Sony FH-7

In 1985, Sony was selling three very powerful mini component systems: The FH-3, the FH-5, and this FH-7, the most powerful of the three. You could call it a 3-piece boombox since the speakers detach from the center section. However, the center section itself includes 4 pieces held together by brackets and a quick-detach handle, so you might say it's a 6-piece boombox. But a better description would be "portable mini component system" because it truly does have the power of a home component system, yet is portable owing to its carry handle. It ordinarily requires AC power, but an optional DC power pack was available which replaces the bottom power-supply section and enables you to use twelve D-cell batteries with a built-in amplifier appropriate for the new DC power. (Note: This DC power pack is ultra-rare, with few known in existence). But the FH-7 is so heavy that most people wouldn't bother taking it outdoors. It would be like carrying a cinder block (or two) with handles. If you could throw it, it would do some serious damage to whatever unlucky object is in its flight path.

With its dual STK4026 amplifiers, the FH-7 makes approximately 2x30 watts RMS at 0.5% distortion or 2x38 watts RMS at 5% distortion. It can get so loud that people with sensitive hearing may find it difficult to even approach the unit to turn down the volume. How does it compare to other models? Well, the Telefunken HiFi Studio 1 has frequently been quoted as being a strong, powerful boombox, but the Sony FH-7 is a whole different animal. It literally blows the Telefunken out of the water.

The FH-7 series was sold in 3 different series: MKI, MKII, and MKIII. While they all look similar, there are some differences:

• The MKI model has 2-way speakers, labeled SS-78, containing conventional round speakers (10cm woofers and 5cm tweeters). There is an opaque foam insert behind the grills that covers the speakers so people will think they're square.

• The MKII model uses speakers labeled APM-078. They contain true square woofers (77 square centimeters in size). Shown below is a pic of one with its grill removed. Because square drivers use up the full area within their L x W dimensions, they are supposed to be equivalent in performance to larger round drivers. The MKII also has LED-lit equalizer sliders which adds to the aesthetic appeal.

• And finally, the MKIII shown below is the most advanced version, with 3-way "Super Wide" speakers instead of the 2-ways on the MKI and MKII models. These speakers are labeled APM-078III. Notice that the extra pair of tweeters is angled outwards for more "dimensional" sound. It certainly looks cool, but I personally have never owned a MKIII so I don't know whether it actually sounds better than the MKI or MKII.