CD-4 Quadraphonic System

The Compatible Discrete 4-channel (CD-4) system was invented by the JVC Corporation and first announced and demonstrated in Sept 1970. It is a 4-channel quadraphonic system utilising supersonic modulated carrier signals. Unlike matrix systems, this discrete system keeps the four channels separate throughout recording and playback processes thereby maintaining excellent separation. The system is also compatible with 2-channel stereo and 1-channel mono. The breakthrough came when it was discovered that each wall of a groove could hold two separate signals. One signal is held as a regular audio signal, whilst the other is a frequency modulated signal, hence the two walls of a groove can hold four channels in total.

This wonderful booklet by JVC was designed to give audiophiles an understanding of how the CD-4 quadraphonic system works. It explains compatible cartridge and stylus to be used, turntable record players, cd-4 decoding amplifiers, omni-directional speakers, and quadradisc record albums.

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