Reddit mentions: The best boomboxes

Hello audiophiles.
I need a new audio system for the story time room in the library where I work. We have gone through 3 boomboxes in 2 years. I could really use some help finding a unit that will fit our needs.

1. It needs to be portable because it is in an unlocked room and must be stored in a cabinet in between programs. I have floated the idea of a better unit with bluetooth speakers so we can just put the speakers out and leave the unit in the cabinet if that's possible.
   
   
   
2. Must play cds, but bluetooth and a usb port in addition would be ideal.
   
   
3. Well lit display. The room is super bright, our current player's display is totally unreadable.
   
   
4. I don't know anything about speakers so I don't know if anything can be done about this from the gear end, but the room is massive with flat blank walls that echo impossibly. It's really hard to hear in there. We are not permitted to put up anything that would buffer the echo, so if there is some function or feature that could help with that it would be really useful.
   
   
5. Budget, pretty low. Probably $300 max but I have some wiggle room if it's the perfect system and I really sell it.
   
   
   This is what we have right now and it's awful. Any help or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
   
   *edit - sorry my formatting is terrible

Sony GTKXB7BC High Power Home Audio System with Bluetooth (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019Q895FC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lTNWzbCQE64VC

Seriously some of the best party speakers for the money. My friend has them and they will 100% fill any room in your house. The lights are pretty cool if you're into that too. A little over $200 but definitely worth it. They sound really good too, not "audiophile" quality but still really good. You can also link two together with Bluetooth if you ever feel like buying a second one. Also have a bass booster button that actually isn't as bad as you'd expect.

I have the edifier speakers mentioned in the other comment and while I love them, they are not party speakers by any means. They will be enough for a room of like 3-5 people but they are definitely not meant for parties.

Main: Technically my job, but obviously I'm actually on Reddit.

Alt: Probably my shitty Chinese knock-off Ghetto Blaster from Amazon. Bought it on a whim after walking through back alleys in the semi-ghetto in LA and feeling the need to carry a boombox on my shoulder. It's cheap and truly doesn't work all that well, but it's super fun anyway.

Hey all,

This is probably uncommon for this subreddit, but I need help choosing a set of portable speakers/boombox for a friend. Primary use is for hip-hop dance practice in a parking lot.

Some possible options I found:

Klipsch Music Center KMC 3 - $400

Harman Kardon GO + PLAY II - $250?

Sony CFDG700CP Xplod - $325

JVC Kaboom! RV-NB70B - $???

SuperTooth Disco - $92

I'm not even sure if some of these are still available. Main priorities are loudness w/o distortion and decent treble and bass I think. Budget is flexible, but I don't want my friend overpaying, so the best value is preferred.

There's a few reasonably simple options involving a smartphone. I'm going to assume you don't have one.

This will read mp3s from a USB stick, and play them through the speakers. It might be difficult to select your music.

This can play mp3s on a CD (so you could put all your Beatles or Metalica albums on one disk, and play them all at once), or on a USB stick.

Your computer is another option. Not ideal (it's probably not in the same room as you want to relax and listen to music in), but an option. Some good speakers will improve things.


If you have a simple Android phone, and you have a TV with a HDMI port, you can put the music on your phone and play it on your TV with a Chromecast. Stick that into your TV, and use the Google Music app on your phone to select music and play on the TV.

This past week me and my friends moved into an off-campus house and are looking to purchase a big speaker for the basement. We just went to Best Buy and were impressed with this speaker, it's big and the sound quality was great, and it's not terribly expensive. We were hesitant about buying it because it has a lot of extra features (strobe lights) we don't really need, so we believe that there could be speakers of similar quality that are cheaper.

I wanted to post in this sub to get some input from people that actually might know a think or two about speakers. Is this speaker something we should buy, or is it possible for us to find one that's better or maybe even possibly cheaper?

When linking to Amazon, at least remove the reference tags.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HY92MV6

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019Q895FC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XLN4GS

And if you want it to look aesthetically pleasing, add a description.

[Sony GTKXXB90 on Amazon.](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074XLN4GS) becomes Sony GTKXXB90 on Amazon.

Oh well. Nitpicking slash education session hereby ends...

