Sharp GF-800z

[Ghettoboom767]

Hi Norm-I almost bough one from Vlad.
I've heard they are really nice!!
I want a 939 or one of these 800's.
Great find!! & a good deal.
It's always nice when it's a super easy fix!
Have a good one-GB.

That's for sure. I asked the guy if he knew the voltage was wrong. He disagreed saying that it was set correctly and that he'd always been operating it that way. Well, yeah, it still works when the voltage is set to 1/2 it's intended amount but it's like operating a boombox when the batteries are almost dead. Needless to say, it didn't perform well and the cassette decks wouldn't work. All I did was take 30 seconds to correct the voltage setting and voila, instant fix. Damn, I'm good.

Man your so lucky!! I was looking at that one I think to!
Can't buy any e-bay boxes because i'm saving for a grail!
Have a good one-GB.

 

[Superduper]

.

And again you missunder stood yes you the ipod is portable and can be used in ways an m90 can't but DONT buy one buy a sony or a creative blows an ipod away i think the word ipod is an insult in it's self

The best speakers I've seen in a boombox so far is in the RX-5350. Those speakers are so big/heavy/beefy that they look better suited as a car subwoofer.

As for the where the apple excels is in the itunes software and the ipod interface. I had the creative and it's nice but the ipod software and interface beats them hands down.

 

[Radio raheem]

see that yess you comment it wasnt meant to be there and the above post has been edited norm i know it looked like i was anoyed but i wasn't my friend sorry fotr the typo mistake as for i tunes i hate it lol with a passion i much prifur drag and drop

 

[vladi123456]

I personally prefer GF-800z - because of the clock and some extra buttons make it look better than the one I have. But in general - GF-800 is one of my favorite boomboxes - I can't say enough how good it sounds. Kicks butt of most of my boomboxes, and I have good stuff mostly

As far as I could find - there were 5 different models of GF-800:

Sharp GF-800 Z(BK) - Chinese market
Sharp GF-800 Z(D) - dark gray - South-Eastern market
Sharp GF-800 Z(S) - silver - South-Eastern market
Sharp GF-800 H(D) - dark gray - European market
Sharp GF-800 H(S) - silver

Difference between Z and H - Asian model had a digital clock. European models had Dolby B, which Z model doesn't have

 

[vladi123456]

As far as GF-800 vs WF-939 - there's hardly any difference. I've posted their specs before, and here they are again.

SPECIFICATIONS (SHARP 800Z)
Power source: AC 110V - 127V and 220 -240V, 50/60Hz DC 1 5V (UM/SUM-1 or R20 type Ñ… 10, or external 15V DC)
Output power: PMPO; 52W (26W + 26W) (AC operation) MPO; 40W (20W + 20W) (AC operation) RMS; 26W (13W +13W) (DC operation, 10% distortion)
Dimensions:

Width; 681 mm (26-13/16") Height; 225mm (8-7/8") Depth; 210mm (8-1/4")
Weight: 8.8kg(19.4lbs.) without batteries

TAPE RECORDER
Tape: Compact cassette tape
Frequency response: 30Hz 14,000Hz (normal tape) 30Hz 16,000Hz (CrO2 tape) 30Hz - 17,000Hz (metal tape)
Signal/noise ratio: 55 dB (Deck 1, playback) 50 dB (Deck 2, recording)
Input impedance: External mic; 600 ohms Phono/line in; 50 kohms/50 kohms
Loaded impedance: Headphones; 8 ohms 32 ohms External speakers; 8 ohme 16 ohms Line out; 0.6V/50 kohms

RADIO
Frequency range: AM; 526.5 kHz - 1606.5 kHz SW1; 2.3 MHz - 7.3 MHz SW2; 7.3 MHz-22 MHz FM; 87.6MHz - 108 MHz

SPEAKER
Speakers: 16cm (6-1/2") free-edge woofer Ñ… 2 tweeter Ñ… 2
Impedance: 8 ohms
Input: 26W (maximum)


SPECIFICATION (SHARP 939ZP)

