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VCRs: Sony SLNV99 or JVC HR-S5911

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I need to appologize in advance for asking for advice regarding something that seems irrelevant. My old Panasonic VCR mechanism refuses to accept the tape (the tuner still works fine), and because I needed to send some camcorder footage to my relatives in Europe, I went out and bought a new VCR (Sony SLNV77). The shopping was a sad experience - I have confirmed what I found in other postings - that VCRs are built so cheaply today that it is not fun. Although I know about inherent limitations of the VHS format, I am sure that a better built machine must invariable yield better results than the current crop available in mass market stores.
My new machine works well but I just cannot get used to the lack of features I grew to expect in a quality VCR: good, sharp display with seconds (SLNV77 only displays hours and minutes), audio level meter, fine position control, some modest editing features (for consumer deck) etc. Although the Hi-Fi sound is very clean and inoffensive,
it lacks some dynamics and punch (am I crazy to expect that from
a lowly VCR :-) ?). Picture seems decent, with some loss of
detail compensated with lower noise (resulting in a pleasent if
somewhat 'soft' picture).
So my question is: if I return SLNV77 and move up two models to SLVN99, will the difference in price mean better audio and video circuits, or just more useless features (I do know that SLVN99 has a better display with seconds and is overall better build - heavier).
Alternatively, if I go for JVC S-VHS HR-S5911, will the better
quality of electronics needed for S-VHS also show itself on
VHS tapes and the tuner? The VCR itself seems very light and
made of mostly plastic (Sony is metal all around).
Bottom line: will better built Sony VHS VCR be a better choice than a fairly lightweight, but S-VHS JVC? I know that compared to DVD and DSS, they are both lame, but I just cannot leave with a cheap component in my HT rack, even if it is just a VCR :-(.

Follow Ups:

Go with a super vhs vcr - bilbobaggins 08:41:13 10/15/02 (0)
If you are interested in getting a quality machine, unfortunately, the best options are probably in the used market. On ebay, there are plenty of super VHS machines for not a whole lot of $$$. I just picked up a vcr that was $800 new for $71 shipped. If new, I would agree that the JVC 7800 previously recommended is pretty decent. It's available at Crutchfield on the scratch and dent section for under $200.
My best advice -- stay away from the latest models and try getting an older model, preferably Super VHS.
Re: VCRs: Sony SLNV99 or JVC HR-S5911 - 4season 20:35:38 10/12/02 (1)
Hope your relatives in Europe can watch NTSC video.
I bought my first-ever VHS machine late last year, after a whole lot of online research. I would've liked the option to get a really sturdy S-VHS machine in the $500 range, but from what I can see, today's $500 machines are a lot like the $200 machines, only with more features, and beyond a certain point, those features looked totally irrelevant to me.
In the end, I bought a JVC HR-S7800U S-VHS machine which had a street price around $300. It's hooked up via S-Video connection to my HDTV set. A good VHS video transfer looks very decent on this system: A bit soft, but very watchable. I do quite a bit of time-shifting, always in SP mode and S-VHS and I'm satisfied with the results: I'm not awed, but I no longer think that VHS just plain sucks. It displays seconds, as S-video in/out connectors and a timebase corrector. Build quality is about as you describe: Very lightweight. I use it with care, and it's given me no trouble so far.
My JVC automatically synchronizes it's clock and retains it's programming for quite some time. Mine's normally powered down, but when I've got a show to record later that day, I turn on the power strip and can feel pretty confident that I won't miss my show due to lost timer settings or a clock flashing "12:00".
FWIW, Someday, I'd like to see the "Consumer" taken out of "Consumer Electronics": Real gear is made to last and is worth fixing when it breaks.
- Re: VCRs: Sony SLNV99 or JVC HR-S5911 - bruce3825 23:43:43 11/04/02 (0)
  I'm having problems receiving the stereo signal on all channels on my 7800. My 11 year old RCA VCR, Admiral 27" and GE 20" have no problems. This has occured in two residences and over the air and cable. When it works, it's great. This is the only JVC product I've ever bought and because of this problem (I didn't realize I had it until it was too late for return or warranty repair and they probably wouldn't be able to locate the problem at the repair shop) and the ultra-cheap build (it's the flimsiest A/V product I've ever purchased), I would not recommend JVC for anything. Vann's on the net has NOS Sony S-VHS units for $600. They were originally much more and are built more like VCR's used to be built. Panasonic produces some professional grade VCR's that may be worthwhile. Mitsubishi has some S-VHS units that appear more solid than JVC. Anyway my 2 cents worth.
  Bruce

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