But yeah, /r/Bluetooth_Speakers and specify what you're looking for. A flashy party noise maker, or are you actually looking for decent sound quality?

The Aiwa Exos-9 is portable-ish, and plays quite loud with good sound quality (by some accounts, better than a Naim Mu-So). And if you need even more sound, get two and link them. With a 6.5 inch sub in the unit it has real power.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I think your first point may be the most important. I am guilty of always being overly ambitious about how much I can accomplish within a frame of time. We are doing a much narrower river that is filled with rain runoff so I expect some class II's but mostly class I flow. I've done 12 miles on this river during one day so 18 overnight shouldn't be a problem.

We are trying to pack light out of concern for the depth of the river. This particular stretch of river is unfloatable during the summer. We don't want to portage more than we have to. So we will be sticking to bare essentials unfortunately. (I really want to bring my bowfishing gear).

I spend many weekends on rivers so the gf and I invested in a waterproof boom box that has a dry compartment to directly plug your phone in so no wasted battery with Bluetooth.

I want to make a post like yours so keep an eye out if you care. Thanks again!

This is a USA reply, don't know where you're at. I'll link first the current look. Second link is the earlier look with both devices on top of the body. They are styled different. With the one with both on top of the body, they made these for decades, so you keep an eye out for them. Good luck.


Amazon seems like a good place, because I'd get it from where you can exchange it if something doesn't seem right.

I've read the manuals for the new ones and I've had 3 of the old ones and they will all record from CD to Cassette.


The notes on this sub about the belts needing replacing is important. It takes some trial and error to get things figured out, and I hope you stay with the hobby and start hitting the yard sales and thrift stores and craigslist.


https://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDS70BLK-Cassette-Boombox-Audio/dp/B01DUF3UVC/ref=dp_ob_title_ce


https://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDS05-Cassette-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00383PB0U

Thanks for the help! I played around with it a bit, and it sounds just right turned down to 82hz. Definitely a lot better then my crappy sony boombox!

Budget - Definetely below 100€ (Germany). Heavily depends on your recomendations. I'd say between 35€ and 85€. Where is the sweet spot for Price/performance?

Source - PC with either USB or 3,5mm Headphone jack.

Requirements for Isolation - I'd pretty much only use them at home when I'm alone. Closed back would be sufficient isolation.

Preferred Type of Headphone - Full Sized over ear headphones. Comfort is my number 1 priority.

Preferred tonal balance - Actually I have no Idea. I'd use them for gaming mostly, so the sound should be clear I guess. On my Sharp HE XLHF200P I use high bass and mid to low treble.

Past headphones - Sennheiser HD 201. They are relatively comfortable and have decent enough sound quality for the 15€ I paid back then.

Preferred Music - Gaming, rarely watching videos/listening to chart music

The problem is, I don't have very much experience with headphones in general. Since I'd use them for gaming, I might also need a mic (if it is not already included). "Gaming Headsets" are generally overpriced and low quality from what I've heard.
Any help would be appreciated. :)

I have a Sony Mini Hi-Fi system currently. It's probably 10 years old but it sounds okay for me and the subwoofer is loud.
https://www.amazon.ca/Sony-MHCEC909iP-Hi-Fi-Shelf-System/dp/B003GZDB1Q

I can buy KRK Rokit 8 G2's for $225 for the pair. Is it worth the upgrade?

I'm starting to read a lot about the Rokits. Personally the bass response is a plus for me. I've been DJing a lot of bass heavy music on an XDJ-RX2 recently. I want a pair of studio monitors that have good bass response, but I have a shitty budget. Not sure what to do.

What would be a better low budget option for me? Sticking with what I have? The Rokits? Something else?

Edit:
I live in a small studio apartment above a garage. The speakers are located near a wall rather than the center of the room. They will be on a desk rather than speaker stands. My budget for studio monitors is maybe $300 if it is really worth the upgrade.

Edit 2:
https://www.amazon.com/JBL-LSR305-Professional-Studio-Monitor/dp/B00F1DEI8G

Are these a better option?

