National Jump RX-SA15

National Jump RX-SA15

Radio Cassette Player with Graphic Equalizer

JUMP RX-SA15 Highlights:

● Equipped with a 5-band sensitive graphic equalizer.

You can enjoy free sound creation according to the music genre. 

● TV (1~12 ch) sound and FM/AM tuner.

The TV band supports audio multiplexing, so it can be used outdoors in stereo. broadcast and bilingual can be easily enjoyed.

● 3-Way Auto-Reverse.

You can enjoy continuous play from side A to side B without turning over the tape.

● Direct port type stereo Headphones are included.

By adopting a new method that separates the bass from the mid-high range and leads to a free sound field, it reproduces everything from low to high tones without difficulty. 

In addition, the color is also available in a variety of colors that match the main body.

● Dolby NR built-in 

● Metal/Chrome tape playback 

● Anti-rolling mechanism adopted. 

Headphone Stereo Cassette player RX-SA15 Standard price: 33,000 yen

National General Catalogue January 1986

National General Catalogue October 1986

A few words about the JUMP RX-SA15

The RX-SA15 is one of National's top-of-the-line players for 1986, along with the RX-SA2 (only EQ) and RX-SA14 (radio, no EQ). It comes in three colors: black, red, and green. Its weight is about 286 g because its insides are mostly built from metal without sparing or cutting corners—quality first. It has most of the features that were available at the time of the issue, like TV reception, 3-Way Auto-Reverse, and a 5-Band Graphic Equalizer. It even has a nice style with a matching set of earphones available in a variety of colors that match the main body. 

About Sound

Whether it be by color or by sound, according to National, the earphones were designed with a unique method specifically for these top-of-the-line players: "By adopting a new method that separates the bass from the mid-to-high range and leads to a free sound field, it reproduces everything from low to high tones without difficulty." (from National's original catalog). The RX-SA15 has a few other points that make it sound way better than other players in its class; for example, for a stereo headphone, it has a wide frequency response between 40 Hz and 15,000 Hz (for normal/CrO₂/metal), a high-output amplifier with 10mW per channel, and also a sensitive EQ so you can precisely adjust the tone of every frequency band as you like; the results put out a quite warm sound with an excellent music presence whether the Dolby NR is on or off.

Built and design

Although the RX-SA has some design flaws, for instance, the volume wheel is too close to the headphone socket, which can cause a very common malfunction (like with all brands and makes) where the socket breaks from within due to accidental pressure, and it also can break the earphone plug at the same time. Also, it is not easy to exchange a cassette; it does not always fit right into the door. Although the buttons are kind of small, they feel just right to operate the unit; on the other hand, the EQ sliders are big and comfortable to use. 

The inside build is excellent; it looks like they built it to last further into the future with fine parts. It even has accessible fine-tuning options like speed adjustment, gain adjustment, azimuth adjustment, etc. If you look on the PCB board, you'll notice that everything is marked down so you'll know your way around in case no technician is around to fix it!! The RX-SA15 was built with details in mind, and there are many other small things included in it; however, I will not mention them all here. I'm leaving them to you to explore...

So, do we have a winner here?

I like the RX-SA15; it has everything to like about it in such a player. It feels good in your palm, it has a good relation between plastic and metal build, and on top of all, it does sound very good to my ears. Therefore, I highly recommend this player for everyday listening, and it's a must for collectors to have a reference and also to know what a winner does sound like! Cheers, TheLion.

Specifications:

Tuner receiving frequency:

TV 4~12ch 175~222 MHz 

FM/TV 1~3ch 76~108MHz, 

AM 525~1,605 KHz 

Track system: Stereo 

Frequency range:

Normal/CrO₂/Metal: 40 ~ 15,000 Hz (EIAJ) 

Practical maximum output: 10mW +10mW (EIAJ/DC) 

Battery duration: about 3 hours (EIAJ music playback, output 1 mW) 

When using UM-4, about 6.5 hours (same) When using AM4 

Power supply: DC 3V (AAA batteries x 2) 

AC adapter: (RP-AC3 sold separately), 

car battery (using RP-993 sold separately and plug adapter RP-PA99) 

Maximum dimensions: 80.9 (width) x 113.8 (height) x 30 (depth) (EIAJ) mm

Dimensions: 78.5 (width) x 112 (height) x 27.1 (depth) mm 

Weight: Approx. 268g (including batteries) 

Accessories: Batteries, stereo earphones, carrying case 

Color: -R red, -K black, -G green

Packaging

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National JUMP RQ-JA100 & RX-SA200

 

National Jump 

~~ RX-SA200 & RQ-JA100 ~~

Jump Flagship Highlights

An extensive lineup that can be selected by color or function. 

