Weighing in at roughly 23 pounds, this hefty unit was born in Japan during the late 1970s. Outputting 55 watts per channel and loaded with a direct-coupled amplifier section, it offers an authentic vintage hi-fi receiver experience that any collector can enjoy. But it might have a face only a mother could love.
But enough waterworks. Let’s dive into what makes this receiver worthy of attention half a century after it was built.
The JR-S300 packs a punch. It offers a clean, warm sound and a special tone effect that serves to elevate rather than suppress it: SEA.
SEA, or “Sound Effect Amplifier,” is JVC’s name for its built-in graphic equalizer system. Instead of only having traditional Bass and Treble controls, the JR-S300 II uses a 5-band SEA equalizer, letting you boost or cut several different frequency ranges independently. That gives much finer control over the tonal balance. JVC specifically advertised it as covering the spectrum from “low lows to high highs.”
The JR-S300 II also has a neat feature where the SEA section can be switched into the tape-recording circuit, meaning you can apply the EQ to the signal being recorded onto tape.
The front panel has that love-or-hate industrial design. Personally, I dig the bright blue LEDs, the weighted flywheel tuning dial, the black tuner section, and the silver faceplate. But I also can’t say I blame anyone who thinks the aggressively 80s style is a bit much.
But let’s break down what controls we have.
Top left is your two brilliant-blue meters. The window on the left holds the Signal Strength meter and the Tuning Precision meter, while the one on the right holds the Dual Analog Power (watts per 8 ohms) meter. Between them is the PLL Stereo Signal Indicator light. Under the meters rests the large black Tuning Indicator and your finger-friendly push buttons. You have buttons for the Power, Speakers (it can drive two speaker pairs), your inputs (AM, FM, Phono, Aux, and Tape), FM Mute, and Loudness.
Mosey on over to the right and you have the tuning knob. Rather than a larger, circular spin dial, this is a more compact but heavy gyro-touch tuning knob with a textured, slip-resistant surface. And to the right of that is the Volume and Balance slide knobs (aren’t those fun?) and the piece de resistance: the SEA section. You have slider knobs for five frequencies: 40, 250, 1k, 5k, and 15kHz. Under those sliders is the push button for SEA recording. Not too shabby, right?
The rear panel has all of the familiar goodies of a vintage receiver. At the top is a built-in AM bar antenna, along with 300 ohm FM antenna terminals. Below that are the inputs, including Pre In/Out jacks. The Mark II also has inputs for Aux, Tape 1, Tape 2, and Phono. It has two Tape outputs as well for recording.
The far right has Speaker terminals for two pairs of speakers. This receiver lets you drive them as A, B, or A + B. Under those are two AC outlets, one switched and one unswitched. Switched means that the power is controlled by the receiver, while unswitched will continue to receive power even if the receiver is turned off.
For those of you who like numbers…
This receiver is either a beauty or a beast, depending on who you ask. But its unique aesthetics make it a centerpiece whether you love it or hate it. It smashes together “retro” and “modern” into a face that perhaps only a mother can love. Yet while it's not as classically beautiful as a silver-faced Marantz, the JR-S300 Mark 2s have a solid following that’s not to be readily dismissed.
Thanks for reading! If you’re interested in becoming the loving mother of a JR-S300 MKII, you’re in luck! We have one burped, napped, wrapped, and ready to love. You can adopt it here.
Have a great day!
https://spencertified.com/products/jvc-jr-s300-mark-ii-stereo-receiver-1977-78?_pos=1&_psq=jr-s300&_psid=2a2a25a64&_ss=e
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