well guys,heres another one in my newly restored series,this time on quite easily one of the 70s best boomboxes,the aiwa tpr 940.as usual i will give my unbiased views and review,followed up by some photos of what im banging on about

i got two off chris a few weeks back,one fully working and one partial working.this is the first time ive experienced a true 70s aiwa,and the survey follows.....

OVERVIEW

the 940 was introduced by aiwa in 1977,and was their response to the then starting to grow stereo radio cassette market,and went straight in as their top line model.

DESIGN AND LOOKS +++

as was the fashion then,the design of the 940 was almost plain-the woofers hidden behind thick grilles,all controls on the top with a top situated sloping tuner control,as back then these boxes were syill being designed in a similar vein to the transistor radios that went before them.it wasnt till the 80s did we see exposed woofers and chrome,perhaps some influence from fifties america,with all the chrome on cars?i can honestly say ive never minded the hidden speaker look,and this one is no exception, i believe it looks pretty linear and elegant.

BUILD QUALITY AND CONSTRUCTION +++++

there is no mistaking the 940s build quality,as its built like a tank.....on steroids!its only small in dimensions,in fact if you have never seen one in your life youd say its shockingly small.but thats no thing,as small is beautiful....or at least it is with the 940.this aiwa shares its model number with an old volvo estate car,and its hard to tell which one is more rugged to be honest.

SWITCHGEAR +++++

the aiwa has precisely laid out controls,very well equipped(especially for an early box)including loudness,afc,bass and treble sliders,tape type selector,memory button for the tape etc,and one of my favourite features,the tape adding motion-you eject the door,slide the tape in till it clicks in place,then close the door.this is such a precise and satisfying action to use,as is the handle that clicks reassuringly into place.

SOUND +++++ (if i could put infinaty for the amount of crosses i would!)

the sound the aiwa produces is phenomenal.it utilises 4 SPEAKERS -yes 2 conventional ones at the front and 2 in the side panels!the bass can only be described as deep,rich and meaningful,and the treble works in just the right amounts to counteract the bass if your listening to classical music etc.altogether an extremely wholesome sound that will leave your ears begging for more.its a phenomenon in sound.

RECCOMEND ONE?

definately.look beyond the dullness of the looks and switch one on.thats all you have to do.then prepare to fall in love.thats all there is to it.beats the hell out of bigger machines on sound.get one if you can,you woulnt regret it.

now for the pics!

Nice review Andy! Would never considered getting this one. But if I get the change now, I take it!

I love these. I think, i`ve had 4 all together? If only, i`d have known chris then, he would have got the tape going on them. I absolutely love my tpr980, i play it more than any other box.

cheers M,and your right lit,these aiwa models were among the best in their day