This is a network music streamer where new electronics have been retrofitted into a vintage cassette deck JVC KD-5A from 1979. Connect with Bluetooth and/or connect the streamer to your home Wi-Fi network and start streaming. ...the VU-meter needles are still moving.
Connect the streamer to Bluetooth speakers or Bluetooth headphones, or just hook up some wired speakers as well. Stream music from your apps or attach a USB with some music. You can use your Spotify app as usual for streaming, or you can stream any music available on your iPhone or Android smart phone or music from your PC or Mac or Linux computers. It is not a cassette deck anymore.
Timeless design and with really large and clear VU-meters this former cassette deck still makes a high-tech impression. The cassette lid opens up slowly and gracefully when you push the Eject button, just as it should be. It is also a nice feeling to fiddle with the big dual knob that used to set the recording levels. Stackable, book shelf or placed in an old stereo rack – looks cool in any home environment. Shiny and robust at the same time.
JVC is mostly famous for introducing the VHS video cassette, but have produced a lot of successful hi-fi products in the past and still going strong. The KD-5A model was at the lower end of the cassette deck range in 1979, originally priced as a low as $350 USD.
Retrofitted, the VU-meters with their light grey background are lit up and indicates that the unit is powered. The long needles of the meters move to the music depending on the volume. The functional original on-off button is at the front. The USB-port, speaker terminal posts, the mini sized USB memory stick which holds the software (not shown in the pictures), RJ-45 port and the DC power input are all in the back.
The deck has been thoroughly cleaned and polished. It shows some normal wear and tear for its age, no major things. One of the previous owners has had a number engraved in the back. Excellent condition.
Note this is a pretty heavy item since it even after retrofitting consists of a lot of metal.
Weight: 4.8 kg Dimensions: 42 x 29 x 12 cm
The electronics of the old cassette deck is replaced with Raspberry Pi 4 single board computer, led lights, IQaudio Pi-DigiAMP+ class-D amplifier (2 x 35 W) and software, full-HD audio, up to 24-bit/192 kHz playback.
This is not a Bluetooth speaker, it is something better – it is a versatile Bluetooth and Wi-Fi music player. Start streaming . . .