GENERAL
Power source; AC 110 -127 V and 220 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz DC 1 5 V (UM/SUM-1 or R20 type x 10, or external 15 V DC)
Output power: PMPO; 200 W ( 100 W + 100 W) (AC operation) MPO; 40 W (20 W + 20 W) (AC operation) RMS; 26 W (13 W + 13 W) (DC operation, 10% distortion)
Input impedance: External mic; 600 ohms Phono/line in/CD; 50 kohms
Loaded impedance: Headphones; 8 - 32 ohms External speakers; 8-16 ohms Line out; 0.6 V/50 kohms
Dimensions: Width; 680 mm Height; 250 mm Depth; 180 mm
Weight: 9.3 kg without batteries

TAPE RECORDER
Tape: Compact cassette tape
Frequency response: 30 - 1 5,000 Hz (normal tape) 30 - 16,000 Hz (Cr02 tape) 30 - 17,000 Hz (metal tape)
Signal/noise ratio: 55 dB (Tape 1, playback) 50 dB (Tape 2, recording)

RADIO
Frequency range: MW; 526.5 - 1606.5 kHz SW1; 2.3 - 7.3 MHz SW2; 7.3 - 22 MHz FM; 64 - 74 MHz

SPEAKER
Speakers: 210 cm2 square-type flat diaphragm woofer x 2; 5 cm tweeter x 2 Super tweeter x 2
Impedance: 8 ohms
Input: 26 W (RMS) 100 W (PMPO)

 

[Radio raheem]

Wait till you get the 939 vladi i think you will be in for a suprize btw congrats on the 939

 

[Radio raheem]

Btw norm you have done it along with other kind members i am keeping my boxes i have enjoyed this conversation and i thank you for that

 

[Radio raheem]

As far as GF-800 vs WF-939 - there's hardly any difference. I've posted their specs before, and here they are again.

SPECIFICATIONS (SHARP 800Z)
Power source: AC 110V - 127V and 220 -240V, 50/60Hz DC 1 5V (UM/SUM-1 or R20 type Ñ… 10, or external 15V DC)
Output power: PMPO; 52W (26W + 26W) (AC operation) MPO; 40W (20W + 20W) (AC operation) RMS; 26W (13W +13W) (DC operation, 10% distortion)
Dimensions:

Width; 681 mm (26-13/16") Height; 225mm (8-7/8") Depth; 210mm (8-1/4")
Weight: 8.8kg(19.4lbs.) without batteries

TAPE RECORDER
Tape: Compact cassette tape
Frequency response: 30Hz 14,000Hz (normal tape) 30Hz 16,000Hz (CrO2 tape) 30Hz - 17,000Hz (metal tape)
Signal/noise ratio: 55 dB (Deck 1, playback) 50 dB (Deck 2, recording)
Input impedance: External mic; 600 ohms Phono/line in; 50 kohms/50 kohms
Loaded impedance: Headphones; 8 ohms 32 ohms External speakers; 8 ohme 16 ohms Line out; 0.6V/50 kohms

RADIO
Frequency range: AM; 526.5 kHz - 1606.5 kHz SW1; 2.3 MHz - 7.3 MHz SW2; 7.3 MHz-22 MHz FM; 87.6MHz - 108 MHz

SPEAKER
Speakers: 16cm (6-1/2") free-edge woofer Ñ… 2 tweeter Ñ… 2
Impedance: 8 ohms
Input: 26W (maximum)


SPECIFICATION (SHARP 939ZP)

GENERAL
Power source; AC 110 -127 V and 220 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz DC 1 5 V (UM/SUM-1 or R20 type x 10, or external 15 V DC)
Output power: PMPO; 200 W ( 100 W + 100 W) (AC operation) MPO; 40 W (20 W + 20 W) (AC operation) RMS; 26 W (13 W + 13 W) (DC operation, 10% distortion)
Input impedance: External mic; 600 ohms Phono/line in/CD; 50 kohms
Loaded impedance: Headphones; 8 - 32 ohms External speakers; 8-16 ohms Line out; 0.6 V/50 kohms
Dimensions: Width; 680 mm Height; 250 mm Depth; 180 mm
Weight: 9.3 kg without batteries

TAPE RECORDER
Tape: Compact cassette tape
Frequency response: 30 - 1 5,000 Hz (normal tape) 30 - 16,000 Hz (Cr02 tape) 30 - 17,000 Hz (metal tape)
Signal/noise ratio: 55 dB (Tape 1, playback) 50 dB (Tape 2, recording)

