Your pictures today of the 4DD-10 reminded me to finally find and unpackage my 4DD-5 I received directly from JVC back in 1972. Pics attached. May I share how I got it (pretty self indulging)?
I went to Yokosuka, Japan in Sept 1971 as a lowly Radioman with the US Navy. I didn't fit in very well with what the others were doing. I built some furniture including some speakers and bought a set of JBL C36-030 speakers. I visited Akehabara where all the stereo stores were and was blown away by all of the new equipment. There was a stereo store a couple miles from base that I frequently visited and became friends with a JVC Rep. Late in 71 or early 72, I was taken to the newly opened JVC testing facility that had several test chambers: (1) one that they could delay echo by up to several seconds by moving the walls, (2) an anechoic chamber (completely dead room - I remember turning away from my friend - he yelled and I could not hear him. We walked on a metal woven grate suspended in the center of the room), (3) a recording room, (4) a performing room, and maybe others, I don't remember. I was shown their newly developed CD4 system. They sat me in the middle of a room with only speakers in each corner. I remember being so stunned to hear 4 guitars clearly and individually coming from each of the 4 speakers with what seemed like NO overlap. A month or so later, I was hired by them to review their literature and clarify the English. I can't remember how many I did but couldn't believe how many models one company could produce
They had also just released their line of SEA (Sound Equalization Amplifier) equipment. Besides the money they paid me, I was given some stuff. The pictures attached were of a 4DD-5 I was given and never opened. They also tried to replicate my JBL C36-030 speakers and they gave me a set. I still have them and installed the original JBL components. Unfortunately, the 1 1/2" thick multi-layer plywood available in Japan was not as dense as what was available in the US of the time. I had to significantly internally brace the box....but they sure look nice. I also have a set of JBL 4320 speakers. Through JVC, I also obtained some high end Sansui stuff. I still have my AU-20000 and AU11000. Was thinking of using them to hook up a CD4 system. I have about a dozen unopened CD4 records they gave me plus their test/adjustment record. Unfortunately, I no longer have a Shibata stylus capable of playing the records. I'd like to find one.
Thank you for letting me tell a story that absolutely no one in my life today cares to hear - and probably you too
Cheers from near Seattle
Rich
