The 10 Best Modern Boomboxes

Bring the noise at the next summertime cookout with these dope ghetto blasters.

May 22, 2012
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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Back in the 80s, boomboxes reigned supreme. Audio giants like TDK and Pioneer earned props from the hip-hop community for making ghetto blasters powerful enough to disrupt entire city blocks. As technology pushed forward, music became more personal as products like the Walkman, then the Discman, and, eventually, the iPod allowed people to easily roll with their music in tow. However, we've recently seen an resurgence of Radio Raheem's staple gadget. Jay-Z was recently spotted on vacation lugging his own personal boombox, officially giving validity to the new trend. And with the summer almost here, expect the same notoriety with one of these strapped over your shoulder. Make some noise this Memorial Day Weekend by picking up one of these dope modern boomboxes.

iHome iP4 Boombox

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Price: $200 

We've been fans of the iP4 for a minute, but once it became know as Jigga's boombox of choice everyone started jocking. We don't blame them. An awesome retro design compiled with SRS TruBass digital signal processing, a bass-enabled amp, a five-band graphic equalizer, and FM radio, make it a great purchase at $200. Now we know what Jay's been using to listen to Jay Electronica's album.

Beats By Dre Beatbox Portable

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Price: $450 

BBD somehow managed to package the same audio dynamics and effective sound featured in its first-gen Beatbox into a more portable version, which also features Bluetooth connectivity, so it can wirelessly stream music from any smartphone, laptop, or other compatible device. The Beatbox Portable also has a built-in dock for iPhone/iPod support and pulls up to 15 hours of power on six "D" cell batteries.

Altec Lansing MIX BoomBox IMT810

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Price: $300 

This ginormous portable stereo using something called Audio Alignment and interference-free technology to deliver sound as big as its footprint. Choose from multiple EQ modes and enhance all audio by controlling speaker output through the wireless remote. Speakers on blast.

etón Rukus Solar

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Price: $150 

This solar-powered machine handles music from all Bluetooth-enabled devices (smarphones, tablets, PCs, etc.) and generates over 8 hours of runtime courtesy of the sun’s rays. Pump 14 Watts of stereo sound from the two full-range speakers, and keep tabs on battery power and connection options on its clear E-ink display. To paraphrase the RZA: “Bring da mutherfuckin’ ruckus.”

Harman Kardon GO+PLAY II

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Price: $350 

Beautiful ergonomics mixed with a rich listening experience makes HK's power player one of the most premium portable systems out. Clutch onto the stainless-steel handle as you bump full-range acoustics from the boombox's advanced mid-range transducers and high-excursion drivers. The Go+Play II even serves as a "multimedia entertainment hub" capable of sending pics and videos straight to your TV.

Lasonic i931X Ghetto Blaster

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Price: $150 

True to its nostalgic form, Lasonic’s Ghetto Blaster embodies the b-boy essence of the 80s with its old school design and bass-blasting sound system (12W x 2). Adjust treble and bass levels, lock in your iPod/iPhone, and become the envy of every dude faking the funk with their half-ass music dock.

JVC RV-NB70 Kaboom!

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Price: $300 

A pioneer of the boombox era, JVC became reacquainted with its portable audio roots after releasing the RV-NB70. Believe us when we say the Kaboom is capable of blowing out someone's eardrum. That's made possible due to the 40 watts of power being transmitted from its full-range speakers and rear-woofers. All iPod, iPhone, and USB devices apply.

Logitech Wireless Boombox

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Price: $150 

Delivering full-range sound in compact form, Logitech’s portable box boasts the deep bass levels and crisp audio found in premium music docks. Pair any Bluetooth-enabled device to the machine and listen as your favorite tracks pump from the laser-tuned neodymium drivers and tweets. Expect a solid six hours from the NiMH battery, too. 

House of Marley Bag of Rhythm

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Price: $350 

Boomboxes require two things: portability and booming sound. The Bag of Rhythm (BoR) from The House of Marley delivers both in a fashion that would make Bob proud. Two one-inch tweeters link up with two 4.5-inch woofers to crank out beautiful music from its birchwood enclosure. The BoR works best for those with an iDevice, therefore you can easily dock and charge your iPod or iPhone. If you don't own an Apple product, no worries: there are aux inputs that allow you to attach nearly any device you want.  

TDK 3 Speaker Boombox

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Price: $500 

TDK’s high-fidelity beast is the premier ultramodern boombox. Boasting 6-inch coaxial drivers and an accompanying subwoofer, the 3-speaker system emits crisp vocals and banging bass levels unparalleled to any other ghetto blaster. Aside from offering five preset radio stations, users can play music off their iPhone/iPod or any USB compatible device. Anyone not hooked up to a power source, make sure to Duracell-up because you’re looking at 12 "D" batteries to power this baby—a little old school flare for this new school hit.

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