RADIO
Frequency range: MW; 526.5 - 1606.5 kHz SW1; 2.3 - 7.3 MHz SW2; 7.3 - 22 MHz FM; 64 - 74 MHz

SPEAKER
Speakers: 210 cm2 square-type flat diaphragm woofer x 2; 5 cm tweeter x 2 Super tweeter x 2
Impedance: 8 ohms
Input: 26 W (RMS) 100 W (PMPO)

There is a difference vladi there has to be because i know the 939 has Real flat diapgam speakers how ever you spell it

 

[Superduper]

THANKS guys! Don't know where you dug up that info from but it's much appreciated. The one I got was the GF-800z (D). So, let's see the GF-800 and GF-939 then has same power output. I like the GF-939 only because it has the "real" spectrum analyzer, otherwise this one will work just fine.. Also, looking at the power specs, the RMS is impressive indeed. Now those specs confirms that my ears weren't deceived because that is indeed M90 power, maybe then some owing that the sealed speakers will result in tighter bass than the free-air 8 inchers in the M90. Interesting in that the M90 posts the highly over-rated and non FTC max music power rating rather than the FTC spec'd RMS ratings.

 

[Radio raheem]

It may be the same power as the m90 but its a different sounding box where are you getting your ratings from i think the manual says 20w rms channel i would have to check the manual wich i have, but i have said before i have had an m90 before and on the speakers on this one they were rated at 3w not sure what measurment though, all the others i have had have been rated at 20w on the speaker although i highly doubt it as the magnets are tiny

 

[vladi123456]

Tim, I didn't win the 939, unfortunately - I was outbid in the last 2 seconds. Such as my luck :annoyed:

Ya, the only reason I want 939 is that spectrum analyzer - everything else seems to be the same. And 939 is a little bigger than the 800.

I dig the clock on 800z though - mine just has Sharp GF-800 written in that space where you have the clock - doesn't look as cool. But same great sound though - I am very impressed with that as well. I'm glad I didn't sell it

 

[Radio raheem]

Sorry to hear that vladi man just buy one with a bin there on ebay every week for £100 whateaver that is in $ the only reason i want one is because of the spectrum anulizer and the fact it has REAL square speakers if the speakers were fake i wouldn't be interested my friend that's just me looks like i have OFFENDED norm cuz of that yes you comment but it REALY wasn't meant to be there try typing when your half blind and glasses dont make any differance to me i have a rare eye condition like everything else

 

[Superduper]

Rim, You didn't offend on the square vs round thing. That's you and I'm me, and I don't care either way. Well, actually, the square ones look cool but I think if I had a choice, I'd prefer round simply form a serviceability point of view. Don't know where I would get square replacements from if it needed it and/or replacement square foam surrounds. You got to understand that I always look at boxes through the prism of serviceability. If we didn't have our own preferences and tolerances, then we would be drones.

The specs I got was from the Service manual. Whereas the RC-M70 advertises FTC ratings, the M90 did not, choosing instead to advertise Peak Music Output and MAX outputs. However, based on the fact that the M70 and M90 uses the same amp design (BTL) we can estimate the actual RMS rating from the specs of the M70.

M70: 30w max (15w + 15w) vs Actual RMS (7w + 7w)
M90: 40w max (20w + 20w) vs Actual RMS (?? + ??)

Let's see, doing a little math...
7/15 = x/20 or
140 = 15x or
9.33 = x

So, in other words, if the RMS vs Max Power relationship remains the same from the M70 to the M90 and I don't see why it wouldn't based upon the fact that the amps are designed very similarly, then it stands to reason that the likely RMS power output of the M90 would be 9.3 watts rms/channel. The amp modules are AN7145k vs AN7156N respectively. Looking at the specs for these 2 amplifier modules, my conclusion above is probably very close, if not spot on to actual.

 

[Radio raheem]

Norm if it makes any sence after all i have said i prefure round speakers too but if the box looks like it has square speakers then i want square speakers lol

regarding the m90 i have seen stickers on an m90 in japan and they were rated at 30w on the other hand i have seen m90 door stickers and they were rated at 60w i think it is all bull just invented to impress the consumer as i have had about 10 m90's all the same power at least to my ear.

