best box for a decent price?

[boyg0newild]

so I guess I'll admit it, I'm one of those people who love the look of a Helix 46-36, an Lasonic 931, 935, TRC 920, 975, etc. you get the idea. I love the big "ghettoblasters" because of the way that they look.

However, I am now in the market for something that's not so much a "looker" but more of a box that actually has better tech... good booming bass, a decent looking design that's somewhat pleasing to the eye, and one that will last over some time.

I always find myself looking at the same models and same brands of boxes, but I want to step out of my comfort zone and go for something that I wouldn't normally watch on eBay or bid on.

Any recommendations? Photos and model # would be a great reply to this topic for me to start on my hunt.

You guys seem to have all of the cool boxes and I just never find any online! Which is why I always resort to the Helix/LaSonic models because of how easily accessible they are to find.


Any help would be amazing! Drop your pics and model #'s below and help a brotha out!

 

[hopey]

that's an oxymoron, it can take years of patience

 

[T-STER]

Hopey, my Mum once told me "if you dont have anything useful to say dont bother saying anything". Never has that been more applicable than for you, I don't ever remember seeing a useful post from you.

Anyway back to the OP, I'm going to through my opinion in which you can take with a pinch of salt. I have tried to pick accessible units that are not too rare or expensive so good bang for buck.

Jvc M70 - there is a reason this is a staple of most collections, great sound, good bass, goes loud, lovely deck, plus you can rock a BluFuzz strap!
Crown csc-850 - Lovely box, booming bass, one of the Best bang for buck boxes around. Vu meters!
Rising 2020 - Surprise entry maybe but I love mine, big sound, loud and great led meters.
Sony FH7 - My one 3 piecer, was a bitch to rebelt but sounds amazing and would blow the others into the weeds, not really a portable box tho as it weighs a ton!

There are loads of great 3 piece boxes but I tend to stick to classic one piece, I'm sure others will chime in with some great options.

 

[Northerner]

Great suggestions Tre

 

[Reli]

JVC M80, it's more interesting than the M70, more advanced, and costs only one-quarter what an M70 would.

 

[Norm1968]

A JVC PC-55 is a very impressive and realy good looking box. Probably the most advanced (technologicaly) box of its time. Sounds amazingly good.
Just love mine.

 

[Styleking]

Tre made some great suggestions for some good mid size boxes and I'll throw in a couple more: the Sanyo M9994 and the Aiwa 660 (so Skippy is represented).

 

[1986GLH]

This one is probably an unlikely choice, but how about a Realistic SCR-8? Not only do they look great, but they also sound awesome, have a ton of features, and they have some of the coolest LED's you're ever going to find. The best part is, you can usually pick one of these up in really decent shape for under $200.

 

[Reli]

This one is probably an unlikely choice, but how about a Realistic SCR-8? Not only do they look great, but they also sound awesome, have a ton of features, and they have some of the coolest LED's you're ever going to find. The best part is, you can usually pick one of these up in really decent shape for under $200.

Truth

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Panasonic RX5500.

Great sounding box and easy to work on also.

 

[Transistorized]

I am now in the market for something that's not so much a "looker" but more of a box that actually has better tech... good booming bass, a decent looking design that's somewhat pleasing to the eye, and one that will last over some time.

I always find myself looking at the same models and same brands of boxes, but I want to step out of my comfort zone and go for something that I wouldn't normally watch on eBay or bid on.

Any help would be amazing! Drop your pics and model #'s below and help a brotha out!

Hi boyg0newild. Are you specifically looking for a vintage blaster with cassette, good quality and bass or are you willing to branch out into a more modern box? I'll cover both areas. I will say that my opinions below are based on boxes I own and have heard and spent some time with.

This might not be what you were expecting if you were specifically looking for a vintage model however, when I read your post, the first box that came to my mind was the DJ-Tech.


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You won't normally find these on eBay and getting one seems to be difficult because we have latched on to them around here When available, they can typically be had for around 300 dollars. They are small size, have loads of inputs, well built, decent bass and they look good. While it has Bluetooth, it classifies as a boombox because it has a usable radio built in that picks up stations very well. You can also record from any source (even the radio and BT) onto SD or USB stick as an MP3 at 128kbps (to replace the cassette deck) while using the built in mixing board to control volume, bass and treble (which is very unique). So it's almost like controlling the bias on an old cassette decks recordings. The sound that comes out of this box is on par with the JVC RC-M70 and with Melly's battery mod, it will run for 12 hours per charge.

While I am on the subject of modern boxes, the GPO Brooklyn is another hit on the modern end with a cassette deck but if you are looking for a quality vintage cassette deck, being loud loads of bass...it's not going to float your boat. But it's a cool modern box that's easily obtainable with a vintage look and modern features. As far as lasting, they're new and have a 1 year warranty so it's worth noting.

