Aug 18th, 2012 Posted in Sony, ZX-7 | No Comments »
This is probably one of the more rare Sony boomboxes and definitely has one of the cooler names. It is the Sony ZX-7. ZX-7 sounds fast and high tech, almost like a high end race car. And, in fact, it actually lives up to its name. It features a 1.4 multi-volt power supply and high quality Sony APM speakers. For its compact size it can really put out some bass as well. It was released around 1984 and is probably one of the better looking and performing compact boomboxes of that era. Sony says that it puts out 5 watts per channel but most owners feel that it's very loud for its size. Speaking of its size - it is small. It measures about 14 inches long and just a bit more than 4 inches tall and wide.
Note on the closeup of the panel above that the tuning scale starts at 76 and goes up to 108 which is a little strange for FM. The buttons also have a nice dimpled texture to them to make is easier to use them. The ZX-7 manual claims the unit weighs in at around 2.7 kilos or about 6 pounds which is fairly heavy for a compact box like this.
The design of the box is very rectangular and Sony used flat square speaker wide range cones to add to that effect as well. It also incorporated Dolby Noise Reduction B.
The ZX-7 also came with a very cool case in which it fits snugly. The boombox is hard enough to find as it is but the case is even harder to find and definitely adds significant value to the box.
Here's a picture from the Sony manual showing the ZX-7 in its carrying case. Nice!
Tags: Sony, Sony ZX-7
Apr 9th, 2012 Posted in CFS-9000, Sony | No Comments »
This Sony CFS-9000 is at the later end of the vintage scale but is still a neat boombox. It is a component design with detachable speakers as well as handle. Anybody familiar with these Sony's knows that their APM speakers put out a lot of clean sound for their size. In fact the box isn't very big and it only weighs roughly 19 pounds. Here are its features:
- AM FM and 5 SW bands
- 40 watts per channel with detachable speakers
- 7 band tuner
- High fidelity APM speakers
- Auto reverse tape playback
- 5 band graphic eq
- 8.6 kg weight
- CD/AUX/Phone input jacks
- 2 way bass refelx design
- 7 x7 cm woofers
- 4 cm cone tweeter
- Bass ports
- Automatic Music Sensor
- Dolby B noise reduction
- Timer Switch
- AC, 12v DC, or batteries
Most of the Sony CFS-9000's have a 7 at the top left corner of the main unit. It represents the 7 bands that the box has. It also came with a carrying case and strap that you don't see too often.
Tags: Sony, Sony CFS-9000
Apr 7th, 2012 Posted in CFM-104, Sony | No Comments »
Ok, so there's not much Boom in this box, but you have to admit this Sony CFM-104 has an intriguing design. I'm not sure how loud that single speaker can get but the handle on one end sure would make it easy to carry. Its features include:
- Rugged, splash-resistant design
- AM/FM tuner
- Cassette player/recorder
- Built-in microphone
- Auto shutoff (record and play)
The case is splash resistant (whatever that means) and made of high impact plastic. It also has rubber bushings and gaskets as well as waterproof seals. So, you can basically take it anywhere and not worry about destroying it. You can record from the AM/FM radio or from a mic too.
While the boombox purists aren't going to like this little box from the early 90's I think it still has its place and with its unique and utilitarian design makes for a highly useable boombox. And, hey, they sell for about $50.00.
Tags: Sony, Sony CFM-104