I have never had an m70 not my cup of tea but yours is beutiful it seems like the m70 and the m90 may actually be the same power although most people say the m90 sounds way better than the m70

This will suprise you but to me if you place an m90 anywhere in a room it dosent sound that good to me but sitting on your lap infront of you on your knee i find no other box can match it and also its a loud bugger as we all know

 

[Superduper]

Put it next to your ear and it'll sound even better still

The M90 has slightly more power and has bigger woofers hence the sound improvement. I've had people say the M70 is like 80% of an M90, sound wise. That's probably an accurate assessment.

The M90 specs from the service manual is 40watts MAX power (20w + 20w). Also listed as 60watts PEAK MUSIC POWER (30w + 30w). What the hell is peak music power???? Nothing more than simple advertising. Anyhow it's there. Interestingly enough, the only rating that is truly important is the FTC rating in RMS into stated impedance. This is where the M90 noticeably failed to disclose, even though the M70 manual clearly gives the rms numbers. No matter. The M70/M90 comparo and my calculated estimated M90 rms power is based upon the advertised numbers extracted from both manuals and the relationship between the MAX and RMS values of the M70 was used for the calculations.

 

[oldskool69]

My WF-939z

And now that she's 100%...we'll really see what she does at the Sunshine Mix for 2010.

 

[Superduper]

We have sunshine here in the West Coast too! How about bringing it over so we can do a pow wow.

 

[oldskool69]

We have sunshine here in the West Coast too! How about bringing it over so we can do a pow wow.

Much further drive...plus, last time I was in Florida, someone was willing to harbor me for free...

Regarding the power output...

I had the opportunity to hear a GF-800 and I've owned a HK-9000. The GF-800 sounds better than the HK. The WF sounds better than either. The WF seems to have better headroom than either. Plus it clearly has the better speaker setup. Tell ya what I can do. I can run a 1kHz test signal through the WF and get the steady voltage output of both channels over five seconds. Taking the impendance load of the speakers into consideration, I can come up with the rough RMS wattage output of the speakers.

(I have to do this the old fashioned way as my RMS multi-meter is toast.)

Keep in mind, during real listening there are always peaks and valleys. What I can't tell you is sustained load before clipping. I'm not really feeling the idea of dismantling my WF-939 to do that.

 

[Superduper]

Nah, all that trouble isn't necessary. I'll just take your word for it. An instrument measuring SPL at the speakers is not much use. A PA horn will generate huge SPL numbers but I doubt that many of us will consider the audio anything worthy of music quality. Besides, the REAL spectrum analyzer display alone makes the WF much more desirable, in my opinion.

And the West Coast pow wow -- in case you didn't know, I didn't seriously expect the east coast guys to make the trip west. I'm still hopeful that maybe next year, we can get an event going here. Anyone near the coast interested in one?

 

[oldskool69]

...An instrument measing SPL at the speakers is not much use... ...Besides, the REAL spectrum analyzer display alone makes the WF much more desirable, in my opinion...

Not measuring SPL. Using actual voltage output from the speaker terminals. It's a simple starting formula, not as accurate as a test bench but will give you a general idea:

Say at 1kHz test tone with volume turned all the way up, you get 10v output (AC) at the speaker terminal.

Multiply this by the same, so 10v x 10v = 100v.

Now divide by resistive load, e.g. 8 ohms, so 100v / 8 ohms = 12.5w

Now, one must realize that attempting to get all 12.5w is unrealistic for usable power, factor -27% (-3.375 in this case) for circuit loss and inefficiencies, plus account for the fact that the power supply is being drained by rails for other components as well. This also accounts for the fact that the amplifier will go into clipping faster as it's starving. (Most amp chips deal in varying voltage requirements for desired output depending on application. That gets into the heat factor which is it's own issue.)

So 12.5 - 3.375 = 9.125w

Keep in mind you have NO speakers hooked up (unless you want to blow one or go deaf) during testing. And when you play your music, remeber that music fluctuates greatly so your mileage will vary on percieved loudness. So don't get hung up in the numbers. But it is fun nonetheless and will give you somewhat of an idea of what your boomer can really do.