What is the difference between all the AIWA Compo Boxes?

Nice! What currency is that in? I can't see any clues...

 

Erm...without wanting to be 'that' guy, it says US Dollars in the description!

 

OK, I'm blind...I /still/ can't see a currency - re-read it several times :/ Could you point out where?....never mind! It is not in the ad itself, but the comment Mister X added...doh. Sorry about that

 

I had one of those back in the early '80s, but sold it in the late '80s - because I wanted a more 'mature' set up, ie a rack system with components chosen for their forte....regretted it ever since.

But....my mum bought me another one for Christmas just gone (off ebay)...I've yet to pick it up (from a friend that did the purchase), but I'm quite keen to do so! I don't know if the cassette deck works, but the rest, apparently, is in good order.

 

The cassette deck will definitely need the belts doing, I have 2 or maybe 3 decks that need doing, but I've heard they are a pain to do so never bothered with mine!

 

Yeah, I had read that the belts are a pita to replace, but I'm up for a challenge. Do you know of any guides on how to do it? Perhaps I can also document my experiences doing it...or not doing it :/

 

Here is a complete Aiwa 30 system with speakers, cabinet, and the funky plastic cover that goes over the back!

 

Wow, very nice!

 

Great set!

 

That's very interesting.

It makes me wonder, though, what exactly does a 'Made in the UK' sticker on one of these actually make me think is going to be different.

The main implication *to me* is that it will be tuned to sound better to the 'British ear'. IINM, the British tend to like 'flatter' sounds - not as bass heavy as other markets - so focuses on crisper treble and mid-range. I can literally remember thinking this is what it would mean, and I've actively looked for the label on Aiwa equipment with this idea (rightly or wrongly, probably wrongly).

In any case, I think that sort of work can be done without any local work.

Of course, there's still the possibility that the 'audio engineering' work could have been done in the UK, since it is 'one time' work done before anything is actually manufactured, and the result being some slight difference in key components that could still be shipped from 'the far east'.
The article also admits that transformers are sourced locally. IINM, transformers are key components for audio equipment, and contribute to sound quality.

Frankly, I don't find anything especially surprising in the report, though it is interesting. What did people actually expect?

I also wonder what the unstated 'long term significance' is...we're left to make our own conclusions there, which is irritating. Might it hint at some kind of anti-Japanese attitude?

I am reminded of the label on Apple products - 'Designed in California. Assembled in China.' or something like that. Perhaps something like that would have been more accurate? Too wordy for a sticker though.