Is there such a thing as a high end boombox?

[Rob Babcock]

I'd like to find a (reasonably) high end boombox with a CD player, preferably one that will play MP3 discs. A USB or AUX input would be a nice bonus, too. No shelf systems need apply, and if the speakers detach, they must reattach securely. It must have the capability to run on batteries, as well as AC. And itt really must be a portable, guys- I don't want some hulking JVC monstrousity with port tubes and neon lights.

Most importantly, it must sound decent. Not like a home rig, of course, just balanced and musical. Realistic bass is out of the question, but some decent midbass and natural mids is expected.

Does this jambox exist in the real world? Price is mostly irrelevant, but it shouldn't cost more than my home rig.

 

[20to20K]

Sony...

Rob,

I've got a Sony CD boombox that has an auxilery input that I connect my
Minidisk to. It's got a megabass port for extra bass and some built
in EQ curves. It sounds as good as any boom box I've ever heard (and I've
been through a few). On top of that it's multi-voltage so you can take
it abroad.

It does not have detachable speakers and despite it's relatively compact
size it's a beast to a haul with all 10 D batteries in it.

I bought it at a military base in England so I don't know if it would be
available here or not. I'll check the model number tonight when I get home from work and relay it to you.

 

[annunaki]

Rob,
Have you loked into JVC's Kaboom Box. It is not the prettiest piece out there but it does sound pretty good. It also offers everything that you are looking for: CD, Mp3, Auxillary In, and even cassette.

JVC Kaboom Box

 

[sts9fan]

"I don't want some hulking JVC monstrousity with port tubes and neon lights."

 

[Rob Babcock]

That JVC actually doesn't look so tacky as most of theirs. I might have to look into that one. Thanks!

 

[Audioholics]

I found some for you:

 

[Rob Babcock]

GEEZ! I wonder what the batteries weigh in that top one!

 

[Mudcat]

GEEZ! I wonder what the batteries weigh in that top one!

No batteries, just a teenie little 2 Megawatt gas turbine generator.

 

[20to20K]

My Sony...

I'd like to find a (reasonably) high end boombox with a CD player, preferably one that will play MP3 discs. A USB or AUX input would be a nice bonus, too. No shelf systems need apply, and if the speakers detach, they must reattach securely. It must have the capability to run on batteries, as well as AC. And itt really must be a portable, guys- I don't want some hulking JVC monstrousity with port tubes and neon lights.

Most importantly, it must sound decent. Not like a home rig, of course, just balanced and musical. Realistic bass is out of the question, but some decent midbass and natural mids is expected.

Does this jambox exist in the real world? Price is mostly irrelevant, but it shouldn't cost more than my home rig.

Don't know if you've decided on anything yet but here's the model number of
my Sony...CFD-G55...and here's a link to a pic:

http://store.yahoo.com/trishops/cfd-g55.html

It measures about 15"W x 6"H x 9"D.

It must say the bass response on it is relatively impressive for a boombox
and it's 20 Watts RMS a side ain't too bad either. Gets pretty loud cleanly.

Good Luck!

 

[Audiosouse]

Virgin and XM Satellite Radio

While I don't think the boom box market considers audiophiles (mostly tweens who like flash and boom, or for our American coutnerparts, shock and awe), I like the versatility of self powered speakers and an iPod or portable cd player.

I came across this while looking for self powered computer speakers, very portable and runs on lith ions.

http://www.virginelectronics.com/specs-boomtube_ex.htm

Check out the specs, 4 x 2.25" aluminum cones, dual neodymium magnets pretty impressive for a portable rig IMHO.

This Delphi CD Audio System AM/FM/CD/MP3 player for SKYFi satellite receiver looks pretty good also:

http://www.xmradio.com/catalog/product_detail.jsp?id=31129&type=Accessory

Talk about versatility! Just don't know what the speakers are like.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Tower of Power

You say "not shelf systems." So you need a handle, right? The better sounding boxes are the mini systems, but don't have handles. Panasonic, JVC and Sony have the market wrapped up with both types. I did a search on www.jr.com for portables, and man are they ugly. I'm also looking for something for the garage (if I don't run zone 2 from the Denon). I like Clint's ideas. How about this "Tower of Power?"

 

[20to20K]

Whoa!

While I don't think the boom box market considers audiophiles (mostly tweens who like flash and boom, or for our American coutnerparts, shock and awe), I like the versatility of self powered speakers and an iPod or portable cd player.

I came across this while looking for self powered computer speakers, very portable and runs on lith ions.

http://www.virginelectronics.com/specs-boomtube_ex.htm

Check out the specs, 4 x 2.25" aluminum cones, dual neodymium magnets pretty impressive for a portable rig IMHO.

This Delphi CD Audio System AM/FM/CD/MP3 player for SKYFi satellite receiver looks pretty good also:

http://www.xmradio.com/catalog/product_detail.jsp?id=31129&type=Accessory

Talk about versatility! Just don't know what the speakers are like.

I'm interested in those Boom tubes for my Minidisc player. Where can you get them and how much do they cost? Any idea? Have you heard them?

 

[mcwilson]

I read that Virgin has dropped Virgin Electronics, so if you can find them anywhere, it'll be someplace like eBay.

 

[Audiosouse]

I'm interested in those Boom tubes for my Minidisc player. Where can you get them and how much do they cost? Any idea? Have you heard them?

According to the web site, and I'll assume it's current, Best Buy and Virgin Megastores. Boomtube EX even won the 2005 Digital World Innovations Award, whatever that means and if it means anything to you.

 

[Rob Babcock]

Does the Sony play mp3? It didn't specifically list it. I really do want something small & easy to tote around- I want to take to work. We have a radio in the kitchen at work, but the damn CD player has crapped out. I used to work as the chef/manager for the same company about 5 years ago: at the restaurant I ran, I had a 3 pc Infinity sub/sat sytstem which I drove with a 70 wpc Pioneer reciever. A 5 disc Philips carousel rounded out the system. Very nice for the kitchen, but not very easy to move!

It looks like a few months down the road I'll likely move to a new place they're opening up, but until then I'm working at the current "flagship" location downtown. So I don't wanna spend a fortune nor do I want to leave my jambox there all the time.

 

[20to20K]

Not unless...

The Sony doesn't play MP3's unless there is some way to connect one
throught the Auxilery input (which is how I connect my Minidisk).

 

[hifiguy]

Heres a high end Box

Thought I would add this to your high end boombox search.

Levinsun....Havent heard it, but would like to. At a 49K original list price, this must really be something.

Check it out...

http://www.higherfi.com/mlboom.jpg

Peace

www.hifiguy.net

 

[Audiosouse]

Ha ha ha! That's crazy!

I love how they added:

$49,500 (while supplies last)

Like we're all rushing to trade in our Porsche Boxters to pick one up.

Will the hot ladies notice:
a) crusing the stip in a Boxter? or
b) walking the strip with that boombox?