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However, if you are looking for vintage box with a cassette deck, the DJ-Tech would not be of interest and there are many options. I would look for a vintage model with Music Search and in some cases, Dolby with feather touch controls. This would signify a good quality vintage box but is not the only determining factor. If you enjoy decent bass and want to go vintage, Panasonic and JVC typically have the best sound quality IMO and there are plenty of models for any budget.

Now maybe I am going to be a little biased here because I am on a M70 kick having just got one last week, but quite a few of our most respected members here have one and none of them regret their purchase. I am glad I watch the pros on here and made a move when I could.

Unlike some high end models, a good deal can still be had on one of these. Picture is of my JVC RC-M70JW

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I would consider the M70 a high end box despite not having feather touch or dolby. For the size it will tic the bass and loudness area of your list and has reliable long lasting internals.

On the lower end of the price point you can obtain one of these cheap. It's a Panasonic RX-5050. While it's not necessarily a bass booming blaster, Panasonic made up for it with their Ambience sound. It's actually quite amazing and allows the little box to puff its chest out a little. I got this one for $35 dollars and it has a good deck with a motor that lifts the heads and pinch roller assembly. While it does not have an auto music search feature, it does allow you to manually cue up the songs during playback using cue or rewind buttons.

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In a nutshell, IMO I would stick with these two brands and you can't go wrong. I have listed from my collection both modern and vintage at a price point which is high to low. There are deals still out there. I got my M70 for much less than they typically sell for so it is possible these days. Since this is your post and your decision, I hope you will be able to use any pictures and models you requested here to aid you in determining what your style and price point is.

 

[Matrixambience]

Panasonic RX-5050. Hands down. Workhorse screamer killer jam box!!! Yeah....I typed JAMBOX! This puppy truly jams! The 5050 was made before boom became synonymous with boomboxes in late,late 80s/ early 90s. I have two and I love them! Easy on eyes, easy batteries, lightweight and the four band EQ coupled with Ambience Surround equals Holy cow wow! Panasonic knew they hit a home run with this one. I remember one beautiful day in 1984, I had a Panasonic RX-5085, my friend I was walking with just bought brand new a Panny 5050, and we always walked up to local elementary school field lot to jam the radios and hang out. These two younger girls, one I knew, she was sporting a Panny RX-5080, and her friend had a Sanyo M9935K. They walked over to us. We chatted. Radios randomly playing either tapes, radio, or shut off completely.
Well....bragging rights starts.....and my friend touts the 5050 will outblast the girl I knew who had her 5080 just pumping out the local FM top 40 station, which was good then, since it's the 80s!!
They both dialed in the same station, and they started...... it got ugly....and super loud since two Pannys screaming. In the end, the 5050 just freaking killed the 5080. Just a little story to tell you to buy a Panasonic RX5050! You won't regret it.

 

[Styleking]

Oooh I just thought of another! The JVC 838 is a really quality box and the prices aren't too crazy...yet.

 

[Reli]

Oooh I just thought of another! The JVC 838 is a really quality box and the prices aren't too crazy...yet.

Every time I see one, they go for $250+ unless they're beaten up

M70, those go for 350+ unless beaten up

No thanks

 

[Transistorized]

Wow! I got a much better deal on mine. I guess good deals do still exist

That brings up a good point. What is your price point boyg0newild?

 

[Reli]

They do, but not on Ebay, if the seller seemed trustworthy and took good photos, not 640p pics from a 20 year old Motorola RAZR

 

[Transistorized]

:ebay: ^^^^

 

[ralrein1]

Panasonic rx-5150 or even better yet. The Panasonic rx-5250. Both,if your looking for a fixer upper. Can be had for less than or right around $150.00. Sometime a fair bit less than that. I wish you good luck and happy hunting.

 

[Radio raheem]

depends on weather you want 1 piece or 3 piece......3 piece Panasonic rx dt 680 nothing comes close,,,,sounds better than the mighty m90 which i have...1 piece not sure about that...the m70 is great but isn't really a bass monster but i love mine and had it cheap....retro 3 piece jvc pc5 mine kills the m90 with the wright speakers in it....retro 1 piece crown 980 gets my vote but no handle

 

[Radio raheem]

JVC M80, it's more interesting than the M70, more advanced, and costs only one-quarter what an M70 would.

deffo worth buying just to scrap for an m90 lol....never thought id defend the m70 yes the m80 is more advanced but they sound shite lol m70 would eat it backwards lol

and if you want the best box ever invented it's the sony fh909 but it's not portable