[gta3uzi]

I'm new here, so let me know if I'm in the wrong area. My dad sent me here and said you are the guys to go to for everything audio.

I already have a satisfactory office / car audio setup, or know which direction I am moving to improve them. What I don't have is something to take to the beach, to play in the shower, or to take in the woods with me. Does anyone know of a good, reliable boombox with features like USB input that doesn't cost an arm and a leg while still maintaining decent audio quality at short distances? I performed a search and found nothing.

I have skimmed the topics like "DIY Boombox", but I would rather find and consider my off the shelf options before embarking on such an endeavor.

Thanks!

[JLM]

Welcome aboard

As you'll see by looking around, we focus on home stereo with occasional forays into home theater, automotive systems, and headphones (a few with MP3 players).

I don't want us to come off as elitist's, but most here cringe at the word "boomboxes" beyond a first step into musical enjoyment that hopefully will flower into an interest in high fidelity reproduction of music at home.  Note (that word  )  connotates exagerated/flabby/one note bass versus the tight/controlled/full range/realistic bass most everyone here strives for.

Instead of a (that word  ) I'd suggest looking into a nice MP3 player with a set of earbuds (like NuForce's offerings above) if that could fit into your needs.

[Ericus Rex]

I never recommend Bose, but since you're looking at Boomboxes it might be appropriate.  Bose makes a portable boombox-like device that picks up your playlist wirelessly (maybe only works for iphones or similar).  I would imagine it has a usb input to connect your ipod.  I haven't heard it but it may suit your needs.

[opnly bafld]

Welcome to AC,

Sorry no suggestions, for me if it sounds half way decent and plays CDs I'm set.
When I use a boombox I'm not overly concerned about the SQ, I just avoid new to me music* and play old favorites so my brain can fill in most of what is missing.

Lin

*Many years ago I bought Physical Graffiti just before going to Fla and listened to it over and over at the beach, now whenever I play it I'm transported to Bonita Beach, the ocean, sunshine and warm winter temps. 

[yamaha626]

Let me start by saying that I am a boombox fan. Not a big fan of headphones and completely cannot deal with earbuds...but I do like boomboxes.
Haven't owned many because they just don't seem to break too frequently...unlike so many other consumer products that I buy. My favorite was a JVC RC-M70 that I used in college but I've owned several others. This would include a "modern" JVC kaboom something or other....total piece of juck compared to the M70....very disappointing. 
The one that I like now is a TDK...I think its called the soundcube. Not cheap but they do go on sale for under $200 sometimes. However, I think that I am going to try the diy approach for my next boombox.

[JerryM]

When I think "boombox", I still picture all of the buttons commensurate to the old 8 Track and cassette versions. 

This unit is not like that - it's actually from this century. A friend of mine has one, and it sounds suprisingly good for what it is.

Have fun,

Jerry

[Miney]

This little bugger is super portable and sounds pretty good to my ears.

Paul

[Austin08]

You may want to check out the  those 2 links below
 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002I529AY
 http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004TS2AO8/ref=s9_simh_awgw_d0_g422_i1/178-2154944-2864134?aid=aw_gw&apid=1353730462&arc=1201&arid=15928R1PAXJRJ9NTWYST&asn=center-6&pf_rd_i=GatewayAW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=1353730462&pf_rd_r=15928R1PAXJRJ9NTWYST&pf_rd_s=center-6&pf_rd_t=7201

[gooberdude]

You might take a trip to an Apple/Mac computer store if convenient.  Most have a dozen or more boomboxes to demo.

I can't recall the model, but I purchased an Alec Lansing portable, runs on C batteries, and sounded the best of the bunch. I sold it to a friend that bungee's it to his scooter, works great & gets loud enough.  It has an iPod cradle, not sure what else.  $150 or so.

[Watthead]

I would highly recommended the Altech Lansin InMotion inMT800. It sounds great at all volumes. Nice details at low volumes, and will seriously rock the house at higher volumes. It takes batteries too so u can take the party out to the woods when ur neighbors call the police. At 205.00, it won't break the piggy bank either. Also, just as comparison, the Bose can't light a candle to the sound of the Altec Lansing. So considering the fraction of the cost, I see it as a no brainer.
If batteries weren't an issue, i would then suggest either the B+W Zeppelin or the NAD Viso 1. I've heard them both and they sound amazing, but no batteries.

Cheers,
Simon

[gta3uzi]

Thanks for the replies everyone! To those apologizing for maybe coming off as elitist, don't worry about it. I come off as an elitist in many of my hobbies. The pursuit of perfection does that to you and I can appreciate it.

So far the Jawbone Big Jambox and the TDK 2-speaker (not the sound-cube) look the most attractive. I would like to just pull the flash drive out of my car and stick it in the box and go. I do not own an iPod, the last one I had died and the poor sound quality always drove me bonkers. Even on shoddy systems / headphones I could tell a difference between ipod-source sound and "alternate" source sound.

I will probably pinch my pennies and go for the TDK solution. I would like a more rugged design as I'm sure the TDK's smooth, what appears to be glass-like front will get scratched, but that's the price one pays I suppose.

[Quiet Earth]

They don't make 'em like they used to . . .

[AsTimeGoesBy]

I never tried this product myself, but it looks interesting to me.

 http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/speaker-cube/index.php