JVC VR-5660 (circa 1974–1975)
Not much is documented about the JVC VR-5660 today. A 1975 buyer's guide in HiFI-Stereo (p.45) lists its specifications. The record shows an FM stereo receiver from the mid-1970s, one of JVC's higher-tier models. It appears to have been noteworthy enough that competing manufacturers cited its low distortion figures in their own advertising (HiFI-Stereo, December 1974, p.64).
The VR-5660 had a digital frequency readout instead of a traditional dial scale, which was a fairly advanced feature for the time (HiFI-Stereo, 1975, p.45). The power amplifier stage was a "pure complementary OCL" design, rated at 120 watts per channel dynamic power into 8 ohms at 0.5% THD, with an IHF power bandwidth of 10-25,000 Hz. JVC's proprietary SEA (Sound Effect Amplifier) multi-band equalization system was included. FM usable sensitivity was 2.0 µV and capture ratio was 2.0 dB. The tuning section was pre-assembled, and the unit had JVC's "Black Magic" panel lighting and flywheel tuning. The 1975 edition of HiFI-Stereo (p.45) confirmed these specifications in a buyer's guide format.
The best evidence of the VR-5660's reputation is an advertisement for the MX 1580 receiver from late 1974. The ad boasted that the MX 1580 combined the best specs of several competing receivers - and named the "THD* of the JVC VR-5660" as one of its benchmarks (HiFI-Stereo, December 1974, p.64; also in High Fidelity, December 1974, p.10). Receiver competition was fierce then, and JVC's rival used the VR-5660 as the standard for low total harmonic distortion.
Known Specifications (from period sources)
- Type: FM stereo receiver
- Power output: 120 W/ch dynamic power into 8 ohms at 0.5% THD
- IHF power bandwidth: 10–25,000 Hz
- Amplifier topology: Pure complementary OCL
- Tone control: SEA (Sound Effect Amplifier) multi-band equalization
- FM usable sensitivity: 2.0 µV
- FM capture ratio: 2.0 dB
- Tuning: Digital frequency readout (no dial scale)
- Panel lighting: "Black Magic"
- FM tuning section: Pre-assembled
Almost nothing else is recorded about the VR-5660. No service literature, original pricing, or first-hand user accounts have surfaced in the public record. If you have a brochure, a manual, or memories of this receiver, the Archive would welcome the addition.
Similar items on eBay
No exact JVC VR-5660 listings are live right now — these searches show current JVC and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.