Compo-style boomboxes sometimes get no love. Missing an important feature that might exclude it from being a true boombox, these hybrid units tend to be under the radar but also somewhat rare. The Cambridge Soundworks Model 11 is one of the missing links that's been on my radar for a few years and I've finally had a chance to snap one up and after trying it out, really glad I did. I may be pushing it with this one, the unit is meant to be removed from the travel case for use but this stereo has a base speaker that stays in the case, in fact it's mounted in the case and not meant to be removed. Wiring for the bass speaker is through a female connection on the bottom of the case going to some lugs on the back of the amplifier. The speakers are very thick and beefy feeling plastic, the amplifier is solid metal and heavy. The controls and overall appearance reflect Henry Kloss's Minimal Design Approach, the most disappointing part is the carrying case, it's nice but it's basically a hard shell suit case. The unit was meant for travellers that wanted great sound, the back has 12 volt input and multiple voltage input options. It also has 9v out for accessories. It's interesting this 1990 unit doesn't have a phono input, they must have felt CDs were more cutting edge. Overall this may be the best sounding mini unit I have, even with my phones crappy MP3's playing it sounds really good, the sound is smooth and not fatiguing like vintage equipment does when it ages.
Good idea for the homeless person whom is constantly on the move and just has to have audiophile sound wherever they go.
I like the sound so much I was looking on the bay for the Ensemble Line of Home Surround Sound from the early 90's, it would be a nice fit for my office.
I found this news release in Stereo Review 1990. Anybody seen the new Techmoan Video with "suitcase" boomboxes?
I love the suitcase models but the ones with those split detachable speakers are my least favorite, there's many more, much cooler models. The Cambridge Model above has an "extra" subwoofer mounted in the case, you still have to wire it all together but it's all RCA cables.