      •   Cassette case size.
      •   All metal lightweight body.
      •   Unique flat rechargeable battery.
      •   Amorphous Head
      •   High-quality stereo earphones with a direct port mechanism.
      •   FM/AM/TV 1~12 Ch multiplex sound.

A few words about National's flagships Jump Cassette Players

The Jump RX-SA200 and his little brother RQ-JA100 (1986) are National's pinnacle cassette players sold exclusively in Japan. They are unique compared to other National players, mainly because they were built as sleek and fashionable, attractive players with sophistication in mind. This achievement reflects the rivalry between the National (Panasonic) and Sony brands.

These two models are a follow-up to National's RX-S40 (1984) telescopic slide concept pioneered by Sony's WM20/10 in 1983. However, these two Hi-End Jump models are the first players to use a unique flat battery. And an amorphous head that was relatively small to reduce excess space. These players are superior to the Sony WM20/10, WM30, and even the updated WM101/WM-F101 in many areas, such as power output, size & weight, and sophistication.

The RQ-JA100 is a plain cassette player. The RX-SA200 is a cassette player with a tuner. They are very efficient in power consumption and play even longer; with 4 hours of speed-charging time, you will get 5.5 hours of use. You will get even more time combined with the battery pack and battery adapter for 14 hours of listening enjoyment.

Intelligent and sophistication

National did put a lot of thought into those players to be as perfect and intelligent as possible. For example, the slide-out cassette compartment (see bottom picture) has a lock that pops up whenever you want to insert a cassette. Doing so hides the projecting parts and controls from accidental damage unless you close the door compartment; it won't engage. Also, the open/eject switch will stop and eject the cassette simultaneously for a quick cassette change. Other highlights are that the head is housed in a metal frame to protect its azimuth alignment, and the head housing also serves as a tape guide. Moreover, the azimuth screw is always visible even if the cassette door is locked.

Telescopic Slide Function, Azimuth hole above the Jump logo (Pic: RX-SA200)

Left: JUMP RX-SA200 Lock mechanism that pops up

Jump's one-hand convenient operation buttons & Switches on top

More Sophistication

Besides those hardware features, there are a few electronic features. For example, to prevent battery drainage, you'll need to plug in the earphones for the players to work. Also, the RX-SA200 radio will not work if you switch to the radio unless you will also press play on the tape transport.

3-Way power supply

The Jump players have three power supply methods. Besides the flat rechargeable battery, you can use them with three alkaline batteries. Also, the RP-BA101 battery adapter can add more power. It houses the batteries and even has a place to keep the earphones. And, of course, you can always use the AC adapter/charger. 

Top left: A 3 AA battery adapter; right next to it, the earphones holder 

Left: Battery adaptor RP-BA101. Right: RP-BA101 adaptor Attached to the unit.

The Rechargeable Battery pack attached to the main unit (top)

Promotional Ads & Catalogs

Rare Japanese Magazine Ads.

Left: Rare Japanese magazine ad. Right: National Rare Japanese Catalog, February 1986.

National Rare Japanese Catalog, October 1986

National's attractive reel-to-reel cassette: Side A is Blue, and the other side is pink. 

Left: National Cassettes. Right: National Rare Japanese Catalog August 1986

National Rare Japanese Catalog, December 1986

National Rare Japanese Catalog, March 1987

National Rare Japanese Catalog, April 1987

National's  ÅNGROM  46 DU Cassette

World's first • World's only vapor deposition sound

National's ÅNGROM Cassette Rare Japanese AD.

ÅNGROM DU—Hi-Fi Deposition Tape for music

Two Major features are the conditions of Hi-Fi tape;

1) The high-frequency output is dramatically improved, and the rising treble is faithfully reproduced.

2) High noise accompanying tapes is significantly reduced, and the lingering sound is beautifully reproduced. 46 DU 70μs EQ Metal—Standard Price 1,400 Yen.

