What are some must haves for a collection?
- Thread starter Jack_Dowdy
- Start date
Northerner
Boomus Fidelis
There aren’t any…you get what floats your boat and ignore what everyone else wants 
100%There aren’t any…you get what floats your boat and ignore what everyone else wants
Brutus442
Member (SA)
I normally go for something that has a nostalgic connection from my past. A box I once owned, boxes I dreamt of having and pure sentimental ones.
I also have a thing for "avant garde" boxes that departured from the normal designs very appealing. The streamlined 50's retro look of the concealed speakers in the Pioneer SK series or the colourful, angled control panel of the Sony CFS-99, or the TV/ Boombox combos.
If it brings a smile to your face, get it.
I also have a thing for "avant garde" boxes that departured from the normal designs very appealing. The streamlined 50's retro look of the concealed speakers in the Pioneer SK series or the colourful, angled control panel of the Sony CFS-99, or the TV/ Boombox combos.
If it brings a smile to your face, get it.
beansmaynard
Member (SA)
I buy boxes that I like the look of, usually early 80s, single cassette, VU meters etc
I'd love to own an M90 for example and I've saved up to buy one in the past but I can't find a decent looking one in the UK for under a grand so gave up.
Have a look at 80s Hitachi stuff, I think they look fantastic and my favourite boombox is probably my TRK-8190.
I'd love to own an M90 for example and I've saved up to buy one in the past but I can't find a decent looking one in the UK for under a grand so gave up.
Have a look at 80s Hitachi stuff, I think they look fantastic and my favourite boombox is probably my TRK-8190.
Transistorized
Member (SA)
I always tell people to get a box that has the features and the look they're looking for. The best radio you own, is the one that puts the biggest smile on your face.
You can also go down the rabbit hole by searching “best boomboxes” and you will open the Pandora box 
But I’d do a point system and go from there, here are some categories:
What generation?
Chrome or black plastic?
One piece vs three pieces?
Looks or sound quality?
Sliders?
Portability and size?
Weak points like lousy switches/pots/sliders/speakers
Budget?
Do you have someone to help or will you try to restore?
For example, the Toshiba RT-S90 is said by some to be a top box but it in my experience it has a lousy build, is difficult to fix and sound isn’t that great. The m70 can be a safer choice but it can have problems with sliders so if you don’t like sliders, there are other models.
There are lots of threads, I would read up for a few weeks before making a target list. If you can meet someone to see and hear boxes in person, that’s the best option. But be careful because if you get to hear a JVC m90 or a PC 55, your jaw may just drop and your brain will be hijacked so make sure you brace first.
But I’d do a point system and go from there, here are some categories:
What generation?
Chrome or black plastic?
One piece vs three pieces?
Looks or sound quality?
Sliders?
Portability and size?
Weak points like lousy switches/pots/sliders/speakers
Budget?
Do you have someone to help or will you try to restore?
For example, the Toshiba RT-S90 is said by some to be a top box but it in my experience it has a lousy build, is difficult to fix and sound isn’t that great. The m70 can be a safer choice but it can have problems with sliders so if you don’t like sliders, there are other models.
There are lots of threads, I would read up for a few weeks before making a target list. If you can meet someone to see and hear boxes in person, that’s the best option. But be careful because if you get to hear a JVC m90 or a PC 55, your jaw may just drop and your brain will be hijacked so make sure you brace first.
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Tinman
Member (SA)
The unrestored ones go for over that… the restored ones probably double that. Restoration is key. But if you think that’s a lot, just look at the prices of the good decks or even some speakers systems. And the fun factor of boomboxes is 10x.
beansmaynard
Member (SA)
I know, thankfully, I'm all set in the cassette deck department.
I should have just bought an M90 when I had the chance 5 or 6 years ago. They were much easier to obtain for a decent price back then.