to provide separate record and playback heads so that users can readily tell how good a recording they are getting.

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