JVC KD-A33 B (01) PDF MANUAL

Single lever 4-stage tape select switch makes the KD-A33 compatible with all types of tape including the new metal Tape format.

Full logic control with 2-motor independent drive mechanism.

SA (SEN-ALLOY) record/play head with wear resistance comparable with ferrite and sound quality better than Permalloy.

Highly efficient SA (SEN-ALLOY) erase head capable of erasing high-coercivity Metal Tape.

Self-illuminating control buttons clearly indicate the operational mode (REC, PLAY and PAUSE).

ANRS and Super ANRS greatly reduce tape hiss-noise and improve linearity at high frequencies.

Continuous stand-by mechanism with REC-OFF-PLAY switch for greater facility in unattended recording.

REC MUTE button, convenient for leaving a non-recorded section on the tape between programs.

Remote Control terminal for operating the deck from a distance using the optional R-50E Remote Control Unit.

1. POWER switch

2. VU meters

3. Super ANRS indicator

4. REC LEVEL controls (forward knob – Left channel, rearward knob – Right channel)

5. Cassette holder

6. Tape counter/counter reset button

7. EJECT button

8. TIMER STANDBY switch

9. PHONES jack

10. MIC jacks

11. INPUT SELECT switch

12. ANRS switch

13. TAPE SELECT switch

14. Cassette operation buttons:

◄◄ REW (rewind) button

►► FF (fast forward) button

► PLAY button

■ STOP button

● REC (record) button

❙❙ PAUSE button

REC MUTE button

15. Voltage select switch

16. REMOTE CONTROL socket

17. LINE IN (REC) terminals

18. REC/PLAY socket (DIN socket)

19. LINE OUT (PLAY) terminals

20. Power cord

After long use, the heads and tape path components (capstan, pinch roller, etc.) will become dirty with dust or magnetic particles. Dirty heads cause imperfect erasing or high-frequency drop-off. A dirty capstan and pinch roller will cause unstable tape speed, leading to increased wow and flutter. Keep them clean by following these procedures:

1. Heads:

1) Push the Eject button to open the cassette holder.

2) Use the head cleaning stick provided to wipe the surface where the tape comes into contact with the head. (It is effective to moisten the cotton with alcohol.)

2. Pinch roller and capstan:

Do the same method as for the heads.

3. Cabinet:

When the cabinet becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft cloth soaked with a neutral cleaning solution or a polishing cloth.

* Do not use thinner or benzine.

The heads are made from a material resistant to magnetization, but after long use, they can become magnetized. A magnet brought into their vicinity can also magnetize the heads, causing excess noise. If noise seems to have increased, demagnetize the heads with a head demagnetizer using the following procedure:

1. Turn the POWER switch OFF.

2. Wrap the tip of the demagnetizer with vinyl tape or soft cloth so as not to damage the head surface. Switch on the demagnetizer and bring it close to the head.

3. Move the tip of the demagnetizer slowly, first to the left and right, then up and down in front of the head. Gradually move it away from the head and switch it off at a distance of more than 30 cm (12″).

4. The erase head need not be demagnetized. The capstan shaft and tape guide should be demagnetized in the same way as the record/playback head.

* Do not bring a magnetized metallic object (a screwdriver, for example) near the head as this will increase noise.

Cassette door:

1. Depress the EJECT button to open the cassette door.

2. Slide off the cassette door upwards (about 5mm) to unlock its pawls on both sides.

3. Remove the cassette door forward.

Top cover:

1. Remove 4 screws fastening the top cover.

Control knobs (REC LEVEL) and Lever knobs (INPUT SELECT, ANRS and TAPE SELECT):

1. Pull off them forward.

Bottom cover:

1. Remove 5 screws fastening the bottom cover.

Mecha. Control switches assembly (When adjusting or replacing REC/PB head or Erase head):

1. Remove the wires of the control switches from the wire clamp and 2 wire sockets after having removed the top cover.

2. Remove 2 screws positioned below the control switches (on the bottom of the deck) and pull the control section forwards – no need of removing the front panel assembly.

Front plate assembly:

1. Remove a screw fastening the bracket to the mechanical assembly.

2. Remove 5 screws (3 screws on upper side and 2 screws on bottom side) fastening the front plate assembly.

(Front plate is removed with cassette holder and air damper related parts.)

