It has been a few months since I got this in the post, but I've only just had the time to get round to posting this up.

It is funny, I've been searching the 'net for one of these for a while and two turn up! Firstly a black one and then a complete boxed silver one.

Dimension-wise the RQ-S5V is similar to the RQ-S5 in length and width, but slightly thicker to allow for the tuner and tuner controls.

Nice find. Is it fully functional?

Both need new belts, but the radio works perfectly.

plop, perhaps you can't comment until it's fully operational but how would you compare this model to the HS-JX/PX Aiwas from this period?

I've just re-belted one of them. I have to say in terms of sound the RQ-S5V bass profile is very similar to a Sony such as the WM-F701C. Applying S-XBS and you get plenty of bass on the MID setting. On the MAX setting it is full on boom. Too much for my liking, since I am using MEElectronic M6 IEMs these have good response on lows and highs applying MAX is quite too much for me, but MID does seem a good compromise.

In terms of tape playback, the azimuth alignment does seem to be slightly out. There is no provision for fine adjustment short of dismantling the head assembly in it's entirety and adding shims to the attachment point.

Switching to radio only serves to show just how out of alignment tape playback is. You get a full worldwide FM band of 76-108MHz, unlike some some Japan only models from other manufacturers which stick rigidly to the Japanese FM Band. Reception is very good and when the tuner locks on to a signal it is very clear. There are three options to the FM tuner : FM Mono, FM Stereo DX, and FM Stereo Local.