Sony Portable Full Range Stereo Boombox Sound System with MP3 CD Player, AM/FM Radio, 30 Presets, Headphone and AUX Jack - Bonus DB Sonic CD Head Cleaner

This Sony CD player was purchased for my 96 yr old father-in-law who will use it to listen to audiobooks. A challenge occurred when trying to get a unit that supports headphones for him who is hard of hearing while still having normal sound for my 96 yr old mother-in-law who has no hearing loss. All competitive CD player boomboxes presented the same problem that when headphones are plugged into the output audio jack, the main CD player speakers shut off. The problem was solved with a $4 audio splitter, a pair of headphones, and a decent pair of PC speakers so both could hear. The easy to reach +- volume controls are used to boost the volume to the headphones. The PC speakers with on/off switch and volume control can then be turned down to have acceptable sound levels for each. There was no change in headphone volume whether the attached PC speakers were On or Off. The USB input port was also a valuable feature since their steel framed assisted living apartment reduced the FM signal too much to listen to a local all classical music radio station for background music. With the USB port that reads MP3 files, I downloaded free MP3 classical music files to a flash drive that now plays continuous, non-interrupted soothing musical selections when they are not listening to audiobooks. The only downside I found was not being able to boost the FM radio signal, but the recorded MP3 files that play from a flash drive provided a good work around. The last feature that was important was to have a top loading CD player in the smallest affordable package possible. This Sony has very good sound from the built-in speakers in the smallest package I could find. An audio cassette player was not considered a useful feature. This unit has it all. I would buy it again for myself and recommend it to others. The audio splitter, headphones, and PC speakers shown in the photo were not included with this Sony product.

EDIT: would definitely get again as I listened to audiobooks virtually EVERY night for almost four years. But says not available and when I look at what seems similar model, it's more than DOUBLE the price by outside vendors. SIGH.______________________________I had an older Sony boombox and loved it. I got it as a refurbished one from Amazon for fifty bucks and it worked great for six years til CD player gave out (I DO listen to lots of audiobooks).My EXPERIENCE so far with this one:PLEASANTLY surprised with sound. For a boombox at this price point, happy. Listening to a cd right now.BUTTONS pretty easy to understand and there is a booklet.LOOKS - I like it's streamlined and modern looking, not clunky like the old boomboxes, in fact, boombox doesn't really describe what it looks like. I think of the OLD boomboxes. This is like a nice black radio and cd system (also plays cassettes) that looks lovely in my bedroom.BOTTOMLINE: MORE THAN HAPPY. If anything changes, if it gives out, I will DEFINITELY UPDATE.

After using for a couple weeks it seems ok. The function control buttons are hard to see especially on low light and for me, not particularly intuitive to use, but I'm getting used to it. I put a small flashlight nearby for night listening.I was primarily interested in the CD player function to listen to audiobooks so sound quality is ok for that. Haven't tried the tape player but I kind of like that it's there. Good compact size for a bedroom shelf.The first portable player I had lasted 15 years, the second lasted 7 years. I used each almost every day but was not careless in handling and cleaned periodically.This is cheaply made so I'll be pleasantly surprised if with the same care it lasts longer than a couple years, but that's the modern world, planned obsolescence for constant consumption. Ask me again in 2 Years.I chose this model because I have limited space and limited budget.

This is an inexpensive player that basically does it all in the digital music world. My old CD player would not play CD's with MP3 files, which was a big problem for me. This player handles virtually all digital formats and devices for input, one way or another. The tracks are easy to control, but the manual could use some work, as it is not very well written when it comes to explaining track control and other functions. Trial and error worked well to fill in what the manual was missing and I was comfortable with it after a half hour or so. The audio is clear, crisp and loud enough for what I need. It is not intended for playing music for a party with 100 people or anything like that, but for personal listening or for playing accompaniment music that I use when I play my trombone, it is just right. I kind of wish I had gotten the model with the bass boost, as this player does not reproduce bass very well, but pretty well makes up for it by having strong mid and upper frequency responses. For the money, this player would be hard to beat for features. It is solid and looks and feels like a high quality unit, though calling it a "Boombox" is stretching it a little. It does sound like a boombox if you are using earphones, another nice feature and if you want more bass, just plug in one of the small portable speaker/amps that has good bass response and you have it all.

I bought this to keep enjoying life, as we deal with Coronavirus and shutdowns. I realized my family and I can do what my family did when I was growing up in the 1970s and 1980s. We could bring a great radio with us, into our backyard during cookouts. Or we could bring it to a park, and enjoy a picnic. And just like the boomboxes of years ago, this one uses six, C batteries, that last, last, and last! My daughters, mom, and I, take it with us as we walk around outdoors. And when we settle in public spaces, we dance to whatever music we choose to hear. And this gadget is easy for me to control! It has the same, simple word directions of long ago. So I easily see how to play and stop the music. No pictures and arrows for me to figure out, as I have to do with modern inventions. How refreshing!