Which box to start out with?

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blacksnake

blacksnake

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Hi everyone. I'm new to this site, and looking to start off my boombox collection with a bang. The idea is to replace a 2000 vintage Aiwa CX-NAJ20 bookshelf system that I have in my garage with a big fat 80's monster. Conion C-100f, Sharp -GF777, Lasonic TRC, etc.

99% of the time it will be plugged in playing mp3's.

How do you think these boxes will compare to my bookshelf system (soundwise), and which one would you recommend. I really dig that Dynasty HT-959, but they seem very rare and I wonder how the quality is in person. I want to choose wisely, as the boxes I'm thinking of buying aren't cheap. Thanks for any info. :-)
 
MONOLITHIC

MONOLITHIC

No Longer Active
Your bookshelf system will probably clean the clock of most/all 1-piece boxes out there,
but it'll never be cooler than a good looking classic box like the ones you mentioned.

EDIT: I just did a search of the bookshelf system you have... No disrespect intended,
but almost ANY box you buy will be a MAJOR improvement in the looks department! :-D
 
mellymelsr

mellymelsr

Member (SA)
If you want something to compare in sound to a shelf system you will have to get a 3 piece box. Shelf systems have inclosed woofers and generally have very deep bass. 1 piece boxes by design cannot duplicate that kind of bass except for one box...the JVC Kaboom. If you want a 3-piece that will replace the sound of your shelf system here are a few suggestions: Panasonic DT 680 - an excellent sounding box with plenty of bass and and a rich, warm sound. Any Sony FH series box - these have monster power and sound to match. The Panasonic is always available on ebay and prices are very reasonable. The Sony will be harder to find but worth the search and will cost much more $$$. Also in this powerful class of box are the Telefunken Studio 1m, JVC PC 5, 55, and 550, Sharp WF 939 just to name a few. If you must have a 1 piece the king of the hill is the almighty JVC M90. It is the best sounding 1 piece you will find...period. It has very solid bass and gets loud as hell. The Conion C100F is a very loud box with decent sound. Either one of these will take a very big wallet. The Conion has more flash but the M90 kills it on sound. There are really so many radios to choose from it is very hard to choose 1. But you would be happy with any of the afformentioned suggestions. Happy hunting... :-D
 
hemiguy2006

hemiguy2006

Member (SA)
Welcome to the site.
I would say if its going to be plugged in all the time you cant go wrong with a Telefunken Studio 1 for a three piece
If you are looking for a 1 piece there is a beautiful Panasonic RX-5350 on ebay right now.
Now thats a 1 piece with great looks and great sound.
I hope your garage is not damp or suffer extreme temperatures because that will kill your vintage box!!!
Good luck

Telefunken below
studio.jpg


or any of these!!! Panasonic RX-5350 far right

11071532320VB8dL8.jpg


DSC01820.jpg
 
bill

bill

Member (SA)
find a big old box and a passive sub to hook to the audio outs.
if i was going to use a box in a garage thats what i would most likely do.
any good blaster will sound amazing when you do that.
 
restocat

restocat

Member (SA)
The 5350 has some issues. For a seasoned collector, no problem. But, For a first box I would recommend getting one that fully works. Messing aroud trying to find parts for rare 30 year old electronics piece can get a new collector fustrated.
However that same seller has some other nice boxes so take a look, but keep in mind the shipping!

And don't forget the fleas. For 5 to 10$ a pop you can experiment with a lot of different makes and models before spending a lot on eBay.

Also fill in your location in your profile, maybe a member close by will show you some models
 
blacksnake

blacksnake

Member (SA)
Thanks for the replies. I'm from northwest NJ. My bookshelf system in definately unattractive. By "2000 vintage", I just mean that's the year it's from, rather than it being a "vintage" system. I am slightly concerned about the garage. It's attached but not heated. The Aiwa has been out there for 5 years and seems to be fine.

I'm definately looking for a one piece box. The line out for a subwoofer is not a bad idea, do most boxes have this? I'm not an audiophile, but it has to sound good(good bass, crisp highs) I'm not going to try to scare the neighbors, just something that sounds good while I'm working of my car. I thought I read that some of the Lasonics don't have AUX inputs, which I need for the MP3 player. Anything else to look for/look out for?
 
Lasonic TRC-920

Lasonic TRC-920

Moderator
blacksnake said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm from northwest NJ. My bookshelf system in definately unattractive. By "2000 vintage", I just mean that's the year it's from, rather than it being a "vintage" system. I am slightly concerned about the garage. It's attached but not heated. The Aiwa has been out there for 5 years and seems to be fine.

I'm definately looking for a one piece box. The line out for a subwoofer is not a bad idea, do most boxes have this? I'm not an audiophile, but it has to sound good(good bass, crisp highs) I'm not going to try to scare the neighbors, just something that sounds good while I'm working of my car. I thought I read that some of the Lasonics don't have AUX inputs, which I need for the MP3 player. Anything else to look for/look out for?
Click to expand...

If your talking Lasonic, I know these below have AUX IN

TRC-918
TRC-920
TRC-931
TRC-935
TRC-975
 
bill

bill

Member (SA)
blacksnake said:
Thanks for the replies. I'm from northwest NJ. My bookshelf system in definately unattractive. By "2000 vintage", I just mean that's the year it's from, rather than it being a "vintage" system. I am slightly concerned about the garage. It's attached but not heated. The Aiwa has been out there for 5 years and seems to be fine.

I'm definately looking for a one piece box. The line out for a subwoofer is not a bad idea, do most boxes have this? I'm not an audiophile, but it has to sound good(good bass, crisp highs) I'm not going to try to scare the neighbors, just something that sounds good while I'm working of my car. I thought I read that some of the Lasonics don't have AUX inputs, which I need for the MP3 player. Anything else to look for/look out for?
Click to expand...


lots of them do have line outs you can hook a active sub too.
the best part about that is you can usually find a decent active sub for nothing in the thrift stores. well at least here you can.
i mean if it does not work for you its not a lot of money. i got a decent yamaha one for ten bucks and when i hook it to any box it makes it sound a lot bigger.
you dont have to crank the thing but it does make a lot of difference.
 
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