JVC 7-Band Graphics Equalizer, Made in Japan SEA-12
$125.00
Out of stock
This one has sold. Want first dibs on the next one?
We take these in regularly. Leave your name and email, and we’ll email you the moment one is listed, so you hear first. No cost, no obligation.
Email me when one is listed
How we get a component ready for sale. What our bench covers →
Other equalizers we have in stock now
3 in stock · $125.00–$175.00 · all ship
Nikko EQ-500 6-Band Stereo Graphic Equalizer Made in Japan$125.00Ships
Technics 7-Band Graphic Equalizer – Made in Japan SH-8027$145.00Ships
Nikko EQ-II 6-Band Stereo Graphic Equalizer Made in Japan$175.00ShipsHow we get a component ready for sale.
Before a used or vintage component is listed, it goes through our bench, and anything we service is tested again by a different tech. See exactly what our bench covers.
What our bench covers →JVC SEA-12 7-Band Graphic Equalizer
Made in Japan, the JVC SEA-12 is a high-quality 7-band graphic equalizer from the late 1980s. This versatile audio component allows precise sound customization to suit your listening preferences.
The SEA-12 features separate left and right channel controls with 7 frequency bands: 60 Hz, 150 Hz, 400 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.4 kHz, 6 kHz, and 15 kHz. Each band offers ±12 dB of adjustment, providing extensive control over your audio output. The equalizer also includes a SEA Defeat switch for easy A/B comparison of equalized and unequalized sound.
With its sleek black finish and compact design, the SEA-12 seamlessly integrates into a wide range of audio setups. It boasts impressive technical specifications for this price point, including a wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 50 kHz (+0, -2 dB), low distortion of 0.005% (20 Hz – 20 kHz), and an excellent signal-to-noise ratio of 115 dB.
Key features:
• 7-band graphic equalizer for left and right channels
• ±12 dB adjustment range per band
• SEA Defeat switch
• Multiple inputs and outputs, including tape loop
• Microphone input with adjustable level
Specifications:
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 50 kHz (+0, -2 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 115 dB
• Input impedance: 47 kOhm (Line and Tape)
• Output: 2 V/max. 7 V, output impedance: 100 Ohm (Line and Tape)
Dimensions: 435 x 61 x 279 mm (17.1 x 2.4 x 11 inches), Weight: 3 kg (6.6 lbs)
Enhance your audio experience with the JVC SEA-12, a well-crafted Japanese equalizer offering precise sound tailoring capabilities in a compact, stylish package.
Asking just $125 for this compact, made in Japan JVC 7-Band EQ.
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 21.1 × 6.4 × 15 in |
JVC was founded in Yokohama, Japan, in 1927 as the Japanese arm of America's Victor Talking Machine Company, first making phonographs and records. We carry JVC stereo receivers and AV receivers, cassette decks, CD players, turntables and speakers. We've had more than 90 JVC listings so far, covering more than 80 different models. Every AV receiver we list is tested input by input on our bench: each HDMI input and output, the analog, optical and coaxial inputs, the subwoofer outputs and the wireless features where it has them. Every used JVC here is inspected, tested and serviced as required, then photographed in-house and covered by our Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty and Perpetual Trade-Back Program. Don't see the model you want? Tell us on First Dibs and we'll email you when one arrives.
JVC models we've sold more than once include the RX-7000VBK and RX-8000VBK AV receivers.
The JVC story, 1927 to today
JVC began in 1927 as the Japanese subsidiary of the Victor Talking Machine Company, making phonographs and records, and built a large plant in Yokohama in 1930. RCA bought Victor in 1929, and in the late 1930s JVC passed to Japanese owners.
Stereo, quad and video. JVC joined the Matsushita (Panasonic) group in the early 1950s. It developed the CD-4 discrete four-channel record system in the early 1970s and the SEA graphic equalizer built into its receivers, and in 1976 its video division introduced VHS.
