Okay I wanted to use the wacky title revolving around Dr. Leonard McCoy's cliche line on Star Trek. (McCoy was a character on the Star Trek TV series) In hopes of reminding the reader that I'm an average consumer much like I thought he was an average space doctor. In sharing my experience and use of the Aiwa CA-DW935 Boombox I thought a little humor would be in order. This review is not loaded with a lot of technical terms but offers a consumer friendly voice on the Aiwa CA-DW935 Boombox.


What I do know:

I know the basics such as the Aiwa CA-DW935 Component System comes equipped with a three CD disc changer, AM/FM digital tuner with 24 station presets, 3-Preset Equalizer buttons with "rock", "pop", and "jazz" on them, synchronized dubbing but no high-speed dubbing. There’s a 30-station memory programming system, a LCD display Clock, wireless remote and back light LCD display. And most importantly it features Q Surround sound.

Let me be honest, this is the first time I've ever heard of "Q technology." I have not purchased a boom-box since the 1980's. According to Aiwa's online catalog, "Q Surround circuitry creates a phantom center channel, expands the front left and right stereo sound field, and places "virtual" surround speakers around you to simulate the effect of a multi-channel system".

In layman’s terms Q technology is circuitry within the system designed to make the speakers sound fuller giving off the surround sound effect. Q sound technology makes 2 small speakers sound like two big speakers with lots of base. Surround sound is a lot better than the old Stereo boom boxes. Even if you can’t tell the difference between mono and stereo sound you can easily hear and appreciate the difference between surround sound and basic stereo sound.

I used the Aiwa Component System this weekend during a Memorial Day pool party. While at the pool the sound was surprisingly deep and powerful without the squeaky thud sound that you hear from often hear mini stereo systems that are turned up as loud as they can get. The small speakers on this unit delivered a nice rich sound. I was surprised that this unit would deliver such an all encompassing sound almost replicating a home-theater system.

The Aiwa CA-DW935 is not one of those big bulky boom boxes like the one I had in 1980 either. It's sleek and fairly easy to carry unit weighing only 16.8 lbs which makes portability easy since its merely 26.5 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall.

The Aiwa CA-DW935 Carry Component System boast that it's a home audio system but it's not for the living room. Honestly, it looks cheap; it's ideal for a picnic, college dorm room, garage, or the beach. However if you have numerous components like a DVD player, Play-Station, or VCR, then be prepared to shell out the bucks for a decent receiver and speakers system. Not to mention the additional adapters.


If you are planning on using this as a home entertainment system, forget it. Save yourself the hassle of having trying to make this boombox something it is not. This boombox offers a decent sound for a small office or garage but it is not something you place in the center of the living room as if you've bought a full system.


Also, be prepared to adjust the antenna, which can become annoying after 15 minutes of readjusting it. The FM tuner had difficulty picking up some of the local stations especially 88.5 and 95.5. Although you can use 8 D size batteries, I recommend plugging it in if you are planning on using it for over four hours. Purchasing batteries on a regular basis quickly becomes and expensive habit.


Final thoughts:

Bottom line Aiwa manufactures a fairly decent system for under $200.00 dollars. It currently retails for $149.99 however I bought this one on sale for $124.99. Bottom line, I think it has a nice sound but it looks pretty cheap!



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 124.99