JVC KD-A3

Type: 2-head, single compact cassette deck

Track System: 4-track, 2-channel stereo

Tape Speed: 4.8 cm/s

Heads: 1 x record/playback, 1 x erase

Motor: electronic governer DC

Tape Type: type I, CrO2, Metal

Noise Reduction: ANRS

Frequency Response: 20Hz to 18kHz  (Metal tape)

Signal to Noise Ratio: 65dB  (ANRS)

Wow and Flutter: 0.055%

Total Harmonic Distortion: 1.0%

Input: 80mV (line), 0.2mV (mic)

Output: 0.3V (line)

Semiconductors: 5 x IC, 21 x transistors, 31 x diodes, 1 x SCR

Dimensions: 420 x 149 x 262mm

Weight: 5.6kg

From Cassettedeck.org:

The JVC KD-A3 is a stereo cassette deck with JVC’s ANRS and Super ANRS noise reduction, it was introduced by JVC in 1979 with a recommended retail price of USD $300 and discontinued 3 years later in 1982.

The main features of the JVC KD-A3 are: 2 heads, analog 3 digit tape counter, manual tape type selection with support for normal, chrome, ferro-chrome and metal tapes, belt driven single-capstan transport.

Typical front loading cassette deck with the cassette compartiment located on the right side of the deck. Tape eject is operated mechanically and the cassette needs to be placed with the side to be played facing forward in the cassette well.

Level meters used on the KD-A3 are analog needle VU reading meters with peak indicator for easy adjustment of optimum recording level. Mechanical transport controls for reliable KD-A3 transport function selection.

Super ANRS developed by JVC and used in the KD-A3 applies compression in recording and expansion in playback to improve dynamic range at high frequencies. Also Super ANRS is a highly effective noise reduction system that reduces tape hiss by boosting the signal-to-noise ratio as much as 10db over 5000Hz.

To make live recordings this deck has 2 microphone inputs to connect microphones with a jack connector. For undisturbed listening a jack connector for a pair of stereo headphones is supplied. Connection to other audio components for plaback can be achieved by a RCA cable and recording from a source by a RCA cable.