Hi-fi highlights. The late 1970s and early 1980s brought the JR-S receivers, whose SEA sliders replaced the tone controls, the Super-A amplifiers and the QL quartz-lock turntables, and around 1990 the XL-Z CD players with JVC's K2 Interface.
Today. JVC merged with Kenwood between 2008 and 2011, and JVCKENWOOD Corporation now owns the brand. JVC has had its own Canadian distribution since the 1970s, and JVCKENWOOD Canada is based in Mississauga, Ontario.
Which JVC is which?
1970s receivers: early four-channel models with CD-4 demodulators, and the JR-S series of 1976 to 1977, with built-in SEA equalizers.
Super-A amplifiers and receivers (1979 to the early 1980s): such as the A-X5 and A-X9 amplifiers and the R-S33 receiver.
Turntables: QL quartz-lock direct-drive models such as the QL-A7 and QL-Y5F, and belt-drive automatics such as the JL-A1.
Cassette decks and CD players: KD and CD-S decks from the 1970s, TD-W dual-well decks, and XL-Z CD players and XL changers.
AV receivers (2000 to 2004): the RX-x000V, RX-x010V and RX-x020V families, including the RX-7000VBK, RX-8000VBK and RX-6020VBK, and the RX-8040B.
Buying used JVC: what to check
SEA sliders. On JR-S and R-S receivers, work every equalizer slider through its range and listen for crackle or a channel dropping out.
FM muting. Stereo Review found the JR-S600's muting could thump when tuning on or off a station, so turn the volume down before tuning.
AV receivers. Run every channel, centre and surrounds included, at moderate volume. Owners report overload shutdowns on some 2000s models, which can come from a short in the speaker wiring.
Turntables. On QL servo turntables, check that the tracking-force and damping dials respond and that the arm finds the lead-in at both record sizes. Older JL automatics often need old grease cleaned out and a new belt.
Cassette decks. Treat belts and pinch rollers on any 1970s to 1990s deck as service items.
Everything we list is inspected, tested and serviced as required here, and comes with our warranty.
Related Products
Nikko EQ-II 6-Band Stereo Graphic Equalizer Made in Japan
Six sliders a channel at 40Hz, 125Hz, 400Hz, 1.25kHz, 4kHz and 12.5kHz, each with 12dB of boost or cut, and a bypass switch for an instant A/B against the unprocessed signal. 0.01% distortion, better than 100dB signal to noise, 10Hz to 30kHz — it adds nothing of its own. Built in Tokyo between 1977 and 1981. Excellent condition, fully tested.
Nikko EQ-500 6-Band Stereo Graphic Equalizer Made in Japan
Six sliders a channel at 40, 125, 400, 1,250, 4,000 and 12,500 Hz, each giving 12 dB of cut or boost in 2 dB steps. Distortion is 0.01%, signal-to-noise better than 100 dB, response 10 Hz to 30 kHz — it adds nothing of its own. Bypass switch and a pre/post-EQ tape loop. Made in Japan. Cosmetic condition fair; fully tested and working.
Teac GE-20 2-Channel 10-Band Stereo Graphic Equalizer, Japan
Ten ISO-standard bands per channel from 31.5 Hz to 16 kHz at ±12 dB, with separate left and right sliders and switchable VU metering. Filters at 31.5 Hz and 16 kHz roll off rumble and ultrasonic noise without touching the audible band, and an EQ defeat switch lets you A/B against flat. Made in Japan, 1978; serviced, good cosmetic condition.
Yamaha Q2031 Dual 31-Band Graphic Equalizer – Made in Japan, 2U
Thirty-one bands per channel on ISO third-octave centres, 20Hz to 20kHz, on two fully independent channels — fine enough to pull a single room mode down without touching what sits either side of it. A range switch halves boost and cut to ±6dB for careful work, and the high-pass filters sweep from 20 to 200Hz. Balanced XLR and 1/4-inch throughout, 2U rack. Condition good.
