would greatly appreciate input from audiophiles - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Sultana · 10-30-2005, 01:43 PM

Hey, I'm thinking about getting a portable music player, what we in the olden days used to call a "boom box". I need something manageable for my private gigs (belly dance, in case you didn't know, heh), that I can eaily carry, set-up, and use all on my own. However, the sound quality must be very high, and it needs to be able to fill a large room/patio.

This is what I have in mind: The JVC RV-NB1 KABOOM PORTABLE CD-CASSETTE PLAYER

Link:
http://www.epinions.com/JVC_RV_NB1_Boombox

I don't know much about audio equipment, but this is something that was recommended to me by a few other dancers...but I'd like to see a few more opinions, if you have any.

Thanks for your time!

jujueye · 10-30-2005, 05:57 PM

Well, that's a pretty big one. Make sure you want to carry something that big (it's 21 pounds!) Otherwise, the best thing you can do is not to trust anyone but yourself. Really. Bring your CDs and head out to Best Buy (they also sell this unit) and listen to it. If you have some friends that have had good luck with it, that's a great start. Maybe head to one of your fellow dancer's gigs and listen for yourself. What does it sound like a few feet away? How about 10 to 15 feet away? Are the controls easy for you to work with or confusing?

Good luck!

flat5 · 10-31-2005, 09:19 AM

http://www.epinions.com/content_186980732548

12 watts, 21 lbs. uses up batteries fast. Probably really does deliver 12 watts.
That is a lot of power for a portable.

You should carry it around in a bowling bag or some kind of protective case.
21 lbs and plastic - don't drop it.

A real plus for this unit is that a high output microphone can be plugged into the guitar
input. Bring it with you when/if selecting a microphone. Try high and low impedance mics to find out what will work best with it.

skinnymofo · 10-31-2005, 09:34 AM

if you already have a cd player or tape player,
and are willing to spend large amounts (which it looks like you are)
i would recommend the milwaukee portable jobsite radio. you just plug in the cd player/ipod/tape player through the auxilary slot (headphone jack basically).
it sounds wonderful drops and holds together good from high places (dropped mine from 10ft up on accident 2nd day i had it) has a cord and you can buy rechargable batteries fairly cheap so battery cost doesnt start adding up.
the only real downside to it is its weight. its atleast 25lbs.

LewisCouch · 11-01-2005, 09:16 AM

Rather than use a home audio solution, I would recommend stepping up to a professional system that is more suited to your needs. A good place to visit is any Guitar Center store in your area; they have an entire department devoted to PA systems, including the small portable type that you need.

Here's an example: http://www.zzounds.com/item--STCAL12R

This is priced at or below the mid-point of most of the systems you will find. There are many that are priced at half this amount, as well as the "sky is the limit" type systems.
This one is a good example of a unit that is designed for maximum portability. There are many variations.

Basically what you are looking for is a system that has speaker(s) and amp with some basic controls for input levels, volume, etc. Critical to your need is a pair of RCA inputs which would allow you to connect any portable CD/MP3/Tape player that has a line out.

Happy shopping, and good luck!

Sultana · 11-03-2005, 07:56 AM

Thanks for your inputs, peeps.
I already have a large guitar amp that I can plug into a small DJ cd player, with inputs for mics and stuff--but I can not be screwing around with set up for a private party. In trying to upgrade my *portable* sound system, my hubby (with the best of intentions) has made the whole thing complicated and worse, a time sink. He used to come with me to my gigs and do set up, but not so much any more. So it *has* to be an easily manageable plug and play set up. (I have never had to resort to using batteries, thank goodness.)

I don't use mics, although I would like to be able to use my amp for those rare occasions it's called for.

20-ish lbs is no problem for me. Especially if there's a shoulder strap (like on the Kaboom). I will lalso ook into that Milwaukee portable jobsite radio mentioned, thanks.