In case you're like me and intimidated by some of the maintenance/repairs you might have to do on the older thrift store decks being suggested by others I've had some luck with some recent amazon purchases.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDS70BLK-Cassette-Boombox-Audio/dp/B01DUF3UVC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1494607670&sr=8-4&keywords=sony+boombox+cassette - I love this one because it looks almost exactly like my first Sony boombox I got in '91. There's a pretty extensive review of it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV7gXNZRQnA

https://www.amazon.com/PTTCSM70BT-Bluetooth-Turntable-Recording-Cassette/dp/B00J5XPLTI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1494608974&sr=8-3&keywords=pyle+turntable+cd+cassette - this is my main stereo right now. the turntable leaves a lot to be desired but the tape decks are nice. only complaint i have is the decks open a bit slow but that's pretty minor.

Stay away from all the side loading single button decks on Amazon. I started having problems with the one I had after a month.

Yes, almost any CD/cassette stereo should allow you to record a CD onto a blank cassette. Get a blank package of audio cassettes like these and then a CD/cassette stereo, perhaps something like this. Basically, all you do is play the CD and hit the Record button on the tape deck at the same time and whatever plays through the stereo will be recorded onto the cassette.

I'm going to start my turntable set up and i need help.
I know i want a pro-ject debut carbon, but i need help with finding speakers.
Are these speakers good? Here's the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-GTKXB7BC-Power-System-Bluetooth/dp/B019Q895FC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484937818&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+gtk

If you're worried about interface and quality, I'd stick to the big well known brands. Sony seems to have a nice unit for under $80 ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V3SYMIY/ref=psdc_172633_t2_B00CRPF0OM ) that can play MP3s from USB sticks. Also has a clearly labeled audio in 3.5mm port on the front. Of course if you want a nice GUI, you'll need to get an iPod or similar device.

Great vid. Appropriate but I always use eneloops for my high drain crap like this. Got it for volleyball. http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/1148368/top-gun-high-five-o.gif It is this model. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDG700CP-Portable-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B000MSS5YS Sears still sold them last year for 119 (got mine with a coupon). Didn't realize it was a decent deal. Great boombox with aux, cd/mp3 cd, and CASSETTE:).

I just added [this little vintage style blue tooth radio] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013OVZ588/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JtEGAbBXE4M8B) to my wish list on amazon. It would be perfect!

I rock a Sony CFDG700CP: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDG700CP-Boombox-Cassette-Recorder/dp/B000MSS5YS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1370458094&sr=8-3&keywords=sony+boombox

We use it for camping, outdoor movies, etc. Sounds good and lasts wayyyy longer than their documentation suggests. I typically get a summer's worth off of 8 D batteries. Doesn't sound half bad either as long as you have the "Super Woofer" on the low or medium setting.

I never had any sound quality issues with this card when I used my koss sb45 (for 6 years I think). The thing is that koss sounds consistent on every device I tried, while siberia v2 changes noticeably: pc - trash, nokia c2 - pretty decent, my panasonic rx-es23 stereo - near satisfying.

The reason I was looking at the very shitty Polks because I'm totally clueless to all the audiophile stuff, and they were really just the first thing I looked at. I guess the whole "A whole five speakers? Oh boy!" thing got me.

These were just going to go into my room, not a home theater or a big room. I was looking at a few others a few hours after posting this, these. My friend has these, the bass is really nice and would no doubt be an upgrade from my current.

Are these good? Or less than the Dayton's you suggested, that is a crazy good price. The clueless vibe is really emanating, I agree. But I appreciate all the help.

This one by Sony: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDS70BLK-Cassette-Boombox-Audio/dp/B01DUF3UVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499877037&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+cassette+player

A lot of record shops in LA stock these. I have one and it's pretty good.

Well if Bluetooth isn't important I'd get a vintage sony, but if you want Bluetooth you need to be more flexible in terms of style

This Toshiba seem okay

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742RMVQ9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_syIzCb4VGZJ9B

Thank you, that's still one wire too much.

I want something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Visual-Land-ME-909-BLK-Boombox-Speaker/dp/B0054X8DR0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1312863084&sr=8-4
Maybe I should just get it, but I like to compare gadgets I buy with the competition. I think this reddit is about that.

