Well Bluetooth quality has increased over the years.  And when someone comes home, it's convenient to simply auto-pair their phone to their speaker. So yeah I can see the appeal of this form factor.  Most people don't keep their old stockpile of CD's and tapes handy within a quick reach. 

But I just think a second version could be developed with some retro styling, or at least more "aggressive/youth-oriented" styling.  Or how about snap-on speaker rings, or other ways to customize it, like people customize their phones with different cases and such.

I'm curious to know. So, If someone could give me some insight. I'm not old enough to know the history. But I believe first there was the Vinyl record. Then came the 8 track. Did people prefer the 8 track? Why? Then I believe came the cassette. We're people not accepting of the cassette at first? Why did they create the cassette? Was it for the listening experience? Then we have the CD and finally the Ipod. I know the ipod is small and can hold hundreds of songs. I know the boombox was made to accomodate a record player with the phono in. The exos has the aux input that would accomodate a walkman cassette player. Would it make sense to make boombox with a cassette player if they were not producing cassettes? I would buy it not for the purpose of using the cassette rather just for the looks. I know we're giving our thoughts as a consumer. But from the view of a manufacturer I would think the majority wins. These classic boxes are made with quality and quality parts. I'm thinking if aiwa made the exos the way many of us suggested. This unit might cost  $800/$900. I'm just trying to look at it from a Ceo's perspective. 

I agree a cassette player is unrealistic.  Even a CD player is a bad idea, as it would take up too much space and rattle when the bass is cranked up.  But an FM radio doesn't require much space, and it doesn't cost much either.  I'd also like a real handle or strap for carrying outside, and some LED "mood lights" that could be turned on or off, like the old Aiwa XR-M99.

http://www.wikiboombox.com/tik...php?page=Aiwa+XR-M99

Here's an example of lighting effects that seem to be popular these days.  People like to interact with their music.  The boombox was never just about sound.  And these lights could always be shut off if the person doesn't want them.

I had that speaker too. They call it "G tank". It was extremely loud. I could only take 15 minutes of the lights then I would shut them off. It also has a Dj mixing function. Too bad it didn't run on batteries. 

Ha ha you had one?  That's the first time I've seen it (at Best Buy yesterday).  It's heavy as hell, probably 35-40 lbs.  Does it have more bass than the Aiwa?

The Aiwa could go to a deeper bass. The Exos hits the lows hard I mean really hard. I think jimmyjimmy mentioned alot of technology went into making the exos cabinet. He said you can have a 10 inch speaker without the proper design and port and compare it to a 6 1/2 inch speaker with the proper port and cabinet design. The 6 1/2 inch speaker will blow away the bigger speaker. That G Tank doesn't have an air port for the bass. If you read customer reviews on the E9. Everyone always talks about bass. The Exos doesn't have the Kaboom Rv nb1 bass. But when I use to listen to my Kaboom it was all bass and no crisp clear sound. This Exos has a well balanced sound. I think hardman said it best. "It's a listening experience". Reli let me ask you your opinion. What sounds better? Vinyl, cassette or Cd? And why?

I couldn't answer that question cuz I'm not a true audiophile, I've never owned a truly high-end deck or turntable.  Honestly I don't think there's a true answer to that question, because each format has its loyalists. 

I am surprised you say the Sony doesn't have as much bass, as it weighs probably 3 times as much as the Aiwa.

The owners manual says:

RMS output power (reference):  210 watts per channel @ 1kHz and 3.5 ohms. 

Power output (rated):  100 watts per channel @ 1kHz and 3.5 ohms and 1% THD.

The first figure is probably BS because it doesn't provide a distortion figure.  But the second figure does, and it's only 1% distortion, not 10% like most boomboxes are measured at.

Although maybe it's all a lie, because consumption is listed at only 85W.  How the hell can it produce 2 x 100 watts if it consumes only 85?

When I tested the bass on the Exos. I played a you tube song from the weekend "the hills" and the walls of my house were shaking. I already had sold the sony so I didn't get to test the same song on the sony. So maybe that could have something to do with the difference in bass. Plus like I mentioned the Sony didn't have a port or opening. It was a sealed cabinet. If you ever want to put your speaker to the test. Play that song on your box.

Reli posted:

Well Bluetooth quality has increased over the years.  And when someone comes home, it's convenient to simply auto-pair their phone to their speaker. So yeah I can see the appeal of this form factor.  Most people don't keep their old stockpile of CD's and tapes handy within a quick reach. 

But I just think a second version could be developed with some retro styling, or at least more "aggressive/youth-oriented" styling.  Or how about snap-on speaker rings, or other ways to customize it, like people customize their phones with different cases and such.

Customization is pretty big.  We didn't really anticipate that when we designed the E9, but it will get more consideration when we do the follow on units, along with a real removable grill and potentially customization re driver rings etc.  I think those are interesting features.

Reli posted:

 

Although maybe it's all a lie, because consumption is listed at only 85W.  How the hell can it produce 2 x 100 watts if it consumes only 85?

Yeah, it's always comical when a speaker claims to output more power than input.  There really is no single standard for wattage in a system/boombox, which is really sad.  We based our rating on the amp power, which honestly is a bit arbitrary, but at least legitimate IMHO.

Hello Joe,

Please advise, when 220V version will be available?

Waiting for it...

You can purchase a voltage converter if you don't want to wait. Charge the unit with the converter and you should get about 14 hours of play time per charge.

I just use my D batteries with it  

James, the E9 uses an 15.000Ah Li-Ion battery @22v.

Can you imagine how much D's we need for supply that power specs?

Cheers.

Ah, some new looking on mine!!

Cheers.

VERY NICE 

James we need a Aiwa Exos 9 Video from you 

I tested out a few moderns and went with the Marshall Kilburn. Cleanest sound of them all. Quite a bit of volume. 20 hour rechargeable. Not as loud as my dp-100, but loud nonetheless. Has Bluetooth and 1/8" input. Has a carry strap that can be replaced with any guitar strap to be a shoulder strap. Beat the jbl tube and the Bose easily. 9"x5"x5".  I'd say it's somewhere between a boombox and a portable Bluetooth. Anyone else try one? Thoughts?

marshall is a stock photo (I'm not home to snap an actual)

my jvc dp-100

I'll do a side by side when I get time

rmrexp posted:

You can purchase a voltage converter if you don't want to wait. Charge the unit with the converter and you should get about 14 hours of play time per charge.

I thought about this. but converter for 200w will be big and heavy, not convenient for portable usage.

I tested this marshall - as for me lack of bass and laudness. 

As for me if there will be no 220v aiwa available I would buy new harman kardon go + play 2016, wich was just announced, but I hope it will be aiwa thus.

Cosie posted:

Hello Joe,

Please advise, when 220V version will be available?

Waiting for it...

Hopefully shipping from Asia in about 6 weeks, we'll have an ETA on dates on May 23rd based on parts supply etc.  I won't bore you with the details, but we're working through some issues with the new power supply and interference on the touch buttons (not an obvious connection I know)

Joe, thank you for information.