Meter Escutcheon:

1. Remove 2 screws fastening the meter escutcheon (under side).

2. Remove 3 pawls holding the meter escutcheon (upper side).

(Meter escutcheon is removed with power knob and LED P.W. Board assembly.)

Level meter:

1. To remove 3 pawls of the meter cover, open the frame of front bracket to the upper side.

2. Then, remove the level meter with meter cover to the rear side.

(To remove the level meter, the meter escutcheon need not be removed.)

Mechanical control P.W. Board assembly:

1. Remove a screw fastening Mecha. control P.W. Board (on mecha. bracket).

Main amp. P.W. Board assembly:

1. Related parts of front bracket: Remove 3 screws fastening the lever switches (INPUT SELECT, ANRS and TAPE SELECT).

2. Remove 4 screws fastening the main amp. P.W. board (on bottom side).

3. Remove 2 screws fastening the escutcheon of pin jack assembly to the rear panel.

4. Pull off the P.W. board to rear and under sides.

Removal:

1. Remove a screw fastening the bracket of the mechanical assembly.

2. Remove 2 screws fastening the front bracket (upper side).

3. Remove a screw fastening the front bracket (right side).

4. Remove 4 screws fastening the amp. chassis (2 screws each).

Assembly Note:

Insert the mechanical assembly to the front bracket from the rear side, pushing the shift arm from the upper side (holding the shift lever tip to the upper side and sliding the mechanical assembly on the amp. chassis). Fasten each screw in the same method as at removal. After assembly, check the shift lever tip position relative to the front of the eject bracket. When fastening the shift arm, push the eject button to check the switch (left side of shift arm) operation.

1. REC/PB head:

– Remove screw ①.

– Work loose screw ② for adjustment.

2. Erase head:

– Remove screw ③.

– Work loose screw ④ for adjustment.

3. Pinch roller arm assembly:

– Remove an E-ring ⑤ holding its assembly.

– Pull it off from the shaft.

4. Supply reel disc:

– Pull out the reel disc stopper ⑥ and pull out its disc from the shaft.

5. Take-up reel disc:

– Pull out the reel disc stopper ⑦ and remove the counter belt, pull out its disc from the shaft.

*Note (1): Remove the reel disc stoppers with a piece of sheet metal inserted between the reel disc and the stopper. (When assembling the reel disk, the stopper needs new parts; the stopper cannot be used again.)

*Note (2): Be careful not to stain the counter belt.

6. Reel motor:

– Remove 3 screws ⑧ fastening the reel motor.

7. Capstan motor:

1) Remove a screw ⑨ fastening the rubber stopper.

2) Remove the capstan belt from the motor pulley.

3) To remove the motor, turn it in a counter-clockwise direction and pull it out backward (with 3 cushions and 3 screws for fastening the motor).

*Note: When replacing the motor, check the following points:

(1) Is the motor placed in the correct position? (Don’t make the motor’s position deflective.)

(2) Does the capstan belt run in the center of the motor pulley?

1. Electrical adjustment:

1) Electronic voltmeter

2) Audio frequency oscillator (range: 50-20kHz and output 0dB with impedance 600Ω)

3) Attenuator

4) Standard tapes for REC/PB:

– Maxell UD – SF tape

– TDK SA – SA tape

– SCOTCH METAFINE – Metal tape (or equivalent)

5) Reference tapes for playback (JVC Test Tape):

– VTT-658 (for head azimuth adj.)

– VTT-656 (for motor speed, wow flutter adj.)

– VTT-664 (for Reference level 1kHz)

– VTT-675N (for playback frequency response)

6) Resistors:

– 100Ω (for measurement of the bias current)

– 600Ω (for attenuator matching)

2. Mechanical adjustment:

1) Gauge for checking the head position.

2) Torque gauge

3) Blank tape (C-120) for tape running checker.

1. Remove the wires of the control switches from the wire clamps after having removed the top cover.

2. Remove the two screws positioned below the control switches (on the bottom of the deck) and pull the control section forwards.

3. With the control section pulled out, azimuth adjustment and/or head replacement can be performed. This method allows for easier adjustment compared to conventional decks that require removal of the entire mechanical section.