The Big Conclusion

The year is 1986, and National presented very cool new players to their lineup that, without a doubt, left the competition overwhelmed, not to mention the Japanese design award they had won for these two eye candies. The Jump flagships are impressive, with a full metal jacket and excellent build. However, these players have one downside. To make them as light as possible, National used a thin metal jacket that can easily bend with medium pressure, making them fragile. Now, fast-forwarding to 2022, these are very cool players who stand the test of time with quality build and excellent sound; they are THE wet dream of every collector. Unfortunately, not everyone can get ahold of such exclusive and exquisite players. As I've mentioned earlier, they've been sold exclusively in Japan; even in Japan, they are very scarce, making it even harder to obtain one, even though it is well worth it; if I were you, I would get one to just to brag it in my collection. However, if you're going to obtain one, be prepared to shell out a considerable fortune because other collectors want it as badly as you do. So good luck, because you're probably going to need it. Please feel free to comment.

Specifications

Jump RX-SA200 Radio Cassette Stereo price: 38,000 yen
Economical battery rechargeable without the battery charges
with 1~12 channels TV multiplex sound

• Cassette case size. 

• 3 Bands: TV (1 to 12 ch) stations / FM / AM.

• 3-way auto-reverse (2-stage switching).

• Built-in Dolby NR.

• Metal/chrome tape playback.

• Can also be used with AA batteries (with RP-BA101 adaptor).

• 3-way power supply method.

• Track method: Stereo.

• Frequency Response:

Normal: 40 ~ 15,000 Hz (EIAJ).

Cr02/Metal: 40 ~ 15,000 Hz (EIAJ). 

• Practical maximum output:

10 mW + 10 mW Per Channel

• Reception frequency:

TV: 4 to 12 ch; 175 to 222 MHz.

FM/TV; 1 to 3 ch; 76 to 108 MHz.

AM: 525 to 1,605 kHz.

• Power supply:

DC 4V (using attached battery pack).

AC 100V 50/60Hz (using AC adapter/charger).

DC 4.5V (with optional battery adaptor RP-BA101*).

(*Uses 3 single AA batteries.) 

• External dimensions:

110.6 (width) X 70.5 (height) X 23 (28*) (depth) mm.

• Maximum external dimensions:

113.1 (width) X 75.6 (height) X 25.1 (30.1*) (depth) mm. 

*with battery pack installed.

• Weight:

Approx. 190 g (main unit only).

Approx. 295 g (with battery pack installed).

• Accessories:

Rechargeable Battery Pack. 

AC Adapter/Charger.

Stereo Earphones.

Carrying Case. 

Colors:

-R  Red, -K  Black, -G  Green

JUMP Accessories and options

Jump RQ-JA100 Headphone stereo standard price: 27,800 yen

Unusual & economic battery recharge can be recharged repeatedly and used for about 1500 hours.

• Cassette case size. 

• 3-Way Auto-reverse (2-stage switching).

• Built-in Dolby NR.

• Metal/chrome tape playback.

• 3 power supply methods.

• Track system: Stereo.

• Frequency range:

Normal: 40 to 15,000 Hz (EIAJ).

Cr02/Metal: 40 to 15,000 Hz (EIAJ). 

• Practical maximum output:

10 mW + 10 mW Per Channel

• Power supply:

DC 4V (using attached battery pack).

AC 100V 50/60HZ (attached AC adapter/using charger).

DC 4.5V Using RP-BA 101 with 3x AA batteries (sold separately).

• External dimensions:

110 (width) X 69.8 (height) X 17.5 (22.5*) (depth) mm.

• Maximum external dimensions:

112.2 (width) X 74.6 (height) X 19.2 (24.2*) (depth) mm.

*with battery pack installed. 

• Weight:

Approx. 155 g (main unit only).

Approx. 260 g (with battery pack installed). 

Accessories:

• Rechargeable battery pack.

• AC Adapter/Charger.

• Stereo earphones.

• Carrying case.

• Color:

-R Red, -K Black, -B Blue. 

                  * Red and blue are a limited quantity.

JUMP RQ-JA100 Red Version Box, back & front

JUMP RQ-JA100 Red Version unboxed

 

JUMP RQ-JA100 Blue & Black Version Box

 JUMP RQ-JA100 Blue & Black Version unboxed

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