DIATONE Z-30 (1983)

​The Diatone (Mitsubishi) Z-30 features technology borrowed from the World First Vertical turntable, the Mitsubishi LT-5V. This is a vertical loading Linear tracking fully automatic turntable hidden behind a large multifunction display panel. On the right hand side there are two logic controlled cassette units. One is playback only while the other is a recording/playback unit, both having Dolby noise reduction circuits incorporated. The matching loudspeakers for this unit were the SS-Z10 2-way speakers. This model however can only be operated from the mains, so it's not truly a boombox, more like a "moveable component". Another unique feature of this model is the "Roboty" interface. With this interface it was possible the control this device with the Mitsubishi ML-8000 MSX1 computer. Dimensions: 51x355x205 mm | Weight: 15.5 kg. (Featured musician: Masami Tsuchiya)

​JVC DC-7L (1982)

The JVC DC-7L is a "Portable Disc Component" system introduced in 1982. The system features a a glide-out, fully automatic, linear-tracking turntable with automatic record size selector. Press the smoked acryl door lightly and the turntable will glide out. The receiver section of the unit features Automatic Source Selection, microphone mixing, timer function and an output power of 2x20 W Music Power. The radio section has 4 bands: FM Stereo, MW, LW and SW. The cassette recorder section features a Metal tape compatible recoder with Music Scan, REC Mute, automatic record level setting, soft touch operation, ANRS/Dolby-B noise reduction. Switching from turntable playback to cassette playback is easy, all you need is, press Play on the cassette recorder. Not only the cassette will start to play but also the turntable will switch off and the arm will move to start position. The detachable 2-way bass reflex speakers have a 12 cm bass unit and a paper cone tweeter while at the back we can find attached the battery compartiment for 8 D-cells. The removable carry handle has an integrated telescopic antenna for FM reception. Dimensions: 727x350x237 mm | Weight: 16.6 kg | Operation: Mains, Car battery, 8 D-cell batteries.

​SHARP VZ-V2 (1981)

​The SHARP VZ-V2 is the Japanese market version of the SHARP VZ-2000 and it was introduced in 1981. The radio section receives AM and FM Stereo programmes and it has a large rotary tuming control with large easy-to-read tuning scale. The amplifier delivers a total of 20W with separate 5W module for the 16cm bass/mid driver and 5W module for the 5cm tweeter to each channel. The cassette recorder section can handle Normal, Chrome and Metal tapes with a frequency response of 30-14,000/15,000/16,000 Hz. The recorder features Dolby noise reduction and manual recording level with LED multi-function level meters and a music search system called by Sharp APSS (Auto Program Search System). The main attraction however is the vertical loading turntable that features a Sharp speciality, Both sides play with two radial tracking tonearms fitted with Audiotechnica cartridge. This is an extremely large and heavy portable music center. Dimensions: 738x459x193 mm | Weight: 16.5 kg | Operation: Mains, 15V external, 10xUM1 batteries. 

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