Is Bigger Better?

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MyOhMy

MyOhMy

Member (SA)
(tsk, tsk already!)




I would like to find out your opinions on smaller stereo BB's with a view to acquiring one, or two, or.........

I'd be making my choice(s) based primarily on sound quality with other aspects such as connectivity (iPod), colour, ease of use and appearance playing a lesser part.

I have two approximate size ideas I'm going with at the moment and the size examples are:

1.
AIWA CS-W330H
SHARP WQ-250, 268 etc.
Panasonic FM14
JVC RC-W40
etc., etc., single tape or double, it matters not.

2.
Sony CF-550A
Sharp GF-4343
Panasonic RX-5010, 5012 etc., etc.

I don't envisage blasting the speakers out (too) loud. I'd like a nice, full, rich sound with good range. Separate Bass/Treble controls if possible and would prefer rotary controls thereby avoiding slide controls. Fine Tune and Short Wave would be a distinct advantage!
Are there particular brands to avoid like the plague? Is there a brand with such outstanding quality that almost anything of this brand could be given serious consideration as long as it's Brand X?



So, BB'ers, can you help at all?
 
duckman

duckman

Member (SA)
The Sanyo minis I have had always impress. Last one was an M7770K , found them perfect for a small room. Liked it a bit better than the FM14 for overall sound qualty.

Oh, (tsk, tsk already!) you are asking a group of men defining themselves by the size of thieir toys? They're ALL big ! :w00t:

Ya walked into that one (like you didn't expect, LOL)
 
k2j

k2j

Member (SA)
Just a side note here.

Keep this in mind. If you compare the same exact model, no 2 radios will sound the same. For instance I have 2 Realistic blockbuster knock-offs and one sounds magnificent, the other not so much. They may have used different components or revisions of the boombox. Also, how much environmental damage was done to them in particular helping to age the components.

To answer your specific radio needs you may prefer responses from your country-mates. Our models and popular radios here in the states are generally different so may be more expensive.

Good luck in your search!!!
 
MyOhMy

MyOhMy

Member (SA)
duckman said:
The Sanyo minis I have had always impress. Last one was an M7770K , found them perfect for a small room. Liked it a bit better than the FM14 for overall sound qualty.

Oh, (tsk, tsk already!) you are asking a group of men defining themselves by the size of thieir toys? They're ALL big ! :w00t:

Ya walked into that one (like you didn't expect, LOL)
Click to expand...
Thanks, that's a good start and................









...........................................................I just knew you'd be the first to comment!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
MyOhMy

MyOhMy

Member (SA)
k2j said:
Just a side note here.

Keep this in mind. If you compare the same exact model, no 2 radios will sound the same. For instance I have 2 Realistic blockbuster knock-offs and one sounds magnificent, the other not so much. They may have used different components or revisions of the boombox. Also, how much environmental damage was done to them in particular helping to age the components.

To answer your specific radio needs you may prefer responses from your country-mates. Our models and popular radios here in the states are generally different so may be more expensive.

Good luck in your search!!!
Click to expand...
Thanks, k2j, that's good info. I really ought to consider models from an aging granny with super sensitive hearing, living in laboratory type conditions, having only taken the radio out of the original box every 10th birthday! No, I'm not making fun but the historical environmental conditions you mention will be a quality factor - abuse free, please!
 
Reli

Reli

Boomus Fidelis
The ones you listed I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole, lol. If you're trying to keep it small, the best mini-boxes are Aiwas and Sanyos IMO, especially the ones with 4 speakers, soft touch controls, and premium features. Like the Aiwa CS-R10 or the Sanyo M7950. But if you don't want to spend more than $30-40, then get a mid-tier Panasonic with Ambience, like the RX-F4, those sound pretty decent. It is possible that FM14 you listed might sound good, but I've never heard one.
 
J

jimmyjimmy19702010

Member (SA)
I love the look of these high end minis particularly the fully featured models with all the features of the big boys.

Unfortunately, I don't tend to listen to them often due to the sound quality and lack of bass - for low level listening they're fine but if you want to crank it, the little ones aren't the best choice.

If you're prepared to go a little bigger, you can get far superior sound quality.
My number one suggestion for great bass and clear highs would be the 1984 Panasonic RX-C45.

Photo courtesy of Google:
View attachment 22188

It's a 12V (8 D cell) unit that has one vital feature - a 5 band equaliser. It goes a long way in shaping the sound to pump the bass and highs and tone down those mids.

The later models in the RX-C series don't seem to sound as good for some reason.

James.... :-)
 
Northerner

Northerner

Boomus Fidelis
I've got a few high end Sanyo minis and I'd highly recommend them...you get a top quality boomer squeezed into a smaller form rather than just a lightweight cheap throwaway thing.

I've got a 7700, a 7750, and a couple of 7900's and they're all recommended...the 7900 I love best
 
Northerner

Northerner

Boomus Fidelis
Just thought of another...I have a Panasonic RX F32 at work that's fab....compact size, looks cool, proper line in, sounds fab, lots of LEDs...it's a cracker
 
Hisrudeness

Hisrudeness

Member (SA)
Hi Christine,
I'd also recommend most Sanyo mini's. They are exceptional. Some Aiwa models and I agree about the Panny F4.

This Panny RX-C52 is an exceptional mini compo. One of my favourites and my current kitchen radio.
 
k2j

k2j

Member (SA)
I know its bigger than what your looking at. But I've heard that the JVC 656 is a very good sounding box with rotary knobs, SW etc and in plenty of supply in the UK.
 
Lasonic TRC-920

Lasonic TRC-920

Moderator
Toshiba also made some nice soft touch full logic deck mini's

Not sure if it matters to you, but most mini's take D Cell's but some take C Cells and use their own special power cord (make sure it's included in the purchase)

Some amazing pictures in this thread :w00t:
 
blu_fuz

blu_fuz

Well-Known Member
Staff member
Northerner said:
attachicon.gif
image.jpg
Click to expand...

^ this mini will blow your mind. I can't believe the quality and range of sound that it produces. Tons of features.
 
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