how does the clairtone 7980 compares with the JVC M90 ?

[ScareDe2]

I am looking at my local dealers and I find some models seemingly in very good condition for less than $600 which is a reasonable price. Like I said I don't want to start a collection just pick the best boomboxes from each decades.

If you had to choose between both, for sound quality only, would you pick the clairtone or the m90?

 

[Transistorized]

I am going to Chime in on this one since I recently acquired a M90 and have a C-100F (aka Clairtone 7980 / Helix 4635). When I say Conion throughout my text I will be referring to the Clairtone and aka's.

First things first. The Conion is more flashy and larger than the JVC. The volume acts very differently on the Conion from the M90. At 1/4 volume on the Conion it is as loud as the JVC on 6 but the Conion starts to go down hill on sound quality when pushed past half way on the dial (unless input signal is low). The nice thing about the way the volume acts on the Conion is you can really boost those low recorded tapes and still rock them loud. But if the recording is nice and loud then you have to cut back on bass and such to keep distortion at a minimum past half volume. The saving grace for this is the "wide" option to the stereo which is a nice touch

The M90 (IMO) has better sound quality if that's your main goal but lacks stereo "wide" feature. My experience with the M90 is that it out performs the Conion in overall sound quality but requires the volume knob turned further to get the same volume level as the Conion. The M90 has more IC chips inside and due to the full logic control deck tends to experience more temperamental issues and tends to be slightly more problematic than the Conion.

Hope this helps

 

[baddboybill]

Sound quality= M90
Loudness and bass = Claretone


Bad Boy Bill

 

[soundboy]

Clairtone is difficult to play indoors it is a great radio in many ways but no match for the m90 yet if I may, the sharp 777 is a must.. for design and sound!... this is my true belief

 

[mellymelsr]

The C100f has a raw, gritty sound that is perfectly tuned for the streets. The M90 has a more refined sound better suited for the more discerning listener. Sound quality easily goes to the M90.

 

[Vintage Man]

Get the 7980 first. A must have in any small or large collection

 

[Cpl-Chronic]

My opinion is the C-100/Clairtone 7980 is the iconic box for the entire culture/genre, etc. It has all of the classic elements of a great boombox, in full effect. The M90 on the other hand is the un-disputed king in sound quality, very good full logic control deck & a good 8 band tuner on top for fun. The M90 build quality is best in class. All components are really good quality, the boards inter-connect with wire harnesses & plugs. The C-100 is not as well executed, from what I hear around. Never seen one in person... If you get an M90, look for cracks & problems with the uerythane coating on the woofers. Try to look through the grills with a flashlight to see the edges...


Chronic