• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

JVC QL-?? owners thread

Great thread, @BillWojo ! Thanks for getting it started.

Here are a few links that I've accumulated for my QL-Y5F and QL-Y66F:








Oh, and perhaps @CT Jim can share his experiences with trying to find the custom IC chip that runs the Y5F.
 
Hey @SounderMN, that JVC TT is pretty rare, I don't have a problem discussing that TT on here. Looks like a pretty good one as well as being beautiful.
Tell us more about it.
Doug, you have some JVC QL tables as well.........

BillWojo
 
dlucy said:
If you view the image or manual in Google on your phone or upload the image and use their translate function. It'll recognize the characters and live translate them into English.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip! I knew that the google translate app could do such thing (and tried on my old-ass phone and alas the app didn't work), but I had no idea it could be done on a desktop pc, traslating from a photo. I'll try that next time.

Btw, I don't want to derail the thread too much, but I see that you have a Denon DL-160 cart. How good does this one sound? It was installed stock on the DP-47F table so I'm thinking it must be a good fit for these tables and also the JVC QL-Y33F/Y44F. There's one locally that's cheap-ish
 
Last edited:
Final_Baton said:
Thanks for the tip! I knew that the google translate app could do such thing (and tried on my old-ass phone and alas the app didn't work), but I had no idea it could be done on a desktop pc, traslating from a photo. I'll try that next time.
Click to expand...

Well, darn. I just tried my own advice on a PC... and there doesn't seem to be a function for it. If you're using an Android or iOS device, the Google Translate app will do it fine, but there is no equivalent from the PC.

Final_Baton said:
Btw, I don't want to derail the thread too much, but I see that you have a Denon DL-160 cart. How good does this one sound? It was installed stock on the DP-47F table so I'm thinking it must be a good fit for these tables and also the JVC QL-Y33F/Y44F. There's one locally that's cheap-ish
Click to expand...

The DL-160 is my favorite cartridge so far. I've had several... and mostly on the three QL-Y5F's I've had over time. The DL-160, for me, sounds excellent on a JVC QL-Y5F.

That said, I've just had both my DL-160 cartridges retipped, but I'm self-isolating away from home and can't try them out on the JVC table. Joseph tells me both these DL-160s were very worn before he retipped them, so I'm expecting they'll sound significantly better once I am home.
 
Final_Baton said:
tonearmmanualscreens.png
Click to expand...


The text around the tonearm pivot translated via Google Translate app on iOS as follows:


Upper left:

Elevator
Height adjustment screw​

Upper right:

counterweight​

Lower right:

Alignment screw is in the hole.​
 
How does the ql y44f rank in these models? I’m bidding on several from buyee japan for less than 20 bucks each? Really don’t want to pay shipping unless there better or at least as good as my Y 7’s.
 
brunomarcs said:
How does the ql y44f rank in these models? I’m bidding on several from buyee japan for less than 20 bucks each? Really don’t want to pay shipping unless there better or at least as good as my Y 7’s.
Click to expand...

EDIT: This following statement is wrong:

You'll find the AK answers to your question in the links in this previous post: https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/jvc-ql-owners-thread.909550/page-3#post-13692064​

EDIT: I was incorrect as my previous post with links to more QL-Y info does not include anything on the Y44F. My bad.
 
BillWojo said:
Hey @SounderMN, that JVC TT is pretty rare, I don't have a problem discussing that TT on here. Looks like a pretty good one as well as being beautiful.
Tell us more about it.
Doug, you have some JVC QL tables as well.........

BillWojo
Click to expand...

Thanks, Bill.

I have learned some things about it over time, but not sure how helpful my knowledge would be. My father purchased this table new in 1972-1973, and about 4 years ago, he gifted it to me. I put an AT ART9 cartridge on it. I had a ProJect RM5.1 SE previously ($1k), and I compared them side by side with the same cartridge. The JVC clearly bested the ProJect. Much smoother sound, better, deeper bass, and I'd say a generally more articulate and musical sound. So, I sold the ProJect and kept the VL8.