10-30-2005, 01:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sultana Falling Angel Location: L.A. L.A. land	would greatly appreciate input from audiophiles Hey, I'm thinking about getting a portable music player, what we in the olden days used to call a "boom box". I need something manageable for my private gigs (belly dance, in case you didn't know, heh), that I can eaily carry, set-up, and use all on my own. However, the sound quality must be very high, and it needs to be able to fill a large room/patio. This is what I have in mind: The JVC RV-NB1 KABOOM PORTABLE CD-CASSETTE PLAYER Link: http://www.epinions.com/JVC_RV_NB1_Boombox I don't know much about audio equipment, but this is something that was recommended to me by a few other dancers...but I'd like to see a few more opinions, if you have any. Thanks for your time! __________________ "Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential.

11-01-2005, 09:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
LewisCouch Insane Location: Pacific NW	Rather than use a home audio solution, I would recommend stepping up to a professional system that is more suited to your needs. A good place to visit is any Guitar Center store in your area; they have an entire department devoted to PA systems, including the small portable type that you need. Here's an example: http://www.zzounds.com/item--STCAL12R This is priced at or below the mid-point of most of the systems you will find. There are many that are priced at half this amount, as well as the "sky is the limit" type systems. This one is a good example of a unit that is designed for maximum portability. There are many variations. Basically what you are looking for is a system that has speaker(s) and amp with some basic controls for input levels, volume, etc. Critical to your need is a pair of RCA inputs which would allow you to connect any portable CD/MP3/Tape player that has a line out. Happy shopping, and good luck! __________________ "The gift of liberty is like that of a horse, handsome, strong, and high-spirited. In some it arouses a wish to ride; in many others, on the contrary, it increases the desire to walk." -- Massimo d'Azeglio

11-03-2005, 07:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
Sultana Falling Angel Location: L.A. L.A. land	Thanks for your inputs, peeps. I already have a large guitar amp that I can plug into a small DJ cd player, with inputs for mics and stuff--but I can not be screwing around with set up for a private party. In trying to upgrade my portable sound system, my hubby (with the best of intentions) has made the whole thing complicated and worse, a time sink. He used to come with me to my gigs and do set up, but not so much any more. So it has to be an easily manageable plug and play set up. (I have never had to resort to using batteries, thank goodness.) I don't use mics, although I would like to be able to use my amp for those rare occasions it's called for. 20-ish lbs is no problem for me. Especially if there's a shoulder strap (like on the Kaboom). I will lalso ook into that Milwaukee portable jobsite radio mentioned, thanks. __________________ "Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come." - Matt Groening My goal? To fulfill my potential.

10-30-2005, 05:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
jujueye alpaca lunch for the trip Location: in my computer	Well, that's a pretty big one. Make sure you want to carry something that big (it's 21 pounds!) Otherwise, the best thing you can do is not to trust anyone but yourself. Really. Bring your CDs and head out to Best Buy (they also sell this unit) and listen to it. If you have some friends that have had good luck with it, that's a great start. Maybe head to one of your fellow dancer's gigs and listen for yourself. What does it sound like a few feet away? How about 10 to 15 feet away? Are the controls easy for you to work with or confusing? Good luck!

10-31-2005, 09:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
flat5 Very Insignificant Pawn Location: Amsterdam, NL	http://www.epinions.com/content_186980732548 12 watts, 21 lbs. uses up batteries fast. Probably really does deliver 12 watts. That is a lot of power for a portable. You should carry it around in a bowling bag or some kind of protective case. 21 lbs and plastic - don't drop it. A real plus for this unit is that a high output microphone can be plugged into the guitar input. Bring it with you when/if selecting a microphone. Try high and low impedance mics to find out what will work best with it.

10-31-2005, 09:34 AM	#4 (permalink)
skinnymofo Addict ed to smack Location: Seattle	if you already have a cd player or tape player, and are willing to spend large amounts (which it looks like you are) i would recommend the milwaukee portable jobsite radio. you just plug in the cd player/ipod/tape player through the auxilary slot (headphone jack basically). it sounds wonderful drops and holds together good from high places (dropped mine from 10ft up on accident 2nd day i had it) has a cord and you can buy rechargable batteries fairly cheap so battery cost doesnt start adding up. the only real downside to it is its weight. its atleast 25lbs.