JVC PC-5

The JVC PC-5 Quintet system came out in 1981. It's portable and accepts batteries, so it's a boombox......but it's also a mini component system that can be split apart if desired. It consists of the PC-T5 tuner section, the PC-A5 amplifier section, the PC-D5 cassette deck, and the PC-B5 speakers. Altogether, it weighs more than 25 lbs. Behind the system is a plastic cover intended to hide all the unsightly cables. Unfortunately this cover often becomes lost by careless owners.

The tape deck is a 2-motor system with soft-touch controls, SEN ALLOY heads, and Super ANRS (Automatic Noise Reduction System), which was JVC's version of Dolby. Playback frequency response is 30 to 17,000 Hz when using Metal tape. Wow and flutter is 0.05% WRMS. Above the tape deck is a door covering the bass, treble, loudness, and balance controls.

The speakers look like 2-ways, but the tweeter grills are fake, they're really just bass ports. You would have needed to buy the PC-6 if you wanted tweeters, but that model was more expensive (and much rarer). But don't worry, the PC-5 still sounds very good without tweeters, with good bass and clarity. The pressed-wood speaker housings contain 4" full-range drivers rated for 6 ohms and 20W max. The part number on the magnets is EAS-10P195S.

The amplifier section employs two AN7156N chips configured in BTL mode. The service manual says its output on AC power is 2x20W max or 2x23W music power. But it doesn't state the level of distortion or the frequency this was measured at. The amplifier's frequency response is 30 to 30,000 Hz (+/-3dB).

Optional accessories include:
CL-5K carrying case
CB-85K shoulder belt
R-15E remote control
L-E5 linear tracking turntable
M-201 microphone
H-M11 headphones
BP-12K rechargeable battery pack
AA-12L charge/AC adapter
CN-333K car adapter
RB-95K home speakers.

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