I believe that the history behind it is that it was the top of the line for its time. There was also a VL5 (my friend has one), but it was the next level down in their lineup. The VL8 was their "studio" table, for whatever that means. The VL5 is semi-auto while the VL8 is fully manual. I know he paid about $400 for it back in the day, which would equate to a very pricey table in today's money.

The only issue I have had with it is that after using it for about a year, the speed started to fluctuate. I had it serviced, and they replaced the caps in the power supply, as well as a few transistors. Since then, it runs like new, and the speed is rock solid since that repair. Lately, the light has not been working in the strobe, but I don't want to mess with getting it fixed. I think it's a loose wire, or it needs a new bulb because the issue is intermittent.

I love it. It looks and sounds fantastic. The wood plinth is beautiful, and it weighs over 20 pounds. The cover has held up very well.

The question I would have is about the effective tonearm mass. Does anyone know anything about this tone arm? I'm assuming it's a mid-weight arm, and seems to work well with the ART9, but I don't really know if it's a technically good match. I have to be careful about the bass volume, or it can cause some low rumble. I think this has more to do with the equipment rack than the turntable itself.
 
@brunomarcs From the stuff that dlucy linked, there's some interesting info from one poster who seems to really know the history of the Sony Bio-tracer arm and it's copies (in Denon and JVC/Victor TTs).

He mentionned at some point that the first batch of these JVC TTs had electronic assistance in only the horizontal position. These models are the QL-Y3(F) released in 82 I think, and the QL-Y33F and QL-Y44F released in 86 or so.

The second batch appears to be ones that have an electronic assistance on both horizontal and vertical movement : the QL-Y5(F), QL-Y7(F), QL-Y55F, QL-Y66F and QL-Y77F.

It is kinda hard to rank these models amongst themsleves, let alone rank them against the QL-A line.

For example, the QL-Y5(F) is slightly heavier than QL-Y44F and has electronic assistance vertically, but the QL-Y44F has slightly better specs (wow and flutter is a bit better when using the servo method, but the same with standard method)

I have a hard time saying how the QL-Y ranks against the QL-A line. The QL-A line has fine motors. But the QL-Y line seems to have pretty dang good motors too...

I don't have a lot of experience comparing TTs, but to my ear the QL-Y44F is a really fine sounding table. I don't think it's better than your QL-Y7, probably about the same, but the QL-Y7 might track warped records better due to electro-assited vertical position. It honestly feels to me like there's not a world of difference performance-wise between all of the QL-Y decks. I'd venture to guess that all the QL-Y tables are fine tables, though there could be ones that are slightly better than others. But at the moment, I wouldn't know just HOW MUCH better :idea:


*also, if it's the proxy I'm thinking it is and not mixing them up : I think buyee charges pretty expensive fees and shipping. Unless I'm thinking of Aleado? But yeah one of them is charging way more. It's worth shopping around for a proxy service
 
Last edited:
That's a really gorgeous veneer job, onwardjames!

my QL-Y44F has a vinyl-wrap veneer I think. but it's a quality one, high-gloss rosewood. I think it looks beautiful.
 
It does get confusing on all these different models. Perhaps I don’t need another table presently! I read somewhere that the 44f was the last model produced in 86’. Vinyl engine perhaps I had a Yamaha YP D7 and it was junk compared to my QL I hate to say that but it’s true, I couldn’t sell it fast enough.
 
Yeah it is pretty head-spinning trying to rate all of these models against one another.

