You make some excellent points, and I've slightly re-structured the list in the first post, to reflect your suggestions. Indeed, there are several models of VCR that, even without TBCs, are known to perform quite well due to their transport system. The older JVCs are a consistent name-maker in that area. And the models you mention are amongst those.
Note this new section:
JVC S-VHS (NTSC) without TBC. Some models were moved out of the with-TBC list.
To address your other observations and issues...
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JVC HR-S6900U Super VHS VCR from 1993 It doesn't have a built in TBC, but the picture quality and sound are even better than the JVC HM-DH30000U
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This is commonly mentioned amongst peers, online and real-world, for both the 6800 and 6900 series machines. I don't (yet) have the honor of owning one, but it's on the shopping list, should I see one in good condition and for a fair price.
Your experience is very typical, for a deck in good condition, without heavy wear, and when used to play back a certain kind of tape (reference to its condition, and need for restoration/filtering).
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Also, what about the JVC HR-S9400U Super VHS VCR from 1997? The unit doesn't have a TBC but it has a function that cleans up EP tapes. Also, it has the dynamic drum.
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Similar comments are made about the HR-S9500U. I've seen these in action, and while better than some lower end VCRs, they're maybe not quite as good as the 6800-6900 units. And then the 9600 was a real game changer.
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I don't know about you guys, but I find that using the later made machines like the JVC HM DH30000U and the JVC SR-V101US don't give me good quality on some tapes unlike the older machines.
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It's very true that the quality of VCRs after the 9800 and 7800 tanked a little bit. The 7900/SR-V10/SR-V101 and 9900/9911 weren't really bad, but the x600 and x800 decks were just better machines. My person 9800 has been in service for 10 years now, performingly flawlessly. I do service it every other year, either at a shop or with self-maintenance.
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Also, could a external TBC do better than an internal TBC?
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No. An external TBC has a different intended function from the internal TBC.
Read this:
What is a TBC? Time Base Correction for Videotapes
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I ask this because I have owned both a Panasonic AG 1970 and a JVC SR V101US, and I've found that on some tapes, while having the TBC active, it causes the image to shake.
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That's a tape signal issue, in most cases. Sometimes it's a sign of a defective VCR, but don't let me scare you -- that's not common. It's almost always a tape flaw. This is a known issue.
Read this:
Basic Playback Hardware (to Convert Tape to Digital)
That's another guide I authored years and years ago.
Thanks much for your helpful post.
And I hope my response has clarified some of your observations, concerns and issues.