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JVC RVB99BK Kaboom! Boombox

JVC RVB99BK Kaboom! Boombox

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Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent boombox, but there's more than meets the eye!
Review: First off, let me say that I am soon buying a new stereo. But not because I don't like the KaBOOM box, but because it just doesn't fit the style I want or need. I just got a new bedroom, much larger than my old one, and it doesn't give me the surround listening experience for such a large room as I had. With the old bedroom, it sounded awesome, but now some of the tonal qualtiy seems lost... Alas, you can't have everything...

First off, the looks of the KaBOOM box are killer, I think second only to some of those wicked looking micro systems. That along with another feature is what drew me to the stereo. You see, I have some bad luck when it comes to stereos. First 3-CD changer I owned broke, the tray unable to spin. My second stereo, an RCA 5-CD Changer, also broke, the laser became inoperable (?). Unfortunately, this happened in both cases after the warranty ran out. So I called Sears (where I got it) and chewed them out until they give me the choice of any twenty plus stereos...

I chose the KaBOOM box for several reasons: a) cool looking, the original factor that piqued my interest b) kick-ass bass: I listen to rock and metal, but that doesn't mean I can't indulge in some serious bass c) the drum pattern, the scratch pad and the guitar and mike inputs

Of course, c) was the deciding factor. Since I play guitar, I bought it, and I now have a secondary set-up in case my normal gear blows... I run a Line 6 POD through a Graphic EQ into the guitar input. With some adjustment, and by lowering the output of the POD you can eliminate most hum and distortion, and get some great sound. Very cool.

Secondly is the sound of the CD player/radio/cassette. As stupid as it sounds, I didn't even listen to the thing before I bought it. But it does pack a punch. The bass is there, but without sacrificing any of the highs or mids found on a lot of my fave records (Dark Side Of The Moon, Led Zeppelin II). Plus, if I want to kick it "old school" there is a special input for a turntable (very cool). The KaBOOM box gets extremely loud without breaking up. The volume goes to 50, but by 25, it's almost unlistenably loud. About 12-14 is a nice listenable level in most cases, and you don't miss out on any of the sonic qualities. The Timer is extremely cool. I have it set to wake me up at 7:10 every morning to "Whole Lotta' Love." I tell, it feels like the coming apocolypse when the bass starts in and that classic riff starts. Not a bad way to start the morning off, eh?

Of course, even with it's advantages, and even if I did give it five stars, there are always cons. First, but not a real big one, is the controls. It's set up in a fashion I find kid of odd. The bass controls go from 0 to 6 while the mid and treble controls go from -5 to +5. I never did figure out why that was... Secondly is the backround hiss present if the system isn't playing anything. If a CD finishes, the system just hisses at quite a high volume until you start a new disc or cassette. Annoying, yes, but bearable, and I won't really lose any sleep over it. My final complaint is actually rather stupid. I want surround! With the positioning of the speakers, it is very difficult to pick up on a lot of the nuances of some of the psychadelic music I listen to. I find myself yearning to be able to point to each speaker and describe each instrument that emanates from it, but I find this impossible. The sound all blends. Of course, the thing is meant to be portable, and I can't really fault JVC for this because it wasn't meant for us particularly picky audiophiles. It was, after all, meant to be a portable unit to take out and bring with you when you go out with friends or whatever. The only problem I do have with that though is the extreme weight. The thing almost gave me a hernia taking it downstairs. To each their own though.

Like I said, I am buying a new stereo, but I will be keeping the KaBOOM box because it is fun, simple, pleasent sounding and cool looking. It will just be relegated to my the spot beside my normal amplifier to serve as a drum machine, one-track recording machine, PA system for vocals, and emergency amplifier. The life of aa stereo. How very, very cruel...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent boombox, but there's more than meets the eye!
Review: First off, let me say that I am soon buying a new stereo. But not because I don't like the KaBOOM box, but because it just doesn't fit the style I want or need. I just got a new bedroom, much larger than my old one, and it doesn't give me the surround listening experience for such a large room as I had. With the old bedroom, it sounded awesome, but now some of the tonal qualtiy seems lost... Alas, you can't have everything...

First off, the looks of the KaBOOM box are killer, I think second only to some of those wicked looking micro systems. That along with another feature is what drew me to the stereo. You see, I have some bad luck when it comes to stereos. First 3-CD changer I owned broke, the tray unable to spin. My second stereo, an RCA 5-CD Changer, also broke, the laser became inoperable (?). Unfortunately, this happened in both cases after the warranty ran out. So I called Sears (where I got it) and chewed them out until they give me the choice of any twenty plus stereos...

I chose the KaBOOM box for several reasons: a) cool looking, the original factor that piqued my interest b) kick-ass bass: I listen to rock and metal, but that doesn't mean I can't indulge in some serious bass c) the drum pattern, the scratch pad and the guitar and mike inputs

Of course, c) was the deciding factor. Since I play guitar, I bought it, and I now have a secondary set-up in case my normal gear blows... I run a Line 6 POD through a Graphic EQ into the guitar input. With some adjustment, and by lowering the output of the POD you can eliminate most hum and distortion, and get some great sound. Very cool.

