well guys here we go again-another review of another of my boxes:
first off, heres a pic of the tpr 968,and its other features:
the 968
overview:
the tpr 968,or stereo 968 as it is also known, is a large single piece portable,dating back to 1983.it shares a similar look to the cs660,but with the more classical all over silver cabinet.
it is a pity aiwa is no longer with us as they were known to make some of the best sounding and most good looking portables of the classic era.the 968 is no exception.
first impressions and functions:
the 968 is a big machine, no getting away from it-it is imposing and mean,yet surprisingly friendly in its functions-this is one good looking unit-everything falls into place and is easy to use-the switchgear very clearly labelled and is very accurate-everything works exactly as you'd expect from a quality aiwa machine-with the exception of the deck on my example which sadly doesnt work-but one could imagine this to be very efficient and smooth running on a working example.it has twin vu meters that look fantastic, and as is the norm with most aiwas these are placed in the centre of the unit,above the deck door-all told a well designed unit that has the looks to match
build quality:
everything feels well screwed together,and the handle feels extremely sturdy and strong, with no creaks or groans-well able to take the 968's modest weight.that said this isnt a light machine, but one could easily imagine a young dude in 1983 shouldering this,with van halen blasting from the woofers.
sound quality:
the 968 has power.and a good level of it-aiwas were never known to be bass-light,and once again the 968 is no exception-it has bass - a- plenty,with clear and crisp highs to match the deep and lush lows.never had a tpr950, but i have had a tpr990,and the 968 sounds better than that,and i imagine as easily as good as the 950-but until i own a 950 the jury is out on that one!either way the 968 is one hell of a nice sounding portable!
verdict:
the tpr968 is a great machine, with great looks and fantastic sound.it comes highly reccomended-if you can find one-get one-you will not regret it, i assure you
anyone else with a 968 wish to share their experiences?
please do!

Some pics Andy.







I will have a read of your review later, as I have to go out!

cheers,r.a!

very good review andy nothing less than we,ve come to expect

cheers az

Just had a read: excellent review Andy, and well written, thanks! It was a very interesting read, and covered just about every aspect of the box. Looks like I will have to keep my eye out for a TPR-968, you made a very good impression of it!

thanks, man-in my book most aiwas are great machines, both visually and accoustically,having owned 3 already.i'd still love a cs660 and perhaps another 990 and ill be more than happy
but the 968 is a great machine-with or without a working deck-plus i know the recent history of this one, its come from a loving home.plus i can line in a walkman for my tapes anyway.but i have the d8614 for that really

I've only ever owned two Aiwa's, a CS220 and a CS600. I still own the CS600 and like it very much. I still remember what the guy who I bought it from said: "It's mint as bloody new."

i would love to add a 660 to my 968-because they are so alike, plus the 660 gains the dsl circuit, and the 968 doesnt feature it-i think the 968 went first, the year before the cs660, which explains the lack of the dsl.