JVC 9475


JVC 9475 is a Stereo Radio Cassette Recorder manufactured in Japan in approximately 1977, and coined by JVC NIVICO as the "GO EVERYWHERE STEREO". It sported an output transformer-less (OTL) stereo amplifier circuit design, permalloy record / playback head, stereo microphones for indoor and field recordings, and robust plastic case with a generous use of plastic. The transport mechanism was one of the best with full shutoff capability, which automatically stops at the end of tape rewind and forward functions.
Here is a list of some similar models.
- 9475
- 9475 S
- 9475 C
- 9475 LS
- 9475 LSB
- 9475 W
- RC-9475
During the 70s, the Victor Company of Japan released many models of the 9475 series with differences mainly in reception bands, and it became a very iconic design of the 70s and 80s. All units had a radio dial on the left side and a pair of large VU meters on the right side. In all versions, the cassette transport mechanism, powering scheme, and dual-cone speakers, were very similar if not identical. Although all models had four bands, the actual bands tended to vary. The 9475S is a four-band radio, with three SW bands, and one MW band. It had a build-in transformer with switchable options for 110 V, 220 V, and 240 V. The JVC Model No 9475W also has four bands; however, they were FM, MW, SW1, and SW2.The 9475LS and 9475LSB have four bands but they are FM Stereo, MW, LW, and SW. Although this article and photographs are about the 9475S, it should still give you some idea of the engineering design and build quality of the series.

These units always had these very large meters that are very responsive. They will indicate playback levels, and recording levels. One also serves as a signal strength meter for tuning the radio. The meter also provides display of the remaining battery charge.

The meters hare robustly attached from the inside. You can see more of the inside electronics in the following pages of this multi-page article.

The 70s was when the use of plastics was increasing, and many of the 9475 models have black coloured plastic case for the most part. The plastic has outdoor quality ruggedness; hence, many units will have small dents and scratches because of their owners using it outside.
There is a very thin coat of silver painting around the cassette lid, speaker rim, tuning dial, and VU meter plastic. On very old units, you can expect scratching of the silver paint, and fading on the cassette lid. If you leave the unit in the open, then it results in dust collecting on the top side, and it usually gets into the slider controls making it look messy.
Many of these units had a problem with the radio operation dying. This was due to a small one-transistor voltage regulator circuit consisting of two resistors and a Zener diode. Usually the 2SC828 transistor, which is an NPN BJT, dies by going open. Of course, there are many ways to solve this issue to repair the radio.

In this photograph, you can see all the audio connections. This unit was one of JVCs first steps into portable audio and they included almost everything one would need in the field.
eBay / Cost
I bought this unit from a very deceptive seller because when I received it, I noticed evidence of fresh soldering. Since the previous owner could not repair it, he had taken out the motor, and microphones before sending it to me. It also had missing screws, broken counter, and botched wiring. Consequently, it took over a year to find all the parts to restore it back into working condition.
Although these units would have been mass-produced, they were easy to scratch and damage and many people would have discarded them. Consequently, in the UK, there will be a landfill site of the 70s somewhere with hundreds of these buried.
If there is one going cheap and it is in good condition, then it is worth buying for the collection. A broken / damaged one would not be worth any more than twenty pounds, however, one in mint condition together with its accessories and original box could go for well over a hundred pounds.
This Article Continues...
JVC 9475JVC 9475 OTL Amplifier
JVC 9475 Permalloy Head
JVC 9475 Drive Belts
JVC 9475 Loudspeakers
JVC 9475 Radio Electronics
JVC 9475 Tape Transport Mechanism
JVC 9475 Power Supply