JVC has a new minicomponent system with, you guessed it, a multi-color backlit LCD. It has MD and CD, but no fancy stuff like MP3 or USB. Shucks.

Japan Victor Corporation (JVC) will release a CD/MD system called the "NS-W9" which contains "alpha sound" functionality, which is an audio effect said to give a peaceful feeling. It will be released in July, for something like 43,000 yen. It will be available in silver (-S) and white (-W) body colors.

This a CD/MD component which has a double MD deck (one for playing, one for recording). It is the successor to the "NS-X77WMD" released in February of 2003, and features newly designed front panel buttons. Besides the maximum output being changed from 6W x 2ch to 5.5W x 2ch, other features remain the same.

On the front portion of the display, the "Layer Illumination" provides side lights in the four corners. These lights will mix with the light coming from the display's own backlight, creating an effect that makes the surrounding area "beautiful."

There are 5 preset and a manual setting for the illumination pattern, meaning a total of 36 patterns can be set.

Also, the unit features JVC's own "alpha sound" positional audio circuitry, with "NATURAL," "SMOOTH," and "DEEP" surround modes. Also, "Super Bass Pro" will enhance bass tones.

The MD portion of the unit supports MDLP, and dubbing from MD to MD can be done at 2x. From CD to MD, the speed is 4x. Also, MD group recording/playback is supported.

The speaker is a 9cm diameter full range time, where the unit uses a dual layered wound voice coil and copper cap shield for low distortion. It also contains an AM/FM tuner.

Provided are a stereo mini jack AUX IN and headphone jack. The external dimensions are 440 x 245 x 221mm (W x D x H), where the unit weighs about 6.6kg.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050607/victor.htm

Press Release:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/press/2005/ns-w9.html

Product Information:
http://www.jvc-victor.co.jp/audio_w/product/system/ns-w9/index.html