SharpQT-CD280(RD) Portable CD Boombox with AM/FM Stereo and Aux Input, Red

Plays and sounds great

The boom box sound quality is very good. The cassette and CD functions work well.

Just what my Mom wanted.

CD player will not work anymore. This unit sat on a shelf and was never moved. The CD spins but doesn't get read. Tried about 5 different CDs to make sure it wasn't the discs. There is no support for this product, can't contact the seller or amazon. Avoid this at all costs

I have an old Sharp calculator that I used in college back in the 80's that is still kicking. Also a Sharp TV that I purchased in the early 90's that is still working. I gave that one away to my daughter. So in a way I am a little biased toward Sharp products. They usually make good quality products that last and last. This is the reason why I purchased this mini Boombox. Although I would not call it a Booombox more like a portable multi-source player.The QT-CD290 plays everything from CD, USB, AUX(MP3 player) Cassette, AM/FM. I looked at other players and they were missing at least one of those features although some of the more expensive ones have added options. The cassette was very important to me because I have a very expensive Tascam cassette player/recorder to play and record tapes . I plan to make long-running tapes using the Tascam that I can take with me on the road using the CD290.In any case, another reason I purchased this unit was that my 7 year old Sony CFD S70 was failing. This is the player most portable multi-source players are judged by. Unfortunately, after 7 years, my CFD S70 can only lock unto one radio station 107.7 ! Something went wrong with the 'search' feature and the 'memory' feature to the point were they are rolled up into one, making it impossible to find any radio stations.I always hated the Search feature on the Sony in that I felt it was over-engineered and made things way too complicated for a casual portable unit. I guess I was right because now all those extra features are toast. I opened up the unit to check for loose wires, but everything looked good. So it must be the electrical boards themselves that are deffective. For what it cost, it was better to start brand new.Given how I feel about Sharp products and the Reviews on this site, it was an easy decision for me. When it comes to Audio no matter how many features you throw at a unit, the bottom line is THE SOUND ! So I decided to do a comparison between the Sony and the Sharp players using station 107.7 as the source, which is the only station the Sony can lock on.First of all I got to say that the Sony is better built. It uses a higher grade of plastic and I can attest that its durable after 7 years of not so gentle handling. Overall, this thing is built like a tank. The Sharp uses a cheaper grade of plastic that maybe good enough, but I don't think can handle the abuse the Sony had to put up with. Its also shiny and attracts finger prints.However, the layout of the Sharp is simpler and more user-friendly. It does not have the recessed buttons of the Sony which might be a good thing when you are under dim lighting conditions. The Tuner of the Sharp is much better. The radio has no problem locking on to channels and when it does, the backround noise is imperceptible. I'm amazed on how clearly the radio channels come through on the Sharp. And now for the sound...The Sharp sounds clearer and more open than the Sony. You can definitely hear the backround instruments, and as small as it is , it give a pretty good stereo image. Unfortunately, the Base is more like a Twang than a Boom ! Not sure if its's because the speakers have not been broken in yet, but the Base is really weak. Sharp would have scored a Knock-Out if they had put more thought into that. Although the Sony sounds more muffled, it's a more richer sound that surpasses what you expect and what you paid for the unit. The richer sound with deeper base just makes the unit sound more professional and expensive.Another thing is that I found the Sony easier to listen to especially for long stretches of time. The Sharp with its high-pitched "digital" sound starts grating on your ears after about an hour of listening. Again it could be the speakers on the Sharp have not broken in yet, time will tell. I have not tested the CD yet, but the cassette player put out the same open, clear, "digital" sound while lacking in the base department.Given that the sound is the most important thing in Audio equipment, I cannot recommend this player if you were expecting a Boombox. If you just want portable multi-player with adequate sound then 'yes', it is a good product for the price.

If this is what is considered a boom box due to size and speakers bad reception hard to tune. Older boom boxes were just that. Boomers

Bought this for my husband who is in a nursing home. I had lots of cds and cassettes so he is so happy listening to his favorite music. Also love the color !!

Works great. thanks