Year of introduction
QL-Y7 : 1981 QL-Y44F : 1986

Wow and flutter
QL-Y7 : 0,02% QL-Y44F : 0,025%

Rumble
QL-Y7 : -78db QL-Y44F : -80db

Weight
QL-Y7 : 13kg QL-Y44F : 9,8kg

Speed regulation
QL-Y7 : Double Quartz lock QL-Y44F : Double Quartz lock

Platter
QL-Y7 : 2kg, 322mm QL-Y44F : ?(possibly heavier), 327mm

Electronic assisted arm
QL-Y7 : horizontal and vertical QL-Y44F : horizontal

Motor
QL-Y7 : coreless DC servo motor QL-Y44F : coreless DC servo motor(possibly similar performance? QL-Y7's seems to have slightly juicier specs)

Electronic arm navigation
QL-Y7 : yes QL-Y44F : yes

Automatic play and record-size auto-detection
QL-Y7 : no QL-Y44F : yes



Note that the stock cartridge of the QL-Y44F, is pretty nice. It is a LOMC with beryllium cantilever and elliptical cut and reproduces range 20Hz - 50kHz with 25db separation. That's a cool bonus the get with the deck. It sounds very nice.

The QL-Y44F offers automatic play, which the QL-Y7 do not. If you value that feature, and really love the look of the QL-Y44F, then it might be worthy. :idea: Performance seems similar though.

I'm starting to wonder what the upscale features of the QL-Y## line actually are.:idea: Aside from bigger plinth/more upscale look, some beaffier full auto-controls(auto record-size detection in the case of the QL-Y33F and QL-Y44F, program repeats for higher ones), and maybe coming with a better cartridge installed? Maybe that's all there is as far as upscale features
 
Last edited:
I’m gonna pass on the ql-y44f after that explanation thanks. Here are mine and notice the bad switch! I ruined it with deoxit, do not use that stuff on these switches. I have soldered a temporary momentary switch that works well but I have been looking for one for a year. I put these tables up against any consumer grade table in this class. Any re-plinth, re- veneer, remove PS, new feet or any other tweaking imaginable would be well worth it. I can’t wait to start on mine.
 

Attachments

  • EF09D0C3-512A-4DFD-95FB-11786B5D84D4.jpeg
    EF09D0C3-512A-4DFD-95FB-11786B5D84D4.jpeg
    146.4 KB · Views: 81
  • 3476E5F9-F481-4EC2-8DAA-22289341C3F7.jpeg
    3476E5F9-F481-4EC2-8DAA-22289341C3F7.jpeg
    142.4 KB · Views: 75
  • 957B1AAC-EAD9-4093-AE92-386A9DC56F35.jpeg
    957B1AAC-EAD9-4093-AE92-386A9DC56F35.jpeg
    113.1 KB · Views: 80
  • 7E4F65DE-A543-4D62-8C93-411DFF3C0F2B.jpeg
    7E4F65DE-A543-4D62-8C93-411DFF3C0F2B.jpeg
    116.9 KB · Views: 80
  • image.jpg
    image.jpg
    128.9 KB · Views: 80
Final_Baton said:
@brunomarcs From the stuff that dlucy linked, there's some interesting info from one poster who seems to really know the history of the Sony Bio-tracer arm and it's copies (in Denon and JVC/Victor TTs).

He mentionned at some point that the first batch of these JVC TTs had electronic assistance in only the horizontal position. These models are the QL-Y3(F) released in 82 I think, and the QL-Y33F and QL-Y44F released in 86 or so.

The second batch appears to be ones that have an electronic assistance on both horizontal and vertical movement : the QL-Y5(F), QL-Y7(F), QL-Y55F, QL-Y66F and QL-Y77F.

It is kinda hard to rank these models amongst themsleves, let alone rank them against the QL-A line.

For example, the QL-Y5(F) is slightly heavier than QL-Y44F and has electronic assistance vertically, but the QL-Y44F has slightly better specs (wow and flutter is a bit better when using the servo method, but the same with standard method)

I have a hard time saying how the QL-Y ranks against the QL-A line. The QL-A line has fine motors. But the QL-Y line seems to have pretty dang good motors too...

