Can you identify this one? Featured in the 1984 movie Breakin’. Ghetto blasters like this one were found on city streets throughout the country in the mid-80s. This is probably a Taiwanese or Chinese no-name brand, but we are intrigued by the apparent second cassette located above the primary one. UPDATE: This is the Conion C-100F or the Clairtone 7980 and is indeed one of the most sought after stereos of all time. Tagging it and making it your own with stickers, paint was common in the day.

Imagine our surprise when we spotted this one at a local flea market for $30 (I think it one of the Portland, Maine flea markets on US Route 1). This exotic-looking Grundig featured a myriad of functions including SW/AM/FM/LW reception, a hideaway telescopic antenna, presets, variable stereo knob (from 0 to “super”), LCD clock and alarm–all in that sleak euro chassis. We’re guessing this was released sometime in 1982.

Is this old broken Emerson worth the effort of repairing? Jay and Paul assess the damage in this shot and make that determination. We uncovered a pile of these in a junk shop during one of our electronic hunts in NYC.

Panasonic’s RX-5500, a fine example of the classic ’80s boombox. This model was actually released in 1981. Other manufacturers imitated designs like this one for years after. Nice twin LED meters…

Looks like a wall, doesn’t it? Powered by 8 D batteries, this was GE’s flagship ghetto blaster in 1983. It offered “feather touch” controls, the MLS music search system, stereo & loudness switches, balance, bass and treble control.

Unsure on the model number of this ghetto blaster. We do know this JVC was released sometime in 1985. Notice multiple component facade–this trend began in mid-80s and continued into later years. We guess the speakers are detachable, making this an appropriate home stereo for the apartment dweller or college student. update: Hemlyn from the UK writes, “Mine is model JVC PC-200W, and though it doesn’t look exactly the same (mine has less black and more silver on the front) all the functions are exactly the same and in the same places. In daily use here in northern England, though it gracefully retired from recording cassettes a few years ago (ie this function no longer works!) Plays ‘em fine tho.’ Still has a very, very clear stereo sound, will go quite loud, and will boom very satisfyingly if required. Quite heavy, esp. with batteries installed, but who cares? Sling out that pathetic walkman, sling your blaster on a guitar strap and let the neighbourhood know that you’re coming down the street!

From the 1984 film Krush Groove, LL Cool J explains that he can’t live without his radio. Neither can we, LL.

One of our favorite boomboxes of all time–Panasonic’s RX-7700. Priced at a whopping $700 in 1981, this system performed as well as it looked. Features included AM/FM/SW reception, twin antennas, three meters, side handles, exceptional tuning and recording capabilities and gorgeous looks. If there were one ghetto blaster to obtain, this might be it.