Item	Adjustment	Adjusting point	Standard value	Remarks
Adjusting record/playback head position	1. Connect an electronic voltmeter to the LINE OUT terminals. 2. Play back the VTT-658 test tape. 3. Adjust the head angle with the screw A until the reading of the electronic voltmeter becomes maximum for both channels. 4. After adjusting, set the screw with screw bond.	Screw A	Maximum	If the head is worn, disconnected or exceedingly magnetized so as not to provide the necessary characteristics, replace it with a new one. After replacement, the head position adjustment as well as the playback level adjustment, the bias current adjustment and the recording level adjustment are all necessary. If the output difference between the left and right channels exceeds 3 – 4dB, the head is defective. Replace it with a new one.
Adjusting erase head height	Employ a special cassette (C-120) from which parts of the casing, where the erase head, record/playback head and capstan engage, has been cut away. Perform tape transport with the cassette tape. Adjust the screw C until the tape runs in the center of the erase head tape guide. (See “Troubleshooting hints” aforesaid.) [Diagram showing correct and incorrect tape alignment in guide]	Screw C		Be sure to perform this adjustment after replacing the erase head.
Adjusting motor speed	Connect a speed meter (an electronic counter) to the LINE OUT terminals. Play back the VTT-656 test tape. Adjust the semi-fixed resistor in the motor until the reading of the speed meter is 3000Hz.	Semi-fixed resistor in the motor	3000Hz	If the speed meter functions as a wow and flutter meter, also, connect the deck to the INPUT terminals of the meter.
Checking playback torque	Employ a torque testing cassette tape for the checking, or remove the cassette cover and use a torque gauge.		40 – 70 gr-cm	If the standard torque is not obtained, replace the take-up disc assembly.
Checking fast forward torque	Measure the torque in the fast forward mode in the same manner as in the above.		More than 70 gr-cm	If the standard torque is not obtained, perform the following: 1. Clean the capstan belt, the idler circumference, the motor pulley, the take-up reel disc circumference, the flywheel circumference, etc. 2. Replace the belt and idler.
Checking rewind torque	Measure the torque in the rewind mode in the same manner as in the above.		More than 70 gr-cm	If the standard torque is not obtained, clean the capstan belt, idler, motor pulley, flywheel circumference, rewinding idler circumference, left reel disc circumference, etc.
Checking wow and flutter	Connect a wow and flutter meter to the LINE OUT terminals. Play back the VTT-656 test tape. Check to see if the reading of the meter is within 0.04% (WRMS).			If the reading becomes moving value even if conforming to the standard, a re-claim may be raised. Repairs are necessary.

If wow and flutter increase, check the following points. If there is a defect in revolving parts, the wow and flutter generated will increase in proportion to the number of revolutions. Play a 3000Hz test tape, and the defective part can be detected from the sound.

Section	Trouble	Repair
Capstan and flywheel	Capstan shaft has excessive run-out. Flywheel turns heavily (shaft seizure, thrust play, etc.)	Replace flywheel. Clean the capstan shaft and the groove in the flywheel. Apply oil to the metal position. Replace the capstan assembly.
Pinch roller	Rough rotation (Deformation scratches, or dust). The angular position of the pinch roller is not correct. The pinch roller pressure is not correct.	Replace pinch roller, or pinch roller spring. Clean the pinch roller or apply oil to the rotary shaft. Adjust the pinch roller so that it is parallel with the capstan shaft. Replace the pinch roller spring.
Belt	Belt has undue run-out. Belt is dirty or slippery.	Clean the belt. Replace the belt.
Back tension	Back tension is irregular, or back tension is too strong.	Replace back tension spring (under supply disc).
Motor	Motor shaft has undue run-out. Motor pulley is oily and dusty.	Replace motor. Clean motor pulley.

