Aiwa CS-500 (1983)
A mid-range portable FM/AM stereo boombox from 1983 with dual cassette decks and a 2-way speaker system.
Overview
The Aiwa CS-500 is a portable stereo radio cassette recorder—commonly classified as a boombox—manufactured by Aiwa and released in 1983. It features dual cassette decks: Deck A supports both playback and recording, while Deck B is playback-only, enabling convenient tape dubbing. The unit includes an AM/FM stereo tuner with digital tuning and five presets per band, providing reliable station selection for its era. Housed in an MDF cabinet with a wood-grain vinyl wrap, the CS-500 measures approximately 22.5 × 8.5 × 11.0 inches (571 × 216 × 279 mm) and weighs 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg), making it manageable for portable use while maintaining a solid presence. It can be powered by AC (100–240V, switchable) or eight D-cell batteries, offering flexibility for indoor and outdoor listening.
Design
The CS-500 uses a 2-way speaker system with 5-inch woofers and 2-inch tweeters, designed to deliver a balanced frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz from the cassette deck. It produces 10 watts per channel (20W total RMS) into 4 ohms with 0.3% THD, driven by Aiwa’s proprietary "Super Bass" amplifier design using discrete output transistors. This circuitry enhances low-frequency performance without overwhelming the midrange, contributing to its reputation for punchy yet controlled sound. The front panel includes a 3-band equalizer (bass, mid, treble), Dolby B noise reduction, auto-stop, and a tape counter for user convenience.
Context
The CS-500 was positioned as a mid-range model in Aiwa’s 1983 portable audio lineup, sitting below the flagship CS-880 but above entry-level units like the CS-300. It competed in a crowded market of Japanese boomboxes that emphasized both portability and sound quality.
Market
The CS-500 originally retailed for $199.99 in the U.S. and ¥49,800 in Japan. In the current collector market, units in excellent condition with original packaging have sold for up to $425, while those in fair condition typically list around $250. Common maintenance issues include degraded power supply capacitors and worn drive belts, both of which are repairable with parts available from online vintage audio suppliers.
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