I am looking for a new,currently-made boom box (or other compact stereo system) with high quality sound. It's for a den in my house, and maybe in the workshop. The simpler-looking the better. I need CD and radio; cassette would be nice too, but not necessary. I don't want to pay more that $200, preferably much less. Can anyone make a recommendation? I know nothing about this, but I want some decent sound, and something that is not going to start buzzing and rattling in a few months.

Thank you.

Search craigslist or ebay for a Bose Wave.

The $200 limit will make it tough to find a "new" portable with high quality sound. But for new portables I would try the JVC Kaboom...can be found on ebay and Amazon.com and it won't break the bank. Sound quality and bass reproduction are excellent for a portable.