Is Bigger Better?

[duckman]

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Gorgeous that is !

 

[Reli]

http://wikiboombox.com/tiki-index.php?page=Sanyo+M7950

 

[MyOhMy]

Thanks folks, there are some great super ideas and pictures coming through - thank you for your generous efforts!

"I vill be making ze list"!

This is where I try to keep up with y'all!:

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.

Thanks, Reli. Nah, the ones I mentioned were only for a size reference, if most sound like they look then they'd be better kept switched off! Thanks for the suggestions.

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:

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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....

Many thanks for your suggestions and ideas, jimmyjimmy19702010. I was thinking: lightweight so ultra portable (I'm built more like Olive Oil then Bluto!) for the quieter listening times without the need for blasting. A good, confident bass is high on my list so I need to avoid the muddy-sounding cheapo's that are in abundance.

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

Thanks, Northener. I'll look into these as well, I'm certainly building up "ze list" with your suggestions but it'll keep me busy and happy!

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

Thanks again. The quality of the smaller Panasonic models have been mention before now in the forum, I'll take a closer look...............

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................................and I think those two models are such good lookers, the Sanyo's quite cute!

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.

Many thanks, Hisrudeness for your suggestions, I'll follow up on these also.

 

[MyOhMy]

Some quality radios in this thread. surprised no one has mentioned the Sharp GF-7.

Also some Sharp QT's are pretty good, pop into this thread.

https://boomboxery.com/forum/index.php/topic/8326-sharp-qt-thread-post-your-cuties/?hl=cuties

Cheers, Terry. More to be added to the list but the more, the merrier. Keep 'em coming!

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.

Thank to you too, k2j. I can confirm the JVC RC-656 has an excellent sound - I picked one up only 3-4 days ago and I'm impressed with the sound! The radio has such a nice sound but the tape is just a tad 'iffy' on mine so it's on my 'jobs to do' list.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks, everyone for all your contributions so far, you've all been an enormous help so y'all can give yourselves a BIG pat on the back!
I've also been quite impressed with some all of the images included in the thread, there's some dang fine examples there! I can't help but notice that they have nice, clean lines and look.............., well.....'professional' unlike many of their wannabe counterparts, relying on a little unnecessary decoration etc. in the vain hope of hoodwinking the not-so-wise. Well done all!

 

[MyOhMy]

http://wikiboombox.com/tiki-index.php?page=Sanyo+M7950

I can't help but agree with you, Reli. It's like a massive understatement restrained within a starched collar of reserve, too polite to boast of the inner quality concealed behind a cloak of dignified respectability.

 

[systemaddict]

If your prepared to go mid size then look mo further than the philips D8614. It has sound quality to die for, stunning twin red and green led's, proper line in, loudness function for extra kick (not that it needs it) spatial stereo which really brings the sound to life, it's not too heavy so easily portable, and it even has a battery power check button which uses the led's to show battery life when pressed. Oh and did I mention you can pick one up for round the 40 50 quid mark. The most underated box of all time sorry I have no single pics but it's the top two in the pics

 

[jimmyjimmy19702010]

Your sound quality requirement is for a 'low volume level bassy style of sound'. Very few boxes (even a few big 15V boxes) really provide satisfying bass at low listening levels.

To expect a mini one piece 80s box to satisfy this requirement is a little optimistic IMHO! Cute, stylish, trendy? You bet!
Bassy? No.

I did a comparison tonight of the Sanyo M7900K and a National RX-C45 and whilst the Sanyo sounded strong, the National kicked its arse into the weeds for bass, treble and total output. But remember, in a video comparison I did a while back, this little C45 also kicked the arse of a 15V Sharp GF-9292 for bass as well!!

 

[MyOhMy]

If your prepared to go mid size then look mo further than the philips D8614. It has sound quality to die for, stunning twin red and green led's, proper line in, loudness function for extra kick (not that it needs it) spatial stereo which really brings the sound to life, it's not too heavy so easily portable, and it even has a battery power check button which uses the led's to show battery life when pressed. Oh and did I mention you can pick one up for round the 40 50 quid mark. The most underated box of all time sorry I have no single pics but it's the top two in the pics

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Here: Take a bag full of thanks on me!

Mid size is OK 'as and when' although I've always got my eyes open for one, I've a Hitachi TRK-9100 which is quite nice to listen to:

I'm beginning to appreciate this style of BB a little more now I've gained my first one. I'd forgotten all about the Philips range you so proudly mention at every opportunity but, hearing you sing the praises of these so often, I've now put one (1?!) on my wish list. AND......they look good too!

 

[MyOhMy]

Forgot to add £40.00-£50.00 sounds an absolute bargain to me!!!

 

[MyOhMy]

Your sound quality requirement is for a 'low volume level bassy style of sound'. Very few boxes (even a few big 15V boxes) really provide satisfying bass at low listening levels.

To expect a mini one piece 80s box to satisfy this requirement is a little optimistic IMHO! Cute, stylish, trendy? You bet!
Bassy? No.

I did a comparison tonight of the Sanyo M7900K and a National RX-C45 and whilst the Sanyo sounded strong, the National kicked its arse into the weeds for bass, treble and total output. But remember, in a video comparison I did a while back, this little C45 also kicked the arse of a 15V Sharp GF-9292 for bass as well!!

Thanks again, j j. I think the 'bassy description' I gave was a little inaccurate or, perhaps, not clear enough. 'Depth' of sound may be better. I remember a few mini BB's back in the day that had virtually no decent bass tone at all, they sounded very tinny. I'd like to benefit from the full range of the music, not try and create a rumble throughout the neighbourhood. Does this explain it better? Thanks for the extra info, every little helps!

 

[systemaddict]

Here: Take a bag full of thanks on me!

Mid size is OK 'as and when' although I've always got my eyes open for one, I've a Hitachi TRK-9100 which is quite nice to listen to:

DSCF0681.JPG
I'm beginning to appreciate this style of BB a little more now I've gained my first one. I'd forgotten all about the Philips range you so proudly mention at every opportunity but, hearing you sing the praises of these so often, I've now put one (1?!) on my wish list. AND......they look good too!

Yes the 9100's sound very good, no match for the Philips though whatever you go for don't rush in, take your time and choose wisely

 

[floyd]

Your sound quality requirement is for a 'low volume level bassy style of sound'. Very few boxes (even a few big 15V boxes) really provide satisfying bass at low listening levels.

To expect a mini one piece 80s box to satisfy this requirement is a little optimistic IMHO! Cute, stylish, trendy? You bet!
Bassy? No.

I did a comparison tonight of the Sanyo M7900K and a National RX-C45 and whilst the Sanyo sounded strong, the National kicked its arse into the weeds for bass, treble and total output. But remember, in a video comparison I did a while back, this little C45 also kicked the arse of a 15V Sharp GF-9292 for bass as well!!

i agree about the rxc -45 , not too many mini's stand a chance against it , these are well made great sounding boxes that won't break the bank. i still can't believe the amount of sound these produce .

 

[MyOhMy]

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If this is the RX-F32L, what's the '5-Tape Program Sensor'? Is this a good/decent BB?