Looking for a JVC
- Thread starter rcgattman
- Start date
Start with a basic sanyo or Panasonic to get your feet wet and go from there
Transistorized
Member (SA)
I will parrot what others have said. If you want an inexpensive entry level radio but decent quality, grab yourself a Matsushita product - Panasonic. If you want a JVC, you will likely pay more as they were sold at a higher premium. They were considered a go to brand in the height of the boombox glory days but, just like other brands, there are entry level radios as well. I have found entry level Panasonics to generally be easier to obtain parts for and repair.
Remember, a listing that says "Not tested" means broken. Many of these, even if they tell you the cassette player works, will need some work to work properly unless previously belted and adjusted at a minimum. Maybe selecting a model you feel you could install a belt on, if needed, for cassette playback would be a good start. More features usually means more complexity. Look for a model that has mechanical buttons for the cassette deck. they are less likely to be a pain to belt than a model with feather touch controls on the front. But, it depends on your comfort level in regards to repair.
If cost isn't an issue, you can get one that has been restored. At that point, you would go for features and what appeals to you.
If I could talk to the younger me when I got started, I would've suggested my first radio to be a Panasonic. I went for a C100F so basically I jumped off the diving board before I checked that there was water in the pool...
Remember, a listing that says "Not tested" means broken. Many of these, even if they tell you the cassette player works, will need some work to work properly unless previously belted and adjusted at a minimum. Maybe selecting a model you feel you could install a belt on, if needed, for cassette playback would be a good start. More features usually means more complexity. Look for a model that has mechanical buttons for the cassette deck. they are less likely to be a pain to belt than a model with feather touch controls on the front. But, it depends on your comfort level in regards to repair.
If cost isn't an issue, you can get one that has been restored. At that point, you would go for features and what appeals to you.
If I could talk to the younger me when I got started, I would've suggested my first radio to be a Panasonic. I went for a C100F so basically I jumped off the diving board before I checked that there was water in the pool...