Lasonic TRC-920
Moderator
All these guys are dead on with their ideas, but if you want to jump in CHEAP go with the new Lasonic i931.
It's new, so it will be reliable, it's CHEAP, only $130 new (in the US). They are PLENTY LOUD, especially if you are enclosed in a Subway Station, they have a fair amount of bass and do good on Batteries.
Then, later on if you want to step up to the plate and get a serious blaster, you can save your money and get a GF-777z or Conion C100F and have all the street cred / bad ass looks and attitude that comes with it!
But be ready to dig deep!
IMHO, many of the older 80's unit's that will be in your price range will need some sort of work / refurbishment. Many of the members here (like myself) work on their radio's to either bring them up to speed or keep them working. If you get a $200 "Would Be / Should Be" performer, chances are it will need work. If your willing to handle that, then your good. If not, the i931 is what I would suggest and it works right out of the box! (Well, you'll need to put batteries in it!
)
It's new, so it will be reliable, it's CHEAP, only $130 new (in the US). They are PLENTY LOUD, especially if you are enclosed in a Subway Station, they have a fair amount of bass and do good on Batteries.
Then, later on if you want to step up to the plate and get a serious blaster, you can save your money and get a GF-777z or Conion C100F and have all the street cred / bad ass looks and attitude that comes with it!

IMHO, many of the older 80's unit's that will be in your price range will need some sort of work / refurbishment. Many of the members here (like myself) work on their radio's to either bring them up to speed or keep them working. If you get a $200 "Would Be / Should Be" performer, chances are it will need work. If your willing to handle that, then your good. If not, the i931 is what I would suggest and it works right out of the box! (Well, you'll need to put batteries in it!

