SONY CFD-S70 PORTABLE CD/CASSETTE/AM-FM RADIO BOOMBOX


When I’m puttering around in my basement with my books, I like to listen to music. Up until last week I was playing CDs on Katie’s old Sony boombox from the 1990s. But the right speaker of Katie’s boombox stopped working. I played only mono CDs for a while, but decided I needed to buy a new boombox. By coincidence, the Wall Street Journal recommended a boombox: the Sony CFD-S70. You can read the review here. If you’re looking for an inexpensive ($59.95) boombox with plenty of features and good sound, this is the boombox you should be considering! GRADE: A

25 thoughts on “SONY CFD-S70 PORTABLE CD/CASSETTE/AM-FM RADIO BOOMBOX

  1. Deb

    Nice! I like to have music while I’m cooking or ironing–and, even if I had an iPod, I can never get those damn earbuds to fit–so I too have a boom box with me as I work around the house. I have a somewhat cheaper (I think it was about $30), non-name brand that I bought at Walmart. Either way, we’re a dying breed, George. My kids, earbuds easily in place, can’t believe I lug a boom box from room-to-room just to listen to some music (or, even more incomprehensible, the radio).

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Deb, Patrick and Katie have the same attitudes toward boomboxes as your kids do! The Sony CFD-S70 also has a cassette player which is a rarity on boomboxes these days.

      Reply
  2. Jeff Meyerson

    Way to stimulate the economy! We have our Bose here so don’t need to lug music from room to room.

    We thought about buying one in Florida but ended up just listening to music in the car. Maybe next year, though. We did buy one (like Deb, it was a cheap one) one year when we stayed at my in-law’s condo, but Jackie left it for her sister. And then (long story) we had to replace a couple of dozen CDs while we were there so we did our share to stimulate the economy too.

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    1. george Post author

      Jeff, this Sony SFD-S70 also has inputs for iPods. I was surprised that it included a cassette player. Those have gone the way of the dinosaurs! My friends just bought a new 2017 Mazda and were surprised to discover it did NOT include a CD player. CD players have become an “option” on most cars. Patrick and Katie play their iPods or iPhones through Bluetooth in their cars.

      Reply
  3. Jeff Meyerson

    Jackie was concerned when we got the new car (though of course, it wasn’t new per se). The Subaru guy said they are starting with the Impreza next year in eliminating CD players. If it is an option, that’s better than nothing.

    We are definitely dinosaurs, always I don’t have any cassettes left!

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    1. george Post author

      Jeff, I have a box of cassette tapes that are an audio book of WAR AND PEACE. I’d like to listen to it someday even though I’ve had it for years.

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      1. george Post author

        Rick, with the Fed hiking interest rates two or three more times in 2016, I think you’ll see a slight rise in your savings accounts.

    1. george Post author

      Patti, this Sony CFD-S70 boombox plays CDs, cassette tapes, and includes an AM/FM radio. It’s a bargain at $59.95. Plus, it’s light and portable so you can move it from room to room.

      Reply
  4. maggie mason

    I still have cassettes, (mostly older books, and some convention panels), and lots of Cd’s. I’ll have to get a car soon. I had to special order the cassette player when I bought the cruiser, in 2006, I think. Both vehicles still work well, but I want my options.

    I bought my elderly friend a boom box last year at target, I think. It was about $26. This is the lady who moved to Wyoming after an episode where she fell and lost consciousness. She moved with her daughter, but now lives in assisted living. All the music they play is mostly country western. I also sent her a bunch of cd’s that
    I had from the 2 other elderly ladies I was helping out. An assortment of big band music, classical, show tunes, and holiday music. I recently found some more, and sent some monks chanting, peruvian pipes and music said to imitate bird calls.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Maggie, the Amazing Patrick and Kate the Great both think music CDs are obsolete. But I have thousands of them! You’re a good friend to help older people who are struggling!

      Reply
  5. Art Scott

    As you well know, George, a boombox is antithetical to my deeply-rooted beliefs about the reproduction of music. However, if it keeps you working down in the basement, on behalf of Diane and libraries looking for massive contributions of free books, I’m all for it. Want cassettes? I’ve got lots. My friend Bob S. recently bought a new-old car and I’ve been supplying him with OTR cassettes for his long commute. I can cut you in on that deal, music &/or radio drama, as you choose.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Art, Diane says no cassettes! Keep giving them to Bob! I already have a 100+ cassettes to listen to. But thanks for the offer. Listening to early mono Motown hits on anything better than a boombox wouldn’t enhance the music much! For “real” music, I listen to the stereo system you designed and installed for me!

      Reply
  6. Rick Robinson

    I would have liked to read the review, but it was blocked unless I signed in or subscribed, so no go. So I looked elsewhere. Looks pretty good but it has no remote control. I have an old Sony that similar but the CD player portion is failing, so this might be a good idea, esp. at the price. But I need one with a remote. I’ll keep looking.

    Reply
  7. Steve Oerkfitz

    Cassettes were always a pain in the ass-getting chewed up in the player. I still prefer CDs over downloading. Chrysler no longer have CD players. I had to get a discman and plug it into the my cars system. The damn thing skips too much though. Listening in a small apt I have no use for a boombox.

    Reply
  8. Cap'n Bob

    I have a device in my office that plays records, CDs, cassettes, and a radio! I’m lucky if I use it three times a year! In the car I usually listen to talk radio! No need for a boom box!

    Reply

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