I think when we compare equipment they should belong to the same category and these 2 boxes belong to 2 different categories. any, I voted for Aiwa because I like the way it looks like and I don't have any of these boxes.
I'm going for the AIWA CSD-SR6. I own a Panasonic RX-CT980 and was surprised to learn it was a bi-amp'ed boombox. I pulled it out of the stacks where it had been sitting because it was a later model and not really cool in the vintage audio world. I think I paid a few dollars for it and bought it mostly because it was big and looked brand new. It took me a while to get a proper cord to power it but it was very underwhelming, so much so that a tiny Sanyo took it's place for the daily duty box. I was hoping for more since I love my Panasonic Branded Technics Mini System which really sounds great and they go for good money on the Bay but it was a real let down for me. The sound just didn't sound natural, there was a lot of fatigue. Walkman Archive had the AIWA CSD-SR6 on his personal website and gives it a great review for it which is enough for me, his advice on everything else I've looked at has been invaluable. If you find a member here with both boxes I'd be surprised, they both are at the tail end of the golden age and not really sought after unless they had personal reasons.
Also walkman archive tested the RX-DT680 wich has the same amps and speakers like the RX-DT980, in the article "My taught about boomboxes" he places the 680 just under the Aiwa SR8, so based on his testing i would say 980 and SR6 are equal, but 980 it's biamp and 2 way speakers (better lows, meds, highs separation), and SR6 has 1 way speakers, full range. In the article with Aiwa SR6 he says it's the best boombox that you can buy outside Japan, so i don't understand nothing anymore. EDIT: 980 has 5 band eq plus S-XBS knob, Aiwa has only bass and treble knobs, 980 has 55w power consumption, Aiwa has 50w power consumption, i have the 980 and i have the opportunity to change it with the SR6 but i don't know if it worths.
I didn't see the chart for the unit, maybe my ears are more accustomed to the 70's 3-martini sound. I remember either a member here or on the other forum having a ton of the Panasonics, most of the models of that range, they might know more. I can't pull mine back out to test, it's already been shrink-wrapped and thrown back on the shelf. My Panasonic Branded CH10 is another story, that's a true mini system with bi-amping, I was hoping for something similar when I fired up the CT980.
Check out this thread, there's some good information on it. http://stereo2go.com/forums/threads/panasonic-rx-cs-dt-ds-series-debate.2308/
Interesting question. It's been some time since I listen to these beasts, but I'd say the SR6 sounds more like a bigger equipment, and it can be heard in the bass, which is more natural. More punchy, while the Panasonic sounds more like a boombox, with a boomy bass. The 980's bass is louder because is boomy, and the SR6 can only be enjoyed if the acoustic characteristics of the room is good; otherwise a certain amount of bass is lost. The room and its placement is very important in the CS6; and so is with bigger equipment. I hope this clarifies the question...
Ok, thanks a lot. But one more question, would you give a 980 for a SR6? I have that possibility and i don't know what to do.
Mystery solved i talked with a friend who tested both recently, he said that Panasonic RX-CT980 sounds better than Aiwa CSD-SR6.
Cristyx, Seems to me that you are after the better sound out of the two correct? I say you need to listen to both of them, because your friend hearing can be different than yours, It also depends in what kind of music you want to listen to on that particular unit, I see it all the time , what sounds good to you , some times may not sound good to the next person, so I think if you get the chance try both and make a decision .
Yes, i am looking for the best sound out of the two. I trust him because he had over 100 boomboxes over the time and he has a fine ear. The 980 i already have it, maybe i'll just buy the Aiwa too, but i have too many boomboxes, and i am looking just for those with best sound.
Of course, here: http://stereo2go.com/forums/threads/hello-from-romania-baia-mare.1241/ And youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmWmLXYg8axxlwa1h7KdsZA
Every opinion is different. Having listened to very high end equipment and having at home some high end decks, headphones, etc... I give oyu my humble opinion about those two from an audiophile point of view. Yes, the 680 (and 980 probably) sound more appealing to the naked ear because of the more presence of the boomy bass, the SR6 is more refined, but it requires better acoustics in the room. Also I'm talking about playing cassettes with excellent recordings made on the finest decks. Different recordings can make different conclusions... anyway, both represent the best of the best. Although I'd prefer the DT9 over the 980.