I don't have a lot of experience comparing TTs, but to my ear the QL-Y44F is a really fine sounding table. I don't think it's better than your QL-Y7, probably about the same, but the QL-Y7 might track warped records better due to electro-assited vertical position. It honestly feels to me like there's not a world of difference performance-wise between all of the QL-Y decks. I'd venture to guess that all the QL-Y tables are fine tables, though there could be ones that are slightly better than others. But at the moment, I wouldn't know just HOW MUCH better :idea:


*also, if it's the proxy I'm thinking it is and not mixing them up : I think buyee charges pretty expensive fees and shipping. Unless I'm thinking of Aleado? But yeah one of them is charging way more. It's worth shopping around for a proxy service
Click to expand...

The one thing I really loved about my 55f is you could adjust EVERYTHING 'on the fly' (tracking, anti-skate, ect). It was fantastic for getting through skips because of that. The ONLY problem I have ever seen with them is the buttons 'break' for the controls (I have a spare panel from my original 55f I can use for parts if I need it thankfully). The biggest downfall was the platter.
 
Vinylmasters said:
The one thing I really loved about my 55f is you could adjust EVERYTHING 'on the fly' (tracking, anti-skate, ect). It was fantastic for getting through skips because of that. The ONLY problem I have ever seen with them is the buttons 'break' for the controls (I have a spare panel from my original 55f I can use for parts if I need it thankfully). The biggest downfall was the platter.
Click to expand...
That's some super-slick ''Quality Of Life'' ajustments and make for a super fun to use daily driver. Mine doesn't have electrically controlled VTF but it's still a superb daily driver.

Shame about the buttons on yours. Mine specifies ''non-contact'' buttons so I'm hoping that's a tweak they made as an upgrade to reliability, the QL-Y44F being newer (1986). The platter on mine feels pretty substantial, it's very wide and decently thick. Looking at the QL-Y55F, it looks narrower, but held inside a trim.
 
Final_Baton said:
That's some super-slick ''Quality Of Life'' ajustments and make for a super fun to use daily driver. Mine doesn't have electrically controlled VTF but it's still a superb daily driver.

Shame about the buttons on yours. Mine specifies ''non-contact'' buttons so I'm hoping that's a tweak they made as an upgrade to reliability, the QL-Y44F being newer (1986). The platter on mine feels pretty substantial, it's very wide and decently thick. Looking at the QL-Y55F, it looks narrower, but held inside a trim.
Click to expand...

Oh man... the miles my partner and I put on those is incredible. I boxed mine because I was starting to get a shock now and then from it (could be from the motor or the power cable which was getting very brittle and what, 30+ years of spinning almost all day long? How can you complain with that, right?). I have, well, ah... a 'plethora' of tables I grabbed through the years, so I tried a bunch of them to see if I liked them better than my 'backup' 55f. A Dual 1229, Empire 598 mkII, Denon DP-51f and a few others, but settled on a Technics SL-1301 over it just based on sound more than anything. But I still really like the 55f - which reminds me I have to sell a bunch of them off before my wife shoots me...
 
Vinylmasters said:
Oh man... the miles my partner and I put on those is incredible. I boxed mine because I was starting to get a shock now and then from it (could be from the motor or the power cable which was getting very brittle and what, 30+ years of spinning almost all day long? How can you complain with that, right?). I have, well, ah... a 'plethora' of tables I grabbed through the years, so I tried a bunch of them to see if I liked them better than my 'backup' 55f. A Dual 1229, Empire 598 mkII, Denon DP-51f and a few others, but settled on a Technics SL-1301 over it just based on sound more than anything. But I still really like the 55f - which reminds me I have to sell a bunch of them off before my wife shoots me...
Click to expand...
Technics DD tables are pretty cool, no doubt about it. I have an SL-D2K here and I really like that deck. I have not tried the same cartdge on both tables, but comparing the D2 w/ Nagaoka MP-200 against the Victor QL-Y44F w/ stock MC cart : The Victor sounded considerably better. a more solid sound, cleaner and more fluid(yet warm). It pained me to unplug the D2 and relegate it to back up duty, stored away. as I've grown really fond of that deck. It brought me such a big leap in SQ, and I've enjoyed it so much, that've grown attached to it. And I felt bad taking it out of the rig. lol. as if the thing has feelings
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom