Features:
- 26 watts per channel
- Twin 6.5-inch superwoofers with independent volume control
- Auto-reverse cassette transport
- Super Exciter bass circuit
- 1-touch Compu-Play
Description:
JVC wasn't kidding when it dubbed the RV-B90 the Urban Assault Kaboom. With its army green-and-black color scheme, tubular shape, rugged build, and heavy-duty shoulder strap (with a pouch for the remote), this boombox looks like it was built for many tours of duty. Instead, JVC has designed the Kaboom for the urban warrior--that is, one who wants to blast his or her way through the neighborhood with bass, not bullets. The RV-B90's feature set is pretty decent. Its top-loading CD player uses a 1-bit digital-to-analog converter; the cassette deck features auto reverse with one-touch recording; the tuner boasts 30 FM and 15 AM station memories; and the boombox even offers a clock/timer with sleep and wake-up functions, a backlit LCD display, and remote control. Using the RV-B90 is lots of fun--the CD and cassette wells actually lock shut with small black knobs. JVC's one-touch playback and the full-feature remote all worked intuitively and flawlessly. The RV-B90 is the most serious boom box we've ever seen or heard at its price point--its sound is amazing, whether you look at it as a portable device or a home shelf system. For instance, most portables don't play very loud because they have wimpy speakers and amplifiers. This is clearly not the case with the RV-B90. Whether you're into alternative rock, hip-hop, or pipe organs, the RV-B90 pumps out an astonishing amount of dynamic bass. Fortunately, the midrange and highs are equally impressive--open, clean, and clear. The only thing we don't like about the RV-B90's sound is JVC's ACS (Active Clear Sound) circuit, which actually muddies the sound as opposed to making it clearer. Fortunately, this circuit is defeatable; we recommend leaving it off. One caution with this boombox: the telescopic radio antenna is a bit fragile, so be careful not to snap it off when you're blasting down the road. Assuming you don't mind looking like an urban assault warrior, JVC's RV-B90 Urban Assault Warrior Kaboom is one amazing portable music system. Although not inexpensive, when you add up its excellent features and serious sound, it equals a remarkable value. Pros:
- Huge sound
- Serious bass response
- 1-touch recording
- Remote control
Cons:
- Too heavy and bulky to carry far
- ACS (Active Clear Sound) actually muddies sound
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