JVC XL-Z1050TN CD player Specifications

Sidebar 2: Specifications

Description: Bitstream 8x-oversampling CD player. Frequency range: 2Hz–20kHz. S/N ratio: 114dB. Channel separation: 110dB at 1kHz. Maximum output level: 2V RMS.
Dimensions: 17.8" (452mm) W by 4.5" (113mm) H by 13.4" (341mm) D. Weight: 17 lbs (7.75kg).
Price: $800 (1992); no longer available (2016). Approximate number of dealers: 100.
Manufacturer: JVC, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407. Web: www.jvc.com.

COMPANY INFO
JVC
Elmwood Park
NJ 07407
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
BradleyP's picture

I have one of these in near-mint condition that I bought new in 1992. That's a 24-year old CD player that has been my main digital front end all along and still performs flawlessly. A couple of years ago, I decided to see how much difference it would make to use it as a transport and bang a $1000 DAC on the end of it. The sonic difference was miniscule. I'm not sure if it was even better, just a little different, so the DAC went to my desk system instead. I certainly got my money's worth!

Allen Fant's picture

It's all in the measurements, specifically, the S/N ratio. The players from Japan always did well in this respect. Denon, JVC, Yamaha, Sony ES and Pioneer Elite. In 2016 and moving forward it is difficult to find a spinner go above 110dB.

Oldsport's picture

My first CD player was a Yamaha. I didn’t know any better. Then came the JVC. It really wasn’t bad. I sold mine to a cute woman I wanted to ask out. I don’t think I ever actually did ask her. The fun thing I remember about the 1050 was that it could actually show that green markers could make a difference in the sound. I had two identical copies of the Gregg Smith Singers doing, among other carols, In Dulci Jubilo. They were a fine group of disciplined, well-trained voices that never went for a “hoity-toity,” pretentious sound. Out of curiosity, one disc got green-penned, one didn’t. The CD without greening sounded quite pleasant, but if you tried to follow the individual parts of the polyphony, it could be difficult. Throw in the marked CD and it would become a piece of cake to follow any part you wanted. I (and who am I, anyway?) figure the green absorbed stray light and the eye pattern got tightened. Who knows? But I swear you could hear it, though my best friend still laughs derisively at the idea. Nowadays, my CD player is too good for the green pen to make any difference. I prefer it that way, but I know what I heard...back then...when we ate rocks and we liked it!

Sal1950's picture

Bought my new back in 92 after Corey's and others positive reviews. Had it till 2010 when I needed to downsize my system to move into much smaller retirement digs. It was and is one awesome player, I tried it alone and against a number of high end DACs on the digital output. Never could justify the expenditure on the newer big buck DACs. The JVC sounded just as good as anything I tried it with. To boot the whole thing is built like a tank (18 lbs!) and with good care should last a very long time, it was built using all top notch components. Besides it was MUCH better looking than my computer system that houses all my music today. :(
I hope the gentleman that bought it off ebay is enjoying it, it worked and sounded "as new" when the UPS man handed it to him.
One of the all time great classic CD players!

PaulW's picture

I've been using mine since 1992 as well. I've got it connected to a Micromega DAC into C-J pre and power amps and it sounds just fine to me!

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