Boombox Noob. What Should I Buy?

[Kool Head]

Hello. New to the forums.

The audiophile world of vinyl has me a bit burned out. As a child of the 80s, I've recently rediscovered warm and fuzzy feeling of cassettes. I especially love that cassettes are still affordable and companies like Gnar Tapes exist, featuring bands that only have tape releases.

That said, I was taken aback by vintage boombox prices! Nevertheless, I must have one...

I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the conditions, brands and models out there. My goal? Find a sturdy box I can take to the beach and enjoy indoors. One that sounds great, of course. I'm not interested in any of the modern boxes. The 80s era has the vibe I'm looking for.

My budget is between $500 and $1000. What would you recommend I put an ebay search for? What's a good versatile box as a first start to hopefully a rich collection? Subjective I know, but I figured I could cull it down with some unanimous choices.

Right now there's a Aiwa cs 880 and Lasonic TRC-920 on ebay that look interesting.

Oh, and I'm willing to repair/restore something that's a good deal. However, I don't know if it's best to buy something that doesn't need work vs a project.

Thanks!

 

[Reli]

If you're in the USA, I'd recommend skipping Ebay and using other means. Too many posers driving up the cost of this hobby. Plus, I would estimate that 80% of the boxes I've purchased had some undisclosed flaw. Ebay sellers know they don't need to meet you in person, so they claim ignorance about the radio's flaws.

 

[Kool Head]

If you're in the USA, I'd recommend skipping Ebay and using other means. Too many posers driving up the cost of this hobby. Plus, I would estimate that 80% of the boxes I've purchased had some undisclosed flaw. Ebay sellers know they don't need to meet you in person, so they claim ignorance about the radio's flaws.

Yes, I'm between L.A. and Nashville. Totally understand the ebay factor.

What "means" do you recommend. Been perusing Craigslist, LetGo, etc. Goodwills and Salvation Armys are dry. I'm hoping to find some deals on this site too.

 

[Northerner]

So many to choose from! I usually buy faulty dirty ones as cheap as possible then fix them...a lot cheaper than buying one already done

 

[floyd]

My advice buy one that's been serviced by some who knows what their doing,that way you can and least enjoy what you bought. Once you do that then you can decide what you want to add to your collection be it something nice or a cheap project at least you don't leave the starting gate with door stop after spending good money.

 

[Kool Head]

I have an update.

There's a "Near Mint Sharp 9696 BOOMBOX" for sale near me. Seller says it's fully functional, the roller and belt are from Japan, professionally serviced by a tech. Reverb/echo works. Cleaned and demagnetized.

Seller asking $549. Been trying to find market value for these. Any quirks I need to look for?


[PICTURES ADDED]

I have an update.

There's a "Near Mint Sharp 9696 BOOMBOX" for sale near me. Seller says it's fully functional, the roller and belt are from Japan, professionally serviced by a tech. Reverb/echo works. Cleaned and demagnetized.

Seller asking $549. Been trying to find market value for these. Any quirks I need to look for?

 

[Reli]

$450 tops IMO, and that's assuming it's fully working. Make sure the FM stereo light works and stays locked, as that's a common flaw on old boomboxes.

 

[Superduper]

$549 is not out of line for a top of the heap box. Plus I’ve seen them sell for more. If the pictures represents what he’s getting (it looks like it’s is excellent condition, and they are hard to find like that), and if serviced and all working, I personally think it’s a good buy. Purchase & enjoy without fussing with rehabbing has its good points& this is especially true if it’s not your 19th (or 119th) box, in which case you probably won’t be willing to pay good money for the one and only.

 

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

That looks like a very clean box. The price is ok too. Heck, a mate of mine bought a minter from an interstate seller for over $1100 AUDs!!!