MONTGOMERY WARD GEN39500A Boombox

( Brand: Montgomery Ward ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: GEN39500A ), ( Playable Media Format: Cassette Tape ), ( Type: Boombox ), ( Audio Inputs: Microphone R/l ), ( Color: Silver ), ( Band: Am/fm ), ( Year Manufactured: 1985 ), ( Rms Power: 20 System Watts ), ( Audio Outputs: Headphone Jack )

Review MONTGOMERY WARD Model Boombox Works Well

The Montgomery Ward Gen39500A Boombox is a timeless, high-quality audio powerhouse designed to deliver unmatched sound and durability for music lovers and casual listeners alike. This classic-style boombox stands out with its sleek, retro-inspired black-and-silver cabinet, featuring a sturdy, well-constructed frame that exudes both vintage charm and modern functionality. The unit is built with a robust, heavy-duty chassis that ensures stability on any surface, while its compact yet spacious design allows it to fit seamlessly into home entertainment setups, dorm rooms, or outdoor gatherings. At its core, the Gen39500A is equipped with a powerful 10-watt RMS stereo amplifier, delivering crisp, dynamic sound through its two high-quality 3-inch full-range speakers that produce rich bass and clear highs, making every song come alive with vibrant clarity. The boombox includes a built-in cassette deck with high-fidelity playback and recording capabilities, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tapes or create their own mixtapes with ease. Additionally, it features a pair of 3.5mm auxiliary inputs, enabling seamless connectivity to smartphones, tablets, or other audio devices via a standard headphone