Perform adjustments with the ANRS switch set to OFF and in the order of steps 1, 2, 3…

Step	Item	Adjustment	Adjusting point	Standard value	Remarks
1*	Adjusting playback level	1. Playback the VTT-664 Reference tape (1kHz) with the tape select switch set to the SF/NORM position. 2. Adjust VR102 and VR202 until the LINE OUT becomes about -8dBs.	VR102, VR202	-8dBs	This adjustment becomes necessary when a change in playback level results (for example, due to head replacement).
2*	Playback frequency response	Playback test tape VTT-675N (1kHz, 10kHz) for following adjustment. 1) Adjust VR101 and VR201 so that 10kHz signal and 1kHz signal gains become flat response.	VR101, VR201
3*	Adjusting VU meter deflection	1. Set the cassette deck to its recording mode. 2. Apply a 1kHz, approx. -10dBs signal to the LINE IN terminals. 3. Adjust the recording level controls until the signal is available at -8dBs at the LINE OUT terminals. 4. Adjust VR103 and VR203 until the VU meters deflect to 0.	VR103, VR203	0VU	Perform the adjustment when the parts are replaced.
4*	Checking record/playback frequency response	Record 1kHz, 50Hz and 12.5kHz signals at an input level of 0VU to -20dB. Playback the tape. Check to see that the 50Hz and 12.5kHz signal output deviations fall within the standard range, using the 1kHz signal output as a reference.	For SF/NORM tape: VR107, VR207 For SA/CrO2 tape: VR108, VR208 For Metal tape: VR109, VR209	Reference frequency: 1kHz 0 ± 3dB at 50Hz 0 ± 3dB at 12.5kHz	This checking should be performed for normal, chrome and metal tapes and for both right and left channels. 1. Bias current adjustment for a cassette deck should generally be performed referring to the record/playback frequency response. This is because the frequency response depends more greatly upon the bias current than does that of an open reel deck. The current measuring method described below is an alternative one. 2. If the bias current is not properly adjusted, the record and playback characteristics become as shown below: [Graph showing effect of bias current on frequency response]
5	Adjusting recording level	1. Apply a 1kHz, approx. -10dB signal to the LINE IN terminals. Adjust the recording level controls until the signal is available at -8dBs at the LINE OUT terminals. 2. After checking to see if the VU indicator becomes 0, record the signal applied to both left and right channels using normal tape. 3. Play back the recording part. Perform the recording signal adjustment with VR106 and VR206 so that the VU indicator becomes 0.	VR106, VR206	0VU	The level difference between left and right channels for normal tape, chrome tape and metal tape should be less than 1dB (1VU). Perform the adjustment using a normal tape. Level difference between recording and playback for SA/CrO2 and metal tapes should be less than 1.5dB, and that between left and right channels should also be less than 1dB.
6	Checking record/playback signal distortion	1. Record a 1kHz, -8dBs signal to LINE IN terminals and perform recording with the VU meter becoming 0. 2. Play back the recorded part. Check the output with a distortion meter to see if the value conforms to the standard value.		SF/NORM tape: Less than 1.2% SA/CrO2 tape: Less than 3% Metal tape: Less than 2%	Be sure to perform this adjustment following bias current and recording level adjustments.
7	Checking signal to noise ratio in recording/playback	1. Record a 1kHz, 0VU signal. Stop the input by disconnecting from the terminal to perform non-signal recording. 2. Play back the recorded part. Measure the 0VU recording output and the non-signal recording output for comparison using an electronic voltmeter. Check to see if the value conforms to the standard value.		SF/NORM, SA/CrO2 and Metal tapes: More than 42dB	Apply an output (-72dBs) to the MIC terminals with the recording level controls set to maximum so that the VU meter becomes 0.
8	Checking erasing coefficient	1. Apply a 1kHz signal to the LINE IN terminals. Adjust the recording level controls until the VU meter becomes 0. 2. Perform recording with the signal enhanced by 20dB. 3. Erase a part of the recording. 4. Measure the output difference between the erased part and non-erased part to compare with an electronic voltmeter.		More than 65dB	For the measuring, connect a band pass filter between the deck and the electronic voltmeter.

* Steps marked with an asterisk should be performed, however, only checking is sufficient with steps other than those.

