I had found the GE version of that first deck for $5. after a little cleanup it was spinning like a champ. I gave it to my son who passed it along to a friend when I found him that deck badged Technics, this time for...yep, $5. They're both still running as primaries over three years later. The technics had it's original grounding wire.
Hi..Iv Still Got My Old 1977 Leak 3001 Transcription Unit Through A Leak 3400 Amp With Wharfdale Xp 2 Speakers, Amp Makes a Humming Noise , Turntable Needs A New Belt And The Cartridge Needs Replacing ( Audiotronic Amc 70 Ed.Want to Start Playing My Old Vinyl Again, This System Used to Sound Really Good But It's Been A Bit Neglected Over The Years, Is It Worth Keeping It I Ask Myself?!!
I've have heard all three of these and the all sound a bit different even using the same cartridge (especially sound staging) I wouldn't underestimate the JVC.
Use a dirt cheap strobe template on the JVC. As for the arm, don't belittle the straight one. Neither the straight or curved is better, if properly implememted.
.Thers a step up model from that paticular Jvc id like to track down.Q series ?..Modify the tone-arm. If i ever locate one.Currently I own 2 mid 80s H.Ks ! I also like some of the Higher end Kenwoods Pioneers Micro Seiki..(Not watch)but rarely find used! Stay away from Onkyo they tend to distort if set up improperly Grado cartridges bad match!