JVC RC-838 One tough mutha....

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Master Z

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Here's some pics of one of my favs, the JVC 838. This is what I visualize as a classic boomer. It has all the right stuff going on. This one is fully working and it's condition is amazing for it's age. I had a little prob with the biphonic switch but it cleaned up nicely
I also want to know whats the difference between a 838 I and II?

If you have one post it up.
Peace,
Paul Z.



























 
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hemiguy2006

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I agree ,this has all the right elements for the classic boombox style.
What does this model compare to size wize in the Jvc family?
m70? I'm guessing. Sweet box man and clean Like I like em!
 

Boom Shaka Laka

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Master Z said:
Alright, so some of you guys have them, let me see them!
I wanted this thread to be a gallery for the 838.
I can help you achieve your goal, Z-man, but give me a few hours to dig mine out of the dungeon... uh, wine cellar... uh, bunker... uh, basement. ;-)
 

Johnny

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I couldn't leave a fellow boomboxer hanging. Here ar a few of mine, it is one of the MINTEST in my collection, not perfect, but barely used.












Thanks for looking.
 

Master Z

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Awesome, A Victor!
No short wave huh? interesting. :hmmm:

Ok, now who has an 838 ver.II?

I have an original service manual for an 838 v.II. I got it from my electronics repair shop along with my service manual for my pc-11. When I cracked the 838 open, it all looks the same acording to the diagrams in the manual. So what exactly is the difference???
Peace,
Paul Z.

:morepics:
 

Boom Shaka Laka

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No SW, and the famous Japanese-only 76-90 MHz FM band. :-/

Fortunately, here in Detroit we can pick up lots of Windsor (and nearby Ontario, like Hamilton) stations, so there's a bit of an assortment of listening available at the bottom end of the FM band. Plus, Canada doesn't have the non-commercial-only-below-92MHz restriction that we have in the U.S. So there's "real" radio on that part of the band... like "89X," which is actually at 88.7 FM. (Maybe you can get it in Toledo, too.) If not, listen here: http://www.89xradio.com/

A confession: I also own an 838II, but it's kind of a beater and I'm ashamed to show it. :blush:

But, if no one else has one (Spud??), I'll do it... reluctantly. At a distance. Out in a field. So that maybe then we can do a comparison, 'cause I have no idea what's unique about the II. And, since I'm not very bright, I don't pop my boxes open and look around, which puts me at a real disadavantage when it comes to discussing what makes these things tick.. ;-)
 

Boom Shaka Laka

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Someone else will have to give the "correct" answer, but here's what I hear:

"Expand" is like stereo-wide. Left and right channel sounds are enchanced, pushed out to the sides. Center sounds, like vocals, are mostly still in the center.

"Biphonic" almost sounds like the speakers have been thrown out of phase, with vocals no longer in the middle. Sound is even more diffuse than with "expand." It reminds me of the fake-stereo "duophonic" that EMI and other record labels used to use to enhance their mono-only recordings for use on stereo equipment. Interesting that on the 838 you can only turn on these two features in order: first expand, and then expand + biphonic. You can't do biphonic alone.

Now, for the real explanation...
 

JVC Floyd

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ive had several bi phonic boxes and as far as i can tell the bi phonic mode is the equvilent to stero wide or expanded stereo.
 
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