Lead engineer on DropMix here. If you really wanna party, get this one. It is incredible. Woot has deals on it sometimes.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-GTKXB7BC-Power-System-Bluetooth/dp/B019Q895FC

i'd recommend a sony CFD S70, not going to blow your mind but it's better than a lot of stuff being made these days

Here ya go. Probably sounds better than portable speakers...

If it didn't have to be completely portable (ie...require batteries) you could get some powered speakers like the Micca MB42X's and plug in a cheap little $20 bluetooth receiver. This route would definitely sound better, but be much less portable.

Yeah it's a tiny boombox I suppose. It's cheap. I wasn't aiming for high fidelity playback: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TEYQQZQ

I suppose I could take it apart some time and tinker with it. Could be fun

Click the link and it brings you to Frank Ocean's website, where the video I'm talking about opens automatically. I'm looking to put together the same speaker that Tom Sachs builds in the first two minutes or so of this video. I've already purchased the base here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LOLATBO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I need your help to find out how to do the rest, thank you all in advance

Yeah, not a gamesphere (is that a thing?). It's called a Boomball--just a cd player/radio. I had one like 15 years ago.

Is this the one? https://www.amazon.com/Victrola-Bluetooth-Boombox-Cassette-Player/dp/B07JDS2D2R

$130 is a bit steep. Even $100 at Walmart is a bit much for me.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Victrola-1980-s-Bluetooth-Boombox-with-Cassette-Player-and-AM-FM-Radio/839533588?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227267054145&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=317984343301&wl4=pla-587033799970&wl5=9002004&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=839533588&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI49-Am_G04wIVUbXACh0i0QQiEAQYBiABEgKMRPD_BwE

I do wish I could remember the model I had back in elementary school in the early 80s. It only had one big speaker instead of 2 smaller ones.

How about... Don't buy cassette players (;

In all seriousness though, this looks alright to me

I hear good things about this one: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Stereo-Cassette-Boombox-CFDS70BLK/dp/B01DUF3UVC

It sounds like you want a boom-box type portable hi-fi sound system. I doubt anyone takes color combo orders for such things like a woman's store might do for shoes and hats, so you will have to search and see if you can find something ready-made that suites your color tastes.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about. Anything higher powered, higher quality would be too heavy to lug around in this fashion.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CFDG700CP-Portable-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B000MSS5YS/ref=sr_1_17?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1452160187&sr=1-17&keywords=Portable+HiFi+system

I got you: http://www.amazon.com/Naxa-Portable-Player-Display-Stereo/dp/B003O6PXS6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380829553&sr=8-1&keywords=boombox

Donezo

You need a boom box

Check out this speaker

Sony Xplode boombox

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page-2/B000MSS5YS-1.jpg

Is THIS a GameSphere

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003GZDB1Q?pc_redir=1412321383&robot_redir=1

here you go

Victrola VBB-10-SLV

https://www.amazon.com/Victrola-Bluetooth-Boombox-Cassette-Player/dp/B07JDS2D2R


I had this similar boombox a few years ago:

http://www.chipchick.com/2010/10/ipod-boombox.html

Not a cooler radio, but this would work just to strap on. http://www.amazon.com/ECOXGEAR-Rugged-Waterproof-Boombox-GDI-AQ2SI60/dp/B004YI6N00

SPHERICAL!

How about this? Jensen CD-490 Sport Stereo CD Player with AM/FM Radio and Aux Line-In, Red and Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BCA40S0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_L8FMzb0955YDV

Or this? Sony CFDS70BLK CD/Cassette Boombox Home Audio Radio, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DUF3UVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W-FMzbNMZG1GZ

That boombox is on sale for $30 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Sony-GTKXB7BC-Power-System-Bluetooth/dp/B019Q895FC/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1525118793&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=sony+gtk&dpPl=1&dpID=51AGZJU9aZL&ref=plSrch

Amazon

Ahh i see, I got you
https://www.amazon.com/QFX-J-22UBK-ReRun-Cassette-Converter/dp/B00LOLATBO/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1503913393&sr=1-1&keywords=qfx+cassette

build here.

speakers here.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LOLATBO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_HsM6ybDNY82WH

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MSS5YS
Just picked up at $65. Opening 2 weekends of yard sales have sucked.