[Occam]

Any suggestions for a <$150 kitchen based boombox that I can mailorder?
All we need is a cd player/ fm radio, and it doesn't even have to be stereo, nor does it have to be of particularly high audio quality.

I have learned an important lesson - don't locate your cd source right next to your stove if you do a lot of frying  , for some odd reason the cd optics don't like a coating of grease...

TIA,
Paul

[woodsyi]

I got something very similar to this for my mom last year.  http://www.rsvdigitalworld.com/procart/prod_info.asp?prodID=152925

It won't boom but give you pretty good background music to cook to. She usually has a PBS classical music station on in the background and it's not bad.  She like the slimness. 

[konut]

I have used and can recommend the Panasonic SC-EN25. Single driver speakers with an iPod type input on the front as well as the criteria you requested. I don't know for sure but I suspect that theres a small digital amp in there. I use one for tunes in the bakery I work in. It doesn't get real loud but it never fails to engage with a good CD. About $80 at Circuit City.

[Occam]

Woodsyi, konut,

Many thanks for the excellent recommendations. I ended up with a newer Panasonic unit, primarily for the narrow width of the main unit, planning to use some small bookshelf speakers. The provided speakers have very resonant enclosures, but upon listening, (albeit at rather low, kitchen approved levels), they're quite pleasent. The system, as provided, now sits on top a bookshelf and has enough room for a small vertical CD rack, adjacent. I'm actually going to have to read the instructions to try the surround sound mode. , and best of all, She Who Must Be Obeyed is quite pleased.

Thanks again,
Paul