Favorite Manufacturers?

[BassHead]

Hello All. From St Petersburg FL via Oakland CA. I've been a long time reader, but recently decided to join.

Anyways, interested in hearing peoples favorite Manufacturer. If you can pick just one. I'm a huge Toshiba fan. Toshiba's box screams Streets, but also have a classy twist to them. I have a Bombeat 12 and it has served me well for 15 years. The VU lights dazzle. I prefer those gleaming lights over a VU meter anyday. All Tosh's just have a good look, and I don't think there is a close 2nd. For some reason I had it in my head that everyone thought the same way. But I know that's not true, and curious on others preferences and why.

As an aside, I recently have been really interested in the National / Panasonic brand. I just bought my first home (yes CA real estate is too crazy), and thinking about getting one of the RX-7000s on Ebay. It has the looks to bless my living room. The style is unlike most street boxes.

I also own a fully functioning M90 which I also love, mostly just for the sound. The looks are nice, but not even close to a Bombeat 40 (or dare I say even a 16...lol).

 

[Fatdog]

Welcome aboard, BassHead! That's a tough question you are asking. I bet most collectors, like me, have favorites from multiple brands. Picking just one as a favorite... hmm. I would probably go with Sharp. Sharp has the most models that I really like. A close second would be Sanyo.

 

[Reli]

Panasonic is the best quality IMO......but their styling is usually too conservative.

Really it depends on what year and type of box you're talking about.

From 1978 to 1982, I prefer Hitachis, Sanyos, and Toshibas.

But after that, those brands went downhill, and Panasonic, JVC, and GE took over, because they successfully capitalized on the 3-piece revolution.

However, if you like mini's, Sanyo and Aiwa have always been the kings of that category.

 

[BassHead]

Thanks Fatdog.

I will check out Hitachis. I don't recall seeing one.

 

[BassHead]

Reli, actually I recall some of your videos from a LONG time ago. It was the first time I was introduced to that Mirror Bowl cassette. I've looked for it since, and haven't seen one at a reasonable price.

Any similar looking cassettes? I want to give my box some jewerly without spending $200 on a tape. Any recommendation?