Technology is always changing. The stuff we have today is a lot different from what we had decades ago, from discs to tapes to shinier digital discs (and some shiny digital tapes too). I became interested in these trends back when DVD was replacing VHS in the late 90's and, finding nowhere on the internet to learn about the devices of yesteryear, I started my own. It is interesting to see the evolution among brands and between model years, the relationship between budget, performance, and those in the middle. This database is designed to capture these trends and display them at a glance, just like flipping through an old stack of catalogs (which I have a decent collection of). This website doesn't just vomit model numbers at you and best-of-luck figuring out how they relate to each other. This database is all about context. I hope HiFi fans find it useful.
The Audio/Video Component Archive was started in May 2000, when the internet was a much emptier place. Info on 80's (and, already, 90's) HiFi was extremely scarce and I saw an opportunity to start the first, I suppose, "virtual museum" for old HiFi equipment. Mainstream audio has moved onto smartphones. The average Joe isn't looking for a 5-Disc Carousel to go with his Stereo Receiver anymore, but there are still new products for enthusiasts. My goal is to cover everything "From Beta to Blu-ray", or 1976 thru 2009. Betamax was the first mass-market video format, and Blu-ray was the last before online streaming took over. 2009 was the first Blu-ray lineup after it won the format war against HD DVD.
I don't collect the gear, just the catalogs (in PDF and JPG form, preferably). I add new listings here when I have the time. If you're looking for first-hand advice on a certain piece of equipment, I direct you to an audiophile forum such as AudioKarma or TapeHeads.net. If you'd like to buy or repair a unit I have links to search eBay and DuckDuckGo. This site is not affiliated with any seller. See my Terms of Use at the bottom of the page. Remember that old tape decks, CD players, etc will typically need new belts. And the greedy ones sell the remote seperately.
Demo Mode:
This database is still a work in progress. The gear you're looking for might not be in here yet, or their listings might not be finished. Perhaps you're wondering what it's all supposed to look like when it's done. (Ha ha! When it's done...)
To demonstrate the AVCA's features, let's use some of the listings I've finished.
⇲ Column View, for a line of products
⇲ Detail View, for a single product
⇲ List View, when you want to see the whole haystack
⇲ Carryover Year, to show older products carried over
⇲ Feature Search, to filter by text match
⇲ Model Number Search, what most of you are here for
⇲ and Random Play, just because
⇲ Program Play, to show a custom playlist
⇲ Compare Play, features side-by-side
How to Read the Listings:
Brand/ Model Number: The model number of the component, listed without any dashes or spaces. Sometimes extra characters may be used (such as a "U" at the end of JVC VCRs' numbers, or a "MKII" to indicate "mark 2"). The information will generally reflect models sold in America. If I've come across alternate model numbers they're also listed. The KRC357D and KRC357L were the European and Asian equivalents to the KRC302.
Category/ Subcategory/ Year: The KRC302 was a "Car Cassette Receiver" from Kenwood's 1996 line, within the "CD Changer Control" subcategory. Not all listings have subcategories and the year isn't always known. A "?" after the year indicates an educated guess.
Related Models: The KRC202 was the next lower model from the same year, and the KRC402 the next one up. The KRC301 was its 1995 equivalent and the KRCS300 its replacement in 1997.
Add to Playlist: By creating a playlist you can stack whatever listed products you like and share it with your friends (by copying the URL), or you can easily compare their features. Use the PGM and COMPARE buttons in the navigation bar.
Notes: When I looked up the KRC357D and KRC357L versions of this receiver, I noticed some of the features were different.
Features & Specs: The data about the component. Underlined features are what it had added over, in this example, the KRC202. Sometimes features are taken away, these are put underneath in
Photo: If I find an image available, I'll scan/photoshop it and post it. Most images do not belong to me and are posted under Fair Use. Source(s) are cited in red text below the photo (or sometimes in the Sources field). Pictures I've taken myself say public domain at the bottom of the graphic.
Price When New/ Sources: Price is how much the model cost when it was first sold (in U.S. Dollars). Clicking on the price will convert it to 2024 dollars. Then I list my sources.
Link to this: Some users link to database entries on other sites (thanks, by the way!). Clicking "Link to this" will take you to an easily linkable page with only the selected model. Clicking on the category will show you all the products from that brand during that year.
JVC XLF215 (1994 Home CD Player)
JVC RX515V (1994 Home Receiver)
JVC RX715V (1994 Home Receiver)
JVC RX815V (1994 Home Receiver)
JVC MXC99S (1994 Shelf System)
JVC MXC77 (1994 Shelf System)
Pioneer CCS490 (1994 Shelf System)
Pioneer CCS590 (1994 Shelf System)
JVC MXS20 (1994 Shelf System)
JVC MXC55 (1994 Shelf System)
JVC MXC33 (1994 Shelf System)
Sony LBTD250 (1994 Shelf System)
Sony LBTD550 (1994 Shelf System)
Sony MHCC55 (1994 Shelf System)
Sony MHCC33 (1994 Shelf System)
Sony MHC450 (1994 Shelf System)
Sony MHC550 (1994 Shelf System)
Pioneer CDXFM61 (1994 Car CD Changer)
Pioneer CDXFM121 (1994 Car CD Changer)
JVC KDMK71RF (1994 Car CD Changer)
Sony MDXU1 (1993 Car MD Receiver)
Pioneer CDXP1200 (1994 Car CD Changer)
Pioneer CDXP600 (1994 Car CD Changer)
JVC KDGS40 (1994 Car CD Receiver)