Buying Boombox(es) Internationally

[lilo777]

Hi! I want to ask an advice on buying a boombox from abroad (to use in USA). Web sites like ebay.de, ebay.co.uk offer some options but I am curious as to whether their models will work in USA. As I understand in late 70s and 80s many (most?) Japanese international models already had universal power sources (Japanese local models did not). But what about radio frequencies and things like line inputs? I heard that UK models had some special FM range (or something). What about line-in connectors? Do they use DIN or RCA sockets? Are there any general rules or every model should be analyzed individually?

 

[Fatdog]

Europe:

• 
  [*:31ga7txo]Most use DIN plugs for line-in
  [*:31ga7txo]Most should have a switchable voltage selector, but some come only in 220V
  [*:31ga7txo]Some German units only go up to around 102MHz on the FM band
  [*:31ga7txo]MW = FM

Japan:

• 
  [*:31ga7txo]Only set up to work at 100V
  [*:31ga7txo]Some units only have FM from around 76MHz to around 92MHz, which is basically useless in the U.S.
  [*:31ga7txo]I've never seen a domestic Japan boombox with DIN

That's just the first thing that comes to mind. I'm sure others will have extra / better info.

 

[lilo777]

Thanks for information. Unfortunately this does not look too good. Some people probably might be OK with this under certain circumstances but it sounds that as a rule of thumb one would be better off sticking with US models.

 

[Reli]

I have no problem using EU models. While it's true that most are 220V only, I use a voltage step-up converter, which you can buy for only $10-20.

And with regard to having DIN inputs instead of RCA, that hasn't been a problem either. I bought a cable with a DIN jack on one end, and an iPod jack on the other.

 

[redbenjoe]

reli is right -
'if you ever see a box you really want --
then --its ok to use a few extra cords and adaptors

 

[Ken]

as usual, Ira is right on the nose.

Lots of great boxs to be found overseas...

 

[JustCruisin]

Thanks for information. Unfortunately this does not look too good. Some people probably might be OK with this under certain circumstances but it sounds that as a rule of thumb one would be better off sticking with US models.

your dollar is more valuable locally too.. we get the shaft

 

[devol-toni]

Europe:

• 
  [*:2mgwcgef]Most use DIN plugs for line-in
  [*:2mgwcgef]Most should have a switchable voltage selector, but some come only in 220V
  [*:2mgwcgef]Some German units only go up to around 102MHz on the FM band
  [*:2mgwcgef]MW = FM

Japan:

• 
  [*:2mgwcgef]Only set up to work at 100V
  [*:2mgwcgef]Some units only have FM from around 76MHz to around 92MHz, which is basically useless in the U.S.
  [*:2mgwcgef]I've never seen a domestic Japan boombox with DIN

That's just the first thing that comes to mind. I'm sure others will have extra / better info.

MW (Europe) = AM (US)
FM=FM