The AVCA covers mass-market rack components (receivers, tape decks, VCRs) and those that are installed in dashboards (head units), grouped as Home "Audio", Home "Video", and "Car."

Shelf Systems are also included under Home Audio, Camcorders under Video, and Hideaway CD/MD Changers under Car Audio.

Click here for a full list of equipment categories.

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.

How to Read the Listings:

Kenwood KRC302

    ALT KRC357D, KRC357L

Car Cassette Receiver - CD Changer Control - 1996

Related Models
<< KRC202 ($180) ╔ KRC402 ($230) >>
-- KRC301 (1995) ╜ KRCS300 (1997) ++bbb

KRC357D/KRC357L have Amber IlluminationDetachable Faceplate, Green Illum., Touch‑Tone Keys ≶ 20w x4 RMS w/ 1.0% THD, 1.8v Preout, CD Changer Control ≶ Attenuator, Bass/Treble, Loudness ≶ Digital Tuner w/ 9.3 dBf FM Sens., 28 dB AM Sens., 18 FM/ 6 AM Presets ≶ 0.12% Wow & Flutter, Auto Reverse, Track Search, B NR, Bias Switch ≶ Black Faceplate, 10 Amps Max, 182 x 53 x 154mm WHD, 1.3 kg.PRICE WHEN NEW $200 ┬┬ SOURCES Crutchfield, Instruction Manual, Kenwood

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 yellow italics. This formatting will be shown when the KRC202 and KRC302 are displayed on the same page, and hidden when the KRC302 is shown by itself (clicking on the model number will do that). The way this database lists features is being standardized, making it easier to match them up across different models. Size and weight are given in metric units, even when my source gave inches/ pounds. Conversions are indicated with a tilde (~).

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.