Secondly is the sound of the CD player/radio/cassette. As stupid as it sounds, I didn't even listen to the thing before I bought it. But it does pack a punch. The bass is there, but without sacrificing any of the highs or mids found on a lot of my fave records (Dark Side Of The Moon, Led Zeppelin II). Plus, if I want to kick it "old school" there is a special input for a turntable (very cool). The KaBOOM box gets extremely loud without breaking up. The volume goes to 50, but by 25, it's almost unlistenably loud. About 12-14 is a nice listenable level in most cases, and you don't miss out on any of the sonic qualities. The Timer is extremely cool. I have it set to wake me up at 7:10 every morning to "Whole Lotta' Love." I tell, it feels like the coming apocolypse when the bass starts in and that classic riff starts. Not a bad way to start the morning off, eh?

Of course, even with it's advantages, and even if I did give it five stars, there are always cons. First, but not a real big one, is the controls. It's set up in a fashion I find kid of odd. The bass controls go from 0 to 6 while the mid and treble controls go from -5 to +5. I never did figure out why that was... Secondly is the backround hiss present if the system isn't playing anything. If a CD finishes, the system just hisses at quite a high volume until you start a new disc or cassette. Annoying, yes, but bearable, and I won't really lose any sleep over it. My final complaint is actually rather stupid. I want surround! With the positioning of the speakers, it is very difficult to pick up on a lot of the nuances of some of the psychadelic music I listen to. I find myself yearning to be able to point to each speaker and describe each instrument that emanates from it, but I find this impossible. The sound all blends. Of course, the thing is meant to be portable, and I can't really fault JVC for this because it wasn't meant for us particularly picky audiophiles. It was, after all, meant to be a portable unit to take out and bring with you when you go out with friends or whatever. The only problem I do have with that though is the extreme weight. The thing almost gave me a hernia taking it downstairs. To each their own though.

Like I said, I am buying a new stereo, but I will be keeping the KaBOOM box because it is fun, simple, pleasent sounding and cool looking. It will just be relegated to my the spot beside my normal amplifier to serve as a drum machine, one-track recording machine, PA system for vocals, and emergency amplifier. The life of aa stereo. How very, very cruel...

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Great system and really neat looking!
Review: I bought one of these and it's fantastic. The bass is great, the CD sounds good and the remote is nice. While the unit is not dust or water proof I would have to say that it is more dust and water resistant than many other boom boxes. The only downside to this unit is the weight (bass takes mass, OK that doesn't rhyme, but still...) and the fact that the AM tuner sucks, which makes listening to sports or news difficult at times if not impossible. If you purchase one of these make sure that you install the two AA batteries in the battery compartment to save your preferences and the time, otherwise you will lose them every time you unplug the unit.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Truly Great Sound
Review: I bought one of these for my 11 year old daughter for Xmas. She loved it but in the end wanted me to buy something smaller for her. That was fine with me because I kept it for myself! It has great sound and tremendous bass response. But be prepared-It is Heavy! You're not going to feel like lugging it around very much.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: 20 YEARS WAS WORTH THE WAIT ! THANKS JVC.
Review: I just purchased the RV-B99BK unit and I am floored. The depth of the bass and the pitch of the treble are amazing. I purchased my first JVC boombox twenty years ago, and none have matched the sound untill now, and its been surpassed. My childeren are happy I gave my first JVC to them, never serviced once. I believe that I will enjoy many years of great sound from this new unbelievable unit, dont hesitate. The sound when you sing from the mic patch is great. " WAY TO GO JVC, IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT".

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This is a great product
Review: I own one of these, and considering the price and size, I don't think there is a better value out there for a portable audio system. The sound quality, again considering the price and size, is quite outstanding. The cassette deck is the biggest surprise--it sounds quite good for a portable system. The remote is great as well. The only drawback--the unit looks and is quite rugged, but it is not waterproof or dustproof, so be careful with it! Otherwise, very nicely done.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Rack System Sound (From a portable)
Review: I purshased this unit for my second oldest son,he used it for his wedding,the sound just filled the Chapel.I mean this unit just simpy puts out some serious decibles,just close your eyes and you think it's a "Rack System".It's the ultimate "BOOMBOX"!!!

Sincerly,
Eddie R. Guerra

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Fantastic
Review: I'm a musician, so I'm reviewing from that perspective. I play acoustic Flamenco guitar with a Barcus Berry D200 pickup into a Zoom 504 acoustic preamp.

I've been waiting a LONG time for one of these; a boom box with a guitar input. Not only that, but the guitar mixes with the auxiliary input, so you can mix in your drum machine as well, playing along with a CD and recording to tape.

I think the sound is extraordinary; for the first time I really felt the bass of the kick drums of my DR-5.

I am completely satisfied and delighted with this product, after having played acoustic guitar amps ad nauseam, with patch cords all over the place from the different devices.

Thank you, JVC (what took you so long?)..:-)

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Present
Review: We purchased this boombox for our seven year old son and he loves it and so do I. It is very loud. It is alittle too heavy for a seven year old to carry but he still tries to.

I highly recommend this purchase.


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