JVC HR-S3600, is it any good?
 

Hello, I was looking to get a S-VHS for a quite a while, and I have found this one for 20$ which appears to be an HR-S3600
http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/error.gif

I can't find much information about it. Is it worth the price ? Is it any good ? Does it have TBC ?

No TBC, not really worth using for playback.

It was a recording workhorse, and I had several (especially the HR-S3800 back in the 90s). In the past decade, I mostly used these for misaligning, but even those were replaced by better JVC with-TBC units in more recent years. These were prone to wearing out faster than the pro decks, mostly squeaking and seizing of mechanical components. At this time, I only have one 3800 in decent working order. All the others bit the dust in the past 20 years. I don't think I ever sold off any of these units, unlike my others decks.

I guess you could try to pair this with an ES10/15, and maybe get acceptable results, but I'd still suggest/prefer better JVC with-TBC decks that are known good.

aka, this: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...ing-guide.html

FWIW I have a HR-S3500 (prior basic S-VHS model) and it works reasonably well with good recordings. IMO, if reasonably low mileage and operational it is worth $20, but as with any used gear there are no assurances..