Sony ZS-H10CP Heavy-Duty CD Radio Boombox
From Sony
Durable and Rugged Body Construction --- Built to withstand up to the elements without sacrificing sound quality. Protective Safe Guard Bar --- Keeps the boombox safe from stacking items and falling debris. Protective Speaker Guard --- Protects the speakers from dust and water that might otherwise ruin the system. Large Controls for Easy Operation --- allow easy operation even when wearing thick gloves
- Amazon Sales Rank: #1372 in Consumer Electronics
- Color: Red
- Brand: Sony
- Model: ZS-H10CP
- Dimensions: .0" h x .0" w x .0" l, 18.00 pounds
If you need music that you can take with you on any rough and tumble adventure, look no further than the Sony ZS-H10CP CD Boombox. This tough unit is perfect for the job-site, workshop, or backyard, with a rugged and durable design that incorporates a water and dust resistant seal that protects it from the elements.
 Durable, water-resistant, and rugged, the Sony ZS-H10CP is ready to provide the background music for your toughest jobs. |
But don't let the rugged design fool you; the ZS-H10CP is built to withstand the elements without sacrificing sound quality. A digital AM/FM stereo tuner provides accurate, drift-free tuning of AM and FM radio stations and lets you choose from the wide variety of radio talk shows and music programs, with the added enjoyment of stereo sound. The system also includes a line-in jack for digital music players so you can listen to your entire digital music collection via the boombox. And to really kick the sound up a notch, the ZS-H10CP features Mega Bass sound enhancement.
And for those with a big collection of CDs that make the workday more fun, the ZS-H10CP features a CD player with multiple play modes and ESP-2 anti-shock playback protection. Play modes let you listen to songs in sequence as recorded, in program (RMS) order, all tracks in random (shuffle) order, or a single track over and over. A four-line LCD screen keeps tabs on your track information, and SonicStage music software ships with the unit, so you can compile your own mix CDs.
What's in the Box
ZS-H10CP CD boombox and AC power adapter.
A Hulk of a Boombox
A quick caveat before I review. As of 5/12/2006 the Sony site (and Sears, too) still says this boombox takes 'C' batteries. It doesn't, it takes 'D' size, though a quantity of 6 is correct. I can't see that Amazon has included battery info. one way or the other.
This is truly an Industrial Strength boombox - extremely rugged. I bought one for my handicapped daughter, who needs almost constant music to keep her happy, but has been pretty rough on past boomboxes. This one ought to last.
It is significantly larger than the average portable boombox, so pay attention to the dimensions and weight to see if it's a fit for you.
The only weak spot is the antenna, which my daughter managed to break the first day. Be careful how you restore it to its telescoped slot. We can't find a replacement antenna yet.
Also, it lists on the Sony site and at Sears for $129.99, so I don't know where this site got a list price of $179.99.
A significant Upgrade to the Sony S2
Terms
S2 = Sony ZS-XN30 Multi-Codec S2 Sports CD/Tuner Boombox (White)
H10 = Sony ZS-H10CP Heavy Duty CD Radio Boombox
Background: I bought the H10 to replace a defunct S2. I use three S2s and one H10 daily (and simultaneously) at a swimming pool, so I compare them daily.
My biggest surprise is that, contrary to what the specs imply, the H10 sounds twice as loud as the S2. Perhaps this is due in large part to the H10's significantly better base: there is noticeably more of it, and it is very clean (has low distortion). I play the S2 with the Mega Bass button on, yet the H10 bass is so pronounced and clean that I leave the its Mega Bass off. "Specs imply" means that the specifications state that the H10 = 2.3 watts per speaker vs 2.0 watts for the S2.
The H10 is significantly easier to use than the S2: The S2's up-down Volume buttons have been replaced with a large dial, the S2's jog control whose operation baffled water aerobic instructors has been replaced with clearly marked buttons, and that aggravating push-to-open CD cover has been replaced with a cover that has a hinge lock. And since the CD cover of two of my three S2's is nonfunctional, my guess is that this new hinge-lock cover will be more durable.
On the H10 but not on the S2 are: Line-in (for tape players and ipods), and a storage compartment. The latter is large enough both for both the H10's wall plug and a line-in jack (not provided).
The H10 is noticeably heavier than the S2, about the same width and depth, and twice the S2's heigth. Also, the black-red motif is much more in-your-face than the subtle white of the S2.
8/17/06 Update: At least twice the controls have locked up; that is, the controls have acted as if a "Hold" switch was turned on, except the H2 has no such switch. Both times removing the batteries solved the problem. I deduce that this is caused by some combination of relatively uncommon button-pushing.
7/27/09 Update: Absolutely no lockup since the Summer of '06.
In summary, the H10 both sounds better and is significantly easier to operate than the S2.
10/16/06 Update: I've started adapting to limited floorspace by playing the H10 on its side; note that it is designed to be able to do so.
11/7/06 Update: The H10 sounds so much better than the S2 that I replaced all three S2s with H10s.
7/27/09 Update:
1. To get maximum performance at maximum volume, plug the H10 in, to either a wall socket or an external battery, like the Duracell Powersource Mobile 100.
2. Lasts longer poolside than any other boombox I know of: Most boomboxes last about 6 months poolside; in contrast, the two H10's lasted for more than two years of daily (Monday through Friday) use; then their CD players stopped working at about the same time.
Excellent Product
I searched high and low for a product like this and seriously, this was the only one that had it all ... plays regular and mp3 CDs, AM/FM radio, line-in for any external player from laptops to mp3 players, no useless cassette player to get in the way and most importantly, it has GREAT sound; plenty of volume and bass response. Yes, it's heavy duty. It is rugged enough to take along to the work site, keep in the garage, take camping, you name it; it has sealed compartments and speaker guards to protect from dust or hits; it has a sturdy handle built into a protective frame; it has a small enough footprint to sit on most standard shelves ... also, it has a smarter, simpler look that I appreciate; it doesn't look like some sci-fi robot or a work of abstract art ... it is surprisingly light since the power supply is contained with the AC adapter (some might find it a negative to have to lug around a heavier, bulky AC adapter, but it depends on your perspective). The unit also contains a storage compartment for line-in cords, head phones or mp3 players. Like I said, it is hard to find any other product that completely rivals this unit in it's price range. Highly recommended if you need a rugged player with great sound, mp3 capabilities and line-in feature. I am really enjoying mine.
