JVC

JVC RVB99BK Kaboom! Portable CD Boombox

4.5 (5 reviews)

The JVC Kaboom! RV-B99BK boombox delivers 26 watts per channel through dual 6.5-inch woofers for thunderous portable sound.

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Overview

The JVC RV-B99BK Kaboom! is a portable boombox that lives up to its name with a sound system engineered for maximum impact. At its core are two 6.5-inch woofers paired with two 3.25-inch full-range drivers, powered by 26 watts per channel of amplification. The result is bass response that reaches down to approximately 50 Hz — a figure that puts many home speakers to shame, let alone other portable units. The integrated CD player and auto-reverse cassette deck cover physical media, while the microphone/guitar input with blending capability turns the Kaboom! into an impromptu performance system for musicians and karaoke enthusiasts alike.

Sound shaping is handled through three equalized presets — Clear, Pop, and Beat — giving listeners quick access to tonal profiles suited to different genres. The Active Clear Sound (ACS) feature adds an intelligent touch, automatically boosting high frequencies when they cross a set threshold to maintain clarity at higher volumes. Practical features include a backlit LCD display, a clock with timer function, and a thick padded shoulder strap with a built-in remote pouch for transport. The Kaboom! is undeniably large and built for an era before wireless streaming, but for anyone who prioritizes raw acoustic power and hands-on audio control, it remains a remarkably capable portable sound system.

Key Features

52 watts total power

Two 3.25-inch full-range speakers

Two 6.5-inch side-firing subwoofers

Independent subwoofer volume control

Switchable guitar/microphone input

Specifications

Audio Channels
2x 6.5-inch woofers, 2x 3.25-inch drivers
Amplification
26 watts per channel
Frequency Response
Down to approximately 50 Hz
Equalizer
Three presets: Clear, Pop, Beat
Sound Enhancement
Active Clear Sound (ACS)
Media Playback
CD player, Auto-reverse cassette tape player
Inputs
Microphone/Guitar input with blending
Display
Backlit LCD screen
Additional Features
Clock/timer, shoulder strap with remote pouch
Audio Codec
Realtek HD Audio

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Dual 6.5-inch woofers and 26 watts per channel deliver room-filling bass and volume rarely found in a boombox
  • Microphone and guitar input with blending lets you perform or sing along live with your music
  • Auto-reverse cassette player and CD player provide versatile media playback options
  • Three EQ presets and Active Clear Sound technology allow quick sound tuning for different genres
  • Backlit LCD display and built-in clock/timer add practical everyday functionality

👎 Cons

  • Large size and weight make it less convenient to carry than modern compact Bluetooth speakers
  • Lacks Bluetooth or any wireless audio streaming capability
  • No AM/FM radio tuner limits its usefulness as a standalone entertainment device
  • The boombox form factor and older media formats may not suit users who primarily stream music
  • Shoulder strap carrying is the only transport option, with no built-in handle for quick grabs

Frequently Asked Questions

The Kaboom! features two 6.5-inch woofers that reach down to approximately 50 Hz, delivering deep bass that is exceptional for a portable boombox of this size.
Yes, it includes an auto-reverse tape player, allowing you to play both sides of a cassette without manually flipping it.
Yes, it has a dedicated microphone/guitar input with blending capability, letting you mix your live audio with whatever music is playing from CD or tape.
It includes three equalized presets — Clear, Pop, and Beat — as well as Active Clear Sound (ACS) technology that automatically emphasizes high frequencies when they exceed a preset threshold.
Yes, despite its powerful output, it comes with a thick shoulder strap that includes a remote pouch, making it designed for carrying. However, with dual 6.5-inch woofers and full amplification, it is a large and heavy unit.