JVC TD-SD1GD

"It's time to test the latest invention from the world of cassette decks. This is the JVC TD-SD1GD, and the JVC Corporation put an end to further improvements and the use of cassette technology in the audio world with this device. The deck was produced from late 1997 to 1998. The device itself was quite innovative and advanced, with many engineering solutions.

JVC's goal was to convey all the nuances of a musician's feelings and the music itself to the listener and to create the best deck. They succeeded in doing so. The philosophy of JVC engineers is to create a unique design. The deck's housing is made from a solid aluminum sheet, like a capsule. The aluminum sheet structure has different thicknesses, ranging from 3.5mm to 5mm. Additionally, there is a 3.2mm thick steel plate at the base to prevent any type of vibration. The deck itself rests on 5 feet.

 JVC TD-SD1GD

The housing is divided into 5 sections: a preamplifier, a preliminary recording adjustment, a power supply block, a tape drive mechanism block, and an electronic distribution block. The interior space is covered with oxygen-free copper, including all partitions and the rear panel, to avoid any electrical interference. JVC TD-SD1GD

The deck features an amorphous head with a super-polished surface for a wider range of reproducible frequencies and dynamics. Of course, it includes the legendary direct-drive with pulse action and quartz stabilization, 3 motors, and manual calibration. To save space, some of the control buttons have 2-3 functions.

Thanks to its special armored construction, the deck has an extremely quiet mechanism, the quietest in the world. Despite its compact size, it weighs 8.6 kg!

 TD-SD1GD

The device is, of course, very rare since a limited number was produced. In 1997, the deck cost $1200. A matching set of SD1 series components was also created, including an amplifier, tuner, compact disc player, and speaker systems - the latter being a masterpiece and costing $1600 for a pair.

The sound of the JVC TD-SD1GD is comparable to decks such as the Sony TC-KA6ES and the Pioneer CT-S920S."

Aleksanteri Pikka