If I was looking for a VCR to play music videos, what should I look for to get proper stereo sound?

I got into vintage hifi a few years ago and looking for a good vcr...

Most VCRs new enough for stereo should be OK, but the best are probably the ones right when stereo came out that included provisions for recording and playing back audio, these usually have VU meters and level controls. Good luck finding one....

Just make sure it's a Hi-Fi Stereo model and not Linear track stereo. Hi-Fi will say Hi-Fi on it somewhere.

The linear Stereo is worse than 8-Track, particularly at the 4 & 6 hour speeds, where the Hi-Fi is more like Reel to Reel at 15 IPS.

Get one which has level controls on the front instead of setting the record level automatically, those are usually built for better audio performance. At this late stage of the game your best bet may be to just find something newish and in working condition, like a higher end JVC for example. BUT, if you really want performance, and aren't afraid to replace some belts and idler wheels, I would suggest a late eighties NEC as my own personal recommendation... their sound quality was fantastic.

I found a JVC HR-D755E
update:

here she is! so many buttons! She has a graphical vu meter display thingamagick, 2 doors pop open for even more buttons.
The remote itself displays what the vcr display does and i have the original manual.
Its got special functions for audio recording and playback with separate in and output jacks!

http://i62.tinypic.com/nz4o0k.jpg

Umm, the play head started having grinding noises ... -_-

Iv taken this thing completely apart and have the drum in my hands, when the head turns it makes a horrible metal to metal grinding noise.

I think its dead.

I wonder if any of the online VCR parts houses still have the head for that in stock?

I think a have that same remote.

The separate audio inputs and outputs are reminders of a time when VHS HiFi was the first serious improved specification replacement for Reel to Reel audio tape for audiophile home use. People literally recorded audio only VHS HiFi tapes at one time.

iv taken off the top of the head and its like rice crispies inside ... this is junk. :(

Don't know what happened exactly but looks like something got loose and wedged itself in the playhead and shrapnell flew everywhere.

Im sorry your not having luck buddy......

My VCR is Mono .. I prefer Mono actually to Stereo as most stuff TO ME sounds better in Mono.... (Records,etc)

I hope you can find something better for ya :)


Remember: Analogue is beautiful!!