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Philips D8444: your feeling ?

thibay - 2009-03-02 13:14

Hi,

What can I expect from a Philips D8444 ?
How does it sounds ?

How much should I pay for a box in average condition ?
I'm almost sure that I saw one lying at a vintage hifi store. He'll probably ask something like 75€ if it's working, less if little problems.

I guess Philips did not made other blasters with 3 main speakers ?

Thank you Wink

chancenellie - 2009-03-02 13:20

My opinion,and it is only mine,is that this boxes sound doesn't match its looks,which are pretty impressive.I have owned two and found them to be lacking in bass and overall sound quality.Having said that there are worse boxes out there,if you expect the 8444 to be average you wont be dissapointed.

thibay - 2009-03-02 14:05

Thank you chancenellie for your owner point of view. The look is indeed impressive and quite different from others.

I'll hear by myself next time I go there, you gave me a good starting point.

BTW don't forget my PM about the VZ tonearm Wink

panasonic.fan - 2009-03-02 14:18

That is pretty much the MO for all of the D83XX and D84xx models. Still, cool lookers- just don't pay much for them.

borny - 2009-03-02 15:22

Yes the PowerPlayer is a great looking BB, but for the sound you should find out yourself.

Some say its sounds cheap , some say it sounds great .

So when you listen 2 your music and u like what you hear , get it Smile.

johnnygto - 2009-03-02 16:20

I have a few of them and including a NIB unit, I like there looks alot and you could do worse as far as sound goes too.

The line is okay and that is all I use on most of my boxes, unless I'm outside - then FM.

Ebay U.S. seems to have alot from $30-$80+ all the time.

Johnny

baddboybill - 2009-03-02 19:23

I really like the looks and the sound is not bad, but it is definetly missing some output meters. Smile

viennasound - 2009-03-02 21:52

I Agree If you get it for quiet cheap, take it.
It´s not a high quality unit, but ok.
I like mine.

isolator42 - 2009-03-03 05:31

My 1984 catalog say output totals 15W "max" (not RMS). This isn't very much considering the size of the speakers.

I think the looks are just great, but many on here have said that the looks are writing cheques that the sound can't cash.
When I heard one at s2g member pacwestuk's place, I was prepared for the worst, but pleasantly surprised - the sound was good to my ears & I'm partial to a bit of bass Smile

I guess the size of that centre woofer get's people's expectations up to the level of other boomboxes with similarly sized speakers. Comparisons should really be made with similarly priced boomboxes of the same era, & this one was only £100.
In 1984, that was nothing like as expensive as other boomboxes with speakers this big - you got alot of boom for you money.

My advice?
If it's fully working & you think it's a cheap deal, go for it - these are not rare.

thibay - 2009-03-03 08:14

Those are pertinent comments and advices. Thanks to everybody Wink
I think I'll not rush to the shop. Next time I go there I will see how much he want for..

baddboybill - 2009-03-03 08:44

I remember having a choice in 84 between the CEC OL7540 for $100 or the magnavox D8443 for like $120-$130 and even though the magnavox was bigger the sound quality was better on the CEC Wink
quote:
Originally posted by isolator42:
My 1984 catalog say output totals 15W "max" (not RMS). This isn't very much considering the size of the speakers.

I think the looks are just great, but many on here have said that the looks are writing cheques that the sound can't cash.
When I heard one at s2g member pacwestuk's place, I was prepared for the worst, but pleasantly surprised - the sound was good to my ears & I'm partial to a bit of bass Smile

I guess the size of that centre woofer get's people's expectations up to the level of other boomboxes with similarly sized speakers. Comparisons should really be made with similarly priced boomboxes of the same era, & this one was only £100.
In 1984, that was nothing like as expensive as other boomboxes with speakers this big - you got alot of boom for you money.

2steppa - 2009-03-03 09:47

It's one I've been considering for quite some time, I really like the look of these but shame about the single antenna - twin would have looked sharp indeed.
If I see one at the right price I'll go for it.

teamstress - 2009-03-07 11:59

I have one that I bought brand new. The bass distorts if you crank it up, but it still sounds good. No dedicated line in however Frown. Now you can find them pretty cheap. They certainly look the part!