I highly recommend this purchase.
First off, the looks of the KaBOOM box are killer, I think second only to some of those wicked looking micro systems. That along with another feature is what drew me to the stereo. You see, I have some bad luck when it comes to stereos. First 3-CD changer I owned broke, the tray unable to spin. My second stereo, an RCA 5-CD Changer, also broke, the laser became inoperable (?). Unfortunately, this happened in both cases after the warranty ran out. So I called Sears (where I got it) and chewed them out until they give me the choice of any twenty plus stereos...
I chose the KaBOOM box for several reasons: a) cool looking, the original factor that piqued my interest b) kick-ass bass: I listen to rock and metal, but that doesn't mean I can't indulge in some serious bass c) the drum pattern, the scratch pad and the guitar and mike inputs
Of course, c) was the deciding factor. Since I play guitar, I bought it, and I now have a secondary set-up in case my normal gear blows... I run a Line 6 POD through a Graphic EQ into the guitar input. With some adjustment, and by lowering the output of the POD you can eliminate most hum and distortion, and get some great sound. Very cool.
Secondly is the sound of the CD player/radio/cassette. As stupid as it sounds, I didn't even listen to the thing before I bought it. But it does pack a punch. The bass is there, but without sacrificing any of the highs or mids found on a lot of my fave records (Dark Side Of The Moon, Led Zeppelin II). Plus, if I want to kick it "old school" there is a special input for a turntable (very cool). The KaBOOM box gets extremely loud without breaking up. The volume goes to 50, but by 25, it's almost unlistenably loud. About 12-14 is a nice listenable level in most cases, and you don't miss out on any of the sonic qualities. The Timer is extremely cool. I have it set to wake me up at 7:10 every morning to "Whole Lotta' Love." I tell, it feels like the coming apocolypse when the bass starts in and that classic riff starts. Not a bad way to start the morning off, eh?
Of course, even with it's advantages, and even if I did give it five stars, there are always cons. First, but not a real big one, is the controls. It's set up in a fashion I find kid of odd. The bass controls go from 0 to 6 while the mid and treble controls go from -5 to +5. I never did figure out why that was... Secondly is the backround hiss present if the system isn't playing anything. If a CD finishes, the system just hisses at quite a high volume until you start a new disc or cassette. Annoying, yes, but bearable, and I won't really lose any sleep over it. My final complaint is actually rather stupid. I want surround! With the positioning of the speakers, it is very difficult to pick up on a lot of the nuances of some of the psychadelic music I listen to. I find myself yearning to be able to point to each speaker and describe each instrument that emanates from it, but I find this impossible. The sound all blends. Of course, the thing is meant to be portable, and I can't really fault JVC for this because it wasn't meant for us particularly picky audiophiles. It was, after all, meant to be a portable unit to take out and bring with you when you go out with friends or whatever. The only problem I do have with that though is the extreme weight. The thing almost gave me a hernia taking it downstairs. To each their own though.
Like I said, I am buying a new stereo, but I will be keeping the KaBOOM box because it is fun, simple, pleasent sounding and cool looking. It will just be relegated to my the spot beside my normal amplifier to serve as a drum machine, one-track recording machine, PA system for vocals, and emergency amplifier. The life of aa stereo. How very, very cruel...
Sincerly, Eddie R. Guerra
