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. Sony ZSH10CP Heavy Duty CD Radio 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.
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.
I really expected to like this boombox, but I was disappointed almost immediately, because the radio tuning isn't selective.
In other words, even when you're listening to strong stations, you can hear other stations "bleeding over" into the one you're tuned to. It's like a ghost station in the background. It's not horrible, but it messes with the sound.
For example, when listening to a rock station, I could hear faint talk-radio. On talk-radio, I could hear faint music. On a classics station, commercials from nearby stations were *really* noticable when they came on.
There was actually another problem with my particular sample, which is that it arrived with a faulty display (didn't have all the segments working in the rightmost character/number), but I could have lived with that.
The sound quality might be pretty good for CD's, MP3's and other clean sources, but I bought this specifically for the radio, and that part stinks (both AM and FM were plagued with this problem). There is simply no excuse for poor selectivity in a $140 radio. No speakers sound good playing two radio stations at the same time.
Other disappointments were the lack of a simple, conventional cord (it comes with a transformer), and a significantly cheaper feel than I expected. But the lack of clean, clear radio reception makes this a no-buy recommendation from me. - Mp3 Player - Boom Box - Cd Player - Portable Radio'
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