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Tape Trail: REVIEW: JVC TD-V541 Tapedeck by Time_Stands_Still

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REVIEW: JVC TD-V541 Tapedeck

70.69.183.26


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Model: TD-V541
Category: Tapedeck
Suggested Retail Price: $400
Description: JVC, 3head, dual capstan, Dolby B, Dolby C, Dolby HX-Pro cassette recording deck
Manufacturer URL: JVC

Review by Time_Stands_Still on December 19, 2008 at 18:46:00
IP Address: 70.69.183.26
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for the TD-V541


Having used JVC cassette decks over the years (formerly KD-V300 and a KD-V6) I came across this unit about 1 year ago. JVC decks have performed well for me previously the KD-V6 I had for 18 years.

The styling of the TD-V541 reflected JVC's titanium grey scheme popular for them in the early to mid 90's. The fluorescent meter and display is yellow and red in colour and can be defeated if one wishes, though I myself like watching the meter do its thing especially during night time sessions. I again going back to my previous JVC KD-V6 like the Digital Peak Meter, a bright, clear numeral display in 1 DB steps above 0db showing the maximum recorded level. The TD-V541 has this tool too. All other pertinent info is also displayed on this deck.

Being a 3 head deck JVC has the record and playback heads in a shared casing but on a solid cast mounting for durability. The erase head is a mini one between the left capstan/pinch roller and the rec/play heads. It is a dual capstan deck and is driven by a direct drive motor system. Wow and flutter is claimed to be .023% wrms. Whether that is true or not is irrelevant because I cannot detect any wow and flutter with this deck even on sustained piano notes.

Its measured frequency response using type 4 tape is 15hz- 19khz +/-3db and -20 db. type 2 and type 1 tapes are only slighty worse in the highs.Using one of my test CD's with spot frequencies I am able to measure at 0db recording level a high frequency extension using TDK SA tape and Dolby C nr with HX-Pro a level to 20khz at only 0db down. Using TDK D or Fuji DR-1 tapes and Dolby C with HX-Pro the level was only down by 4db at 20 khz at 0db recording level.

JVC notes S/N ratio with Metal type 4 tape to be 78db max. with Dolby C. Tape hiss even with generic TDK D, Maxell UR-1 or Fuji DR-1 tapes is not an issue recording vinyl using Dolby B nr. The little tape hiss noticable is awash with grove swish. Using Dolby C nr removes all tape hiss if one records vinyl LP's. Even recoding CD's has marginal tape hiss using Dolby C.

The deck is very user friendly, idiot proof. It's large record level knob is easy to use with even a db scale marked in typeset to help you fine tune record level setting. The unit features a fine bias adjustment knob to help bring out more accuracy in your tapes for recording. It has an MPX filter for FM recording and switches for line in or CD direct inputs which are on back for connection.

The cassette door is motor controlled, you push the stop/eject button and a motor will smoothly open the door and push again it will close the door. The tape is held tight with a shell stabilizer. One draw back is no cassette back light but a polished aluminum plate which is hard to see tape spools in a dimly lit room, but such is the cost cutting measure in a $400 deck vintage early 90's. All switch gear works as designed and smoothly.

Sound quality? This deck sounds great, it can accuaretly record all frequencies in music and either LP, CD or FM make steller tapes even wirth generic type 1 tapes. TDK D seems as default to be the best of a current block of type 1's available today. TDK SA is loved by this deck, it's simply a great tape for it but Fuji Z-11 is very nice too if not a little hot needing to be tamed a bit with fine bias. I have not tried metal tapes as they are hard to get except for eBay but assume they will work well.

As noted earlier wow and flutter is no issue and S/N ratio along with dynamic range is very good especially when recording vinyl. Is this a perfect deck or a Nak killer? No probably not but it should please 9/10ths of the listeners of cassettes who may get to hear and use it. It's a solid, easy to use deck and sounds great. They go for very affordable prices on eBay nowadays. A good value well built 3 head deck from JVC.


Product Weakness: No cassette back light, slow rewind and fast forward times
Product Strengths: Solid build, 3 heads, nice meter display, direct druve with low w&f, smooth sound, nice styling.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Yaqin MC-10L
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Denon AVR-3802 receiver
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Technics/Kab modded SL-1200MKII, Denon DL-110 cartridge
Speakers: Paradigm Export BiPolar
Cables/Interconnects: various
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Variios pop/rock from more current to classic rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 22 x 11 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments: various furniture
Time Period/Length of Audition: about 1 year to date
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Belkin Pure A/V conditioner, Cambridge Audio 640p phono preamp
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: JVC TD-V541 Tapedeck - Time_Stands_Still 18:46:00 12/19/08 ( 5)