Return to top page
You're viewing Page Three of our Golden Age section of the
Boombox Museum. Click here to
view Page One, or the above link to start at the
beginning.
|
Our friend Rick is another boombox collector (yeah, there are
a few of us out there!) from New Hampshire. He provided a picture
of this pristine RX-5090, laden with chrome. Of all of the
ghettoblasters we've played with, Pansonic is one of the best in
terms of sound quality and durability. This particular model
offers sharp metal switches, and a multi-segment LED sound/vu
meter. Want one? Click here and buy
one right now! Yep, Rick has one for you, "brand new" still in
the box! Thanks Rick!
|
Paul in New Jersey is a long time ghettoblaster fan,
recalling the 1981 JVC Quintet commercials on TV as advertised by
the Harlem Globertrotters! He provides this impressive Akai
multi-band monster from that same era. This one oddly has its
controls and tuner section on the bottom. Sadly, Akai stuff
seemed to have disappear from US shelves as the '80s
endured.
|
While inundating the US with microprocessors in 1982, Hitachi
was strutting it stuff in the boombox scene with the likes of
this TRK-8290. This system was equipped with Dolby noise
reduction, 4 1/2" woofers, and a cue and review tape system.
Yours for $200 in 1982, 10 "D" batteries not included.
|
Vassilios from Greece presents his RT-8000S, aka "Bombeat" by
Toshiba, a sweet boombox that also has that unique LED tuner
indicator that changes color when it hits a station. This system
has got one-touch record, an interesting left-right led meter and
metal grilled speakers. How did you keep this is in such good
shape, Vassilios?
|
Worth mentioning is the fact that many ghettoblasters reached
the US from not-so-well-known east Asian manufacturers. They're
responsible for producing some of the largest, clunkiest,
chromiest and most lovable systems ever to clutter our street
corners and fill our ears with irritating sound. Conion,
Prosonic, Helix and Orion are a few names that come to mind.
Canada received its share of imports too, and Candle was a
popular name in affordable systems up North. Take a look at this
one!
|
Thanks, Paul in NJ for providing us this nice Zenith! We're
not sure, but we're guessing this was manufactured in Asia as
Zenith moved its manufacturing operations to cheaper locations in
the '80s. Dig the 7-segment LEDs, (1 for each channel!) and that
unusual chrome handle on the bottom. What's that for, Paul?
|
Wow, this stretches the boombox size limit, literally! Sweet
Pioneer with four-way speakers and slide-control graphic
equalizer! LEDs up top illuminate to indicate function, and there
are twin analog meters up on the left. What are those tiny
switches above the well door? Those are logic controls for the
tape system! We should congratulate Rick in New Hampshire for
keeping this in such nice shape.
|
Another Sanyo, this one from 1983 boasts a 4 band tuner, 10
step VU/Sound Level LED display and AMSS, aka automatic music
search. What's AMSS? It's a "smart" feature that allows you to
rewind or fast forward through songs, then stopping just before
the next one begins (similar to skipping through a CD's tracks).
It's nothing more than a noise detection mechanism, that stops
the motors when the player hits a spot on the tape with no
audio.
|
Sold in Canada at the Consumers Distributing department store
chains, these models were sold in 1985 for around $150 Canadian
dollars. Not a bad investment, as these models today would easily
receive well over $200 US by collectors. Yes, there are
collectors out there and the market is hot. You shouldn't
be surprised; just take a look at the junk sold today. A very
smart move would be to bring some of these vintage pieces back
into production. Sony, Sharp, Toshiba, JVC, are you
listening?
|
Here's another in Paul's collection: a 40 watt thumping
classic Sharp. With detachable grills for the three-way 6-speaker
system, 7" woofers, and chrome trim, you know this sucker means
business. Sold in '82 for around $550.
|
Anyone ever see one of these in real life? This rates up
there with Panasonic's RX-7700 as one of the coolest systems of
all time. The RX-7000 was probably marketed to the audiophile
crowd, as it bore wood grain side panels and controls that
resembled those of a home receiver. The cassette featured logic
access and, oh my, is that a wired remote control on the left?
The $700 price tag would be a steal in today's market. Click here to see
calculate what $700 in 1981 is worth today. Thanks, Tracy West for
providing this gorgeous photo!
|
