With the “Medion Life P66538 Retro Boombox Medion releases a boombox trimmed with 80s nostalgia that wants to combine the good old days (tape deck) with the present (Bluetooth).
We test the device.
Furnishing
- 2 x 10 W RMS (2 x 100 W max. music output power)
- DAB+/PLL-FM radio
- Cassette deck with recording function
- Playback from USB stick or MicroSD card
- CD player (CD-R/CD-RW/MP3)
MP3 connections: In addition to Bluetooth – despite all the retro infatuation with band clutter – the MP3 connection is probably the most important interface. There are connections for memory cards and sticks. It runs and the sound is fine. Recordings possible.
Bluetooth: Smartphone connection – hassle-free. Recordings possible.
Analog radio: FM reception via rotary dial. No complaints, channels are running. More of a gimmick than a must-have accessory, though – who bothers to turn up station frequencies anymore?
Digital radio: via DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcast), including display. Functions!
Cassette and CD compartment, rotary knobs: Run flawlessly. Buttons are large and massive. Slight running movements with the boombox do not cause any vibrations that would affect the playback quality – i.e. no jumps in the music flow, no stopping of the game. By the way, the tapes can be digitized.
Weight and extra connections: The ghetto blaster weighs around six kilograms, a (shoulder) weight that is not suitable for children but can be carried by adults. There are also two connectors for microphones (not included).
sound
There are three switches: bass, treble and, very nostalgic but not so easy to find, the “X-Bass”. As was usual back then, “X” or “Mega” basses sound a number lower. You can show it off, but extra bass isn’t actually necessary. Apart from that, the sound is clear, even at the highest volume. The bass and treble quality also carries over to the recordings on tape.
Verdict
Classic boomboxes or Bluetooth systems are smaller, handier, lighter, and therefore actually more suitable for taking with you to parties, parks, etc. Hand on heart, the only thing that counts there is playback via Bluetooth or MP3. Radio stations are usually not searched for either.
When buying, you have to make a fundamental decision – is the “Medion Life P66538 Retro Boombox” also a good home box? She absolutely is. Depending on the dealer, the price is between 150 and 200 euros, and it can easily compare with other multimedia systems. In terms of sound and features – this ghetto blaster is basically a home stereo system that supports all formats except for vinyl, including for archiving.