Hey- It Was Only Seventy Bucks!
Written: Jan 12 '02
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Pros: good price, some nice features, light weight
Cons: mediocre sound quality. lots of "doo-dads"
The Bottom Line: A decent low-cost system with some "cutesy" features.
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| bud41's Full Review: Aiwa CA-DW248 Cassette/CD Boombox |
A friend came by and said "I have this great new CD - you need to hear it!". I had to sadly inform him that I had no CD player except on my computer, and there was really no comfortable place for two people to sit in my study. Unless he wanted to ride around in my truck (which is CD equipped), we would not be able to listen comfortably. That incident made me realize I needed some sound in the living room.
With the budget tight, I wanted something inexpensive but a good brand name with reasonable features. I jumped off Kingdombuy.com to J&R Music World site and started searching (see my review on J&R). After looking at a "gazillion" boomboxes, I decided to try the Aiwa CADW248
Features
This light weight portable with detachable speakers comes in a light gray metalic finish. Speakers easily snap to the side. Connection wires slide into portals with ease as well.
Once you connect the AC cord, you're ready to listen.
This model has dual cassette with recording capability, a single CD player (top mount), analog (dial) radio tuner for AM/FM, and sleep timer.
Fancy Stuff
I'm a pretty simple person (simple- not simple-minded!). The bells and whistles don't usually attract me, but some people DO like them. This system has a remote control. I haven't used it but it looks fairly simple and uses common AA batteries.
There's a "programmed play" feature for up to 20 tracks.
It is high speed dubbing equipped.
Sounds can be regulated by a 3 mode equalizer and the "Q-Sound" system. Pressing this seems to give the sound a "large" feel. It sounds "wider" - like it's in a big room. Not a bad feature for some music. It sounded great with classical.
You can plug in a mic and record - even with music. So, have fun!
Bottom Line
The sound - it's ok. For the price paid, I would say the sound quality is good. The volume level will bump up pretty high. I have bought low-end boxes where you couldn't get the volume up to a decent level, but this will crank up. If you have the equalizers set right, there will be little distortion, too. The problem with the set is POOR BASS quality. It just doesn't provide that good deep sound. It's just a little too "tinny" sometimes. However, I reiterate that the sound is good for the price. The set is advertised with a "Bass Reflex Speaker". I haven't a clue what that is. You "techies" may know. Whatever it is, I haven't found it!
The system has operated well and given me some sound in my living room without spending a lot of money. It has a pretty standard warranty - 90 days labor and one year parts. Aiwa is a fairly good name in my book. I recommend this system for those looking for something low-cost with reasonable quality.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 70.00
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Epinions.com ID:
bud41
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Between the Waxhaws and Oklawaha
Reviews written: 198
Trusted by: 39 members
About Me:
Just me - a middle-aged teacher who works to travel.
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