I need help purchasing a boombox

[Chexout]

Hello everyone, I need advice on finding a boombox.
here is what I am looking for in a box

-suitable enough for everyday use
-affordable (around $150-$200)
-doesn't need repairs
-portable
-Great sound quality

I currently have my eyes set on the Sony CFS-45 but if you guys know of something better please let me know
Thank you

 

[baddboybill]

Sony might be worth $50-$60 not $200. It only has tone control and basic functions. It’s small but sounds ok for size. Easy to carry. There are larger better sounding units out there for $150-$200. Panasonic RX5150 is great choice

 

[Hisrudeness]

With the budget you have you can aim higher. The CFS-45 is not a particularly good or collectible box. 5150 or 5085 are certainly better and within your price range. More line-in options as well so even if the tape doesn’t work initially at least you can still play more than just the radio.

 

[Reli]

Panasonic RX5250, it sounds better than the RX5150 in my opinion

Or you could try to find a GE 3-6035A

 

[Transistorized]

IMO Sony ruled in Walkman but never really ruled in the boombox era (although they do have some good units). I really don't think you can go wrong in your price range with a Panasonic. They all have a good sound and usually come with decent cassette mechanisms. Something I always look for is Bass & Treble versus Tone control and (if you like listening to cassette) a full logic deck.

I have to agree that the RX line is good. Also look at the RX-5050. A good working example can be found for 150 in that model. Aux inputs are nice to extend the usefulness of your box

 

[T-STER]

Yeah as everyone has said here, aim much higher than that Sony, not one of their best efforts.

I would do as Rudey mentions and make sure whatever box you buy has line in, gives you the flexibility to connect your phone/ipod etc. Look for a serviced deck if you don't fancy tinkering although you will pay more. Perhaps a member here may have something suitable. If you were in the same country i would hook you up but postage is a bitch from uk.

Maybe consider a Crown 850/950/945 to, great looks, most have line in rca, good sound to and simple decks.

A Universum Supersound 1600 if you don't mind importing are awesome bang for buck.

 

[Hisrudeness]

We get a few of these “I’m new, what should I get?” Threads. I keep forgetting to mention Aiwa CS-600.
Punch above their weight and have a line-in.

 

[Reli]

The Sharp GF-8989 is also in this price range. It's better looking than all the others mentioned IMO, but it doesn't sound as good.

 

[Chexout]

So with your guys advice (and some research on my end) I have compiled a list of boxes that seem like a good choice

Sharp GF-8989
Hitachi 3D80
Panasonic RX5050, RX5150, RX5250, RX5500, RX5600, S-XBS
Sanyo M9990, M9994
Awia TPR950, TPR955, CS600
Pioneer SK350
General Electric 3-6035A

out of all of these, which ones would you guys say has the better sound quality or are not worth it?

Also should I wait until after the holiday season or does that not really affect prices?

 

[Hisrudeness]

Out of those boxes which one do you like the look of?

 

[Chexout]

I really like the look of the Sharp GF-8989 and the Awia CS600 as well as the Panasonic RX5500 and the RX5600 not so much the other ones

sorry I haven't found how to directly respond to a comment YET..

I really like the look of the Sharp GF-8989 and the Awia CS600 as well as the Panasonic RX5500 and the RX5600 not so much the other ones

sorry I haven't found how to directly respond to a comment YET..

nevermind found it

 

[Transistorized]

I really like the look of the Sharp GF-8989 and the Awia CS600 as well as the Panasonic RX5500 and the RX5600 not so much the other ones

sorry I haven't found how to directly respond to a comment YET..

I really like the look of the Sharp GF-8989 and the Awia CS600 as well as the Panasonic RX5500 and the RX5600 not so much the other ones

sorry I haven't found how to directly respond to a comment YET..

nevermind found it

This is just my opinion. Aiwa is a good brand name but the Tone control would drive me away. I like the looks of the Panasonic models but what really grabs me out of the choices you listed was the Sharp GF-8989 but I'd have to toss a coin for that or the RX5500. Both look sweet

 

[caution]

-doesn't need repairs

You might want to stick to a 90s box or newer if you have zero interest in fixing them when they act up later on, which is a good possibility.

 

[Reli]

So with your guys advice (and some research on my end) I have compiled a list of boxes that seem like a good choice

Sharp GF-8989
Hitachi 3D80
Panasonic RX5050, RX5150, RX5250, RX5500, RX5600, S-XBS
Sanyo M9990, M9994
Awia TPR950, TPR955, CS600
Pioneer SK350
General Electric 3-6035A

out of all of these, which ones would you guys say has the better sound quality or are not worth it?

Also should I wait until after the holiday season or does that not really affect prices?

Buy during the holiday season, because most people don't have money for boxes because they have to buy gifts instead.
Worst time to buy is Feb/March/April when people get their tax refunds.

Here is that list ranked by sound quality
M9994
TPR950/955
CS600
RX5500 and 5600
GE
RX5250
M9990
3D80
RX5150 and 5050
GF8989


IMHO only

 

[Chexout]

-doesn't need repairs

You might want to stick to a 90s box or newer if you have zero interest in fixing them when they act up later on, which is a good possibility.

I guess I phrased this the wrong way I could repair minor issues but anything larger than that I would have to bring in.

what kind of problems could I expect to run into with normal use?

also what would your opinion be on a JVC RC-646W?

 

[caution]

Ahh okay! I wasn't sure if you were willing to even take it apart. I didn't want to discourage you, but the old classics all seem to eventually need some TLC.

Chances are you should be able to avoid having to bring it in for hardcore repairs if it's in good general condition. Typical things that pop up are usually repairable by anyone with some time and patience, like worn out belts, dirty switches and pots, burnt out bulbs and fuses, or cosmetic repairs for parts that cracked or snapped off.

 

[baddboybill]

In all honesty if you are thinking about 80’s box and expect to do some repairs or restoration for fun then I suggest to start with simple and cheap to learn. Panasonic RX 4900 and low 5010’s are easy and cheap to work on and if you mess up your not out high cost. This way you can actually learn about the hobby.

But if all your looking for is nice restored unit that’s fine too but as Eric mentioned they can give issues down road even after restoration.

 

[Chexout]

Ahh okay! I wasn't sure if you were willing to even take it apart. I didn't want to discourage you, but the old classics all seem to eventually need some TLC.

Chances are you should be able to avoid having to bring it in for hardcore repairs if it's in good general condition. Typical things that pop up are usually repairable by anyone with some time and patience, like worn out belts, dirty switches and pots, burnt out bulbs and fuses, or cosmetic repairs for parts that cracked or snapped off.

In all honesty if you are thinking about 80’s box and expect to do some repairs or restoration for fun then I suggest to start with simple and cheap to learn. Panasonic RX 4900 and low 5010’s are easy and cheap to work on and if you mess up your not out high cost. This way you can actually learn about the hobby.

But if all your looking for is nice restored unit that’s fine too but as Eric mentioned they can give issues down road even after restoration.

Thanks for the advice. would you consider it wise to buy something cheap like the CFS-45 and buy a second one for parts instead? I'm not too familiar with how much I would be spending to maintain a box

 

[Reli]

Are you going to play tapes?

 

[Chexout]

Are you going to play tapes?

It would be nice but its something I don't really see myself using all that often because I only have a few,
I would probably transmit my own pirate radio station and listen to that instead