Is my BVTBC10 older or new?
 

I took a break from video tape archiving (my JVC S-VHS machine died) but now as I try and find a new VCR, I'm reading that the older versions of the Big Voodoo TBC10's are better than the later models.

My TBC10 unit's serial number is 10T1267. Is this a later model unit?

Attachment 17253
Circuit board pic Attachment 17254

There are signs external, internal, and with various performance metrics. I cannot tell anything from those images.

I have noticed in some online pics and videos the case on the so called earlier units is gray in color. Mine is black and metal. Is this the difference?

No. It can be a tell, but no.