Parts No.	Parts Name	Remarks	Q’ty
VMP0002-00A	PIN Cord	KD-A33 A/C/J/U	2
CN-201	DIN Cord	KD-A33 B/E	1
VYA4001-001	Head Cleaning Stick		1
VNN0056-301	Instruction Book		1
VND4013-001	Warning Label	for Disconnection, KD-A33 A/B/E	1
T46328-003	Caution Label	for V Selector, KD-A33 A/B	1
BT20029B	Warranty Card	KD-A33 A	1
BT20013C	Guarantee Certificate	KD-A33 B	1
TJL000443-01	Seal	Made in Japan, KD-A33 B	1
–	BEAB Label	KD-A33 B	1
QZL1002-003BS	Warning Label	for 2-pin Power Cord, KD-A33 B	1
VNC5004-001	Mark Sticker	DIN45 500, KD-A33 B/E	1
BT20025C	Warranty Card	KD-A33 C	1
T44362-001	CSA Marker	KD-A33 C	1
TLT000505-01	UL/CSA Caution Label	KD-A33 C/J	2
T46328-004	Caution Label	for Voltage Selector, KD-A33 E	1
BT20032B	Warranty Card	KD-A33 J/U (U- for PX. EES)	1
BT20042	Special Reply Card	“	1
E7795-1	EP Mark	for PX. EES, KD-A33 U	1
V04062-001	Siemens Plug	KD-A33 U	1
T46328-001	Caution Label	“	1
VNC5311-101	Caution Card	for EES, KD-A33 U	1
VPZ4001-001	Serial Ticket	KD-A33 A/B/E/J/U	1
T43758-001	Serial Ticket	KD-A33 C	2

Type: Stereo cassette deck

Track system: 4-track, 2-channel

Tape speed: 1-7/8 inch/sec (4.8 cm/sec)

Frequency response:

(0 VU recording)

Metal tape (*1): 30–12,500Hz (±3dB)

SA/Chrome tape (*2): 30–8,000Hz (±3dB)

SF/Normal tape (*3): 30–8,000Hz (±3dB)

(-20 VU recording)

Metal tape (*1): 20–18,000Hz, 30–16,000Hz (±3dB)

SA/Chrome tape (*2): 20–18,000Hz, 30–16,000Hz (±3dB)

SF/Normal tape (*3): 20–17,000Hz, 30–15,000Hz (±3dB)

Surpasses DIN 45 500

Note: *1 SCOTCH METAFINE or Equivalent, *2 TDK SA or Equivalent, *3 MAXELL UD or Equivalent

S/N ratio: 60dB (from peak level, weighted, Metal tape)

The S/N is improved by 5dB at 1kHz and by 10dB above 5kHz with ANRS on. (DIN 45 500 weighted)

Effect of Super ANRS: (normal tape)

Improvement of S/N: the same as with ANRS

Improvement of frequency response: 0VU recording; 6dB at 10kHz, +5VU recording; 12dB at 10kHz

Improvement of distortion: 0VU recording; 3% or less at 10kHz, +5VU recording; 3% or less at 10kHz

Wow and flutter: 0.04% (WRMS), 0.14% (DIN 45 500)

Crosstalk: 65dB (1kHz)

Harmonic distortion: K3; 0.4%, THD; 1.0% (metal tape, 1kHz 0VU)

Bias: AC bias

Erasure: AC erasure (85kHz)

Heads: 2 heads – SEN ALLOY head for recording/playback and 2-gap SEN ALLOY head for erasure

Motors: Electronic Governed DC motor (for Capstan), DC motor (for Reel)

Fast forward time: 85 sec. with C-60 cassette

Rewind time: 85 sec. with C-60 cassette

Semiconductors: 7 ICs, 57 transistors, 31 diodes

Input terminals:

Mic jack x 2: Max. sensitivity; 0.2mV (-72dBs), Matching impedance; 600Ω–10kΩ

Input jack x 2: Min. input level; 80mV (-20dBs), Input impedance; 100kΩ

Output terminals:

Output jack x 2: Output level; 300mV, Output impedance; 5kΩ

Phones jack x 1: Output level; 0.3mW (8Ω), Matching impedance; 8Ω–1kΩ

DIN socket: Min. input level; 0.1mV/kΩ, Input impedance; 10kΩ, Output level; 300mV (8Ω), Output impedance; 5.5kΩ, Matching impedance; 50kΩ or more

Power requirement: AC 240/220/120V, 50/60Hz (KD-A33A/B/C/E/J), AC 240/220/120/100V, 50/60Hz (KD-A33U)

Power consumption: 21W

Dimensions: 16-1/2″ (420mm) W, 4-3/4″ (120mm) H, 11-7/8″ (300mm) D

Weight: 14.7 lbs (6.7 kg)

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.