Boombox with Matrix button

[MattWnAZ]

Hi all. I've been searching high and low for the boombox I had as a teenager. I know I probably won't find one available but I'd really just like to find the make/model and a photo. I've spent hours looking so maybe it was a rare model. Here's what I know...

-Possible makes: General Electric, Realistic, Sharp, Sanyo, JC Penny, or Sears
-It looked a lot like the Realistic 14-782, and the GE 3-5263D
-The most distinguishing feature is that it had a "Matrix" button
-Silver
-Detachable speakers
-Single cassette
-I am sure it didn't have EQ sliders
-I think the handle was gray

Some research shows me that some Sony models had a Matrix button, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't a Sony. Also, I don't see any Sony models that look anything like it. I found that there may have been some other brands that used that nomenclature. The button definitely said "Matrix", "Matrix Mode", or "Matrix Sound", and not "Stereo Accent".

It seems like it might have been one of the brands for which Funai manufactured products.

Just thought I would pick the minds of all you boombox gurus! Don't spend a lot of time on it, but thank you in advance. =)

 

[Tinman]

Yeah, I had a Sony CF-580 with "Matrix" sound but I don't think it had a button.
It had two side firing speakers.
The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Marantz but I feel like I have seen it on other brands too.

 

[MattWnAZ]

Yeah, I had a Sony CF-580 with "Matrix" sound but I don't think it had a button.
It had two side firing speakers.
The only one I can think of off the top of my head is Marantz but I feel like I have seen it on other brands too.

Thanks Tinman! Yes, I see that some Sony's had that feature. I definitely didn't have a Marantz as I couldn't afford one.

 

[Eric]

Could be J.C. Penny 681-3903 Picture is not of mine, but I still have mine, bought from Penny's in 83

 

[Transistorized]

Here is my GE 3-5267A. Internally, it is the same as the JC Penny model above. You can see the similarities between them. There were a few other names such as Readers Digest PB-2. The JC Penny model seems to fit the bill to what you are describing. On the GE they call it stereo accent versus Matrix like the JC Penny model.

 

[MattWnAZ]

Could be J.C. Penny 681-3903 Picture is not of mine, but I still have mine, bought from Penny's in 83View attachment 61610

View attachment 61611

100% Eric, that's got to be it! Thank you so much! I started out with it in my room with a turntable attached to it. Eventually I put my in my Ford F150. I put the center part under the dash and ran the speaker wires under the bench seat and placed the speakers behind the seat, on each side. I used a car lighter adapter for power. At the time if was a great sounding system for a teenager.

 

[MattWnAZ]

Here is my GE 3-5267A. Internally, it is the same as the JC Penny model above. You can see the similarities between them. There were a few other names such as Readers Digest PB-2. The JC Penny model seems to fit the bill to what you are describing. On the GE they call it stereo accent versus Matrix like the JC Penny model.
View attachment 61612

Thank you good sir! Yes, that looks almost identical. I'm sure my was the one above (posted by Eric) as I remember the cassette buttons being more "chunky" this GE model. And I'm sure mine didn't have the MLS feature. Great memories and you've got a really cool boombox there!

 

[MattWnAZ]

Could be J.C. Penny 681-3903 Picture is not of mine, but I still have mine, bought from Penny's in 83View attachment 61610

View attachment 61611

Now, where can I find one!?

 

[MattWnAZ]

Here is my GE 3-5267A. Internally, it is the same as the JC Penny model above. You can see the similarities between them. There were a few other names such as Readers Digest PB-2. The JC Penny model seems to fit the bill to what you are describing. On the GE they call it stereo accent versus Matrix like the JC Penny model.
View attachment 61612

I found this one on ebay, but at that price and with the huge shipping cost, it's probably not worth it. Also, looks like the cassette deck would need repair.

Boombox Vintage GENERAL ELECTRIC 3-5267A In Good Clean Condition  | eBay

Video YouTube link: GENERAL ELECTRIC 3-5267A boombox. Look at the last two pics. AM/FM tuner works fine AUX works great tape deck, knee belts, wine phosphors stop ejects, but it won’t play. TheSpeakers are detachable work with the AC cord included or with 8D batteries not included.

www.ebay.com

 

[Transistorized]

I found this one on ebay, but at that price and with the huge shipping cost, it's probably not worth it. Also, looks like the cassette deck would need repair.

Boombox Vintage GENERAL ELECTRIC 3-5267A In Good Clean Condition  | eBay

Video YouTube link: GENERAL ELECTRIC 3-5267A boombox. Look at the last two pics. AM/FM tuner works fine AUX works great tape deck, knee belts, wine phosphors stop ejects, but it won’t play. TheSpeakers are detachable work with the AC cord included or with 8D batteries not included.

www.ebay.com

Yeah. That's too much IMO. I would cap a working one around 150. But you are on the right track. There may be someone on here that has the JC Penny version, but you are more likely to find a GE for sale. I posted a short clip of my GE on YouTube Here