Denon VS-270Z (c. 1972)
The Denon VS-270Z is a three-way, three-driver bass-reflex bookshelf speaker from the early 1970s. It sold in Japan for ¥29,000 per unit. Its big claim was the "collagen diaphragm" used on the woofer and midrange cones. That is paper treated with a specially processed animal-skin chemical, meant to add internal damping and suppress resonance peaks. A 25 cm cone woofer handled the low end, a 12 cm cone squawker covered the midrange, and a horn-type tweeter took the highs. Crossover points were 750 Hz and 7.5 kHz. A level control sat on the front baffle.
The cabinets were finished in natural rosewood veneer. Impedance was rated at 8 ohms, sensitivity at 93 dB/W/m, and maximum input at 60W. Denon claimed a frequency range of 40 Hz to 20 kHz. Each speaker measured 390 × 640 × 290 mm and weighed 18.6 kg.
Documentation on this model is thin. The only substantial listening impression found is a single Russian-language review, and it is sharply negative. The reviewer called the VS-270Z "muddy mush" and compared it unfavorably to the JBL TLX 9 GI. Surviving units do turn up in collector circles. One forum member offered a pair from a personal collection "in ideal condition, with original grilles and without modifications." At least one restored pair has changed hands with replaced woofer surrounds, a common repair on speakers of this age.
Known specs:
- 3-way, 3-speaker bass-reflex bookshelf system
- 25 cm cone woofer, 12 cm cone midrange, horn tweeter
- Collagen-treated paper cones (woofer and midrange)
- 40 Hz - 20,000 Hz frequency range
- 60W maximum input (program source)
- 93 dB/W/m sensitivity
- 8 Ω impedance
- Crossovers at 750 Hz and 7.5 kHz
- 390 × 640 × 290 mm, 18.6 kg
- ¥29,000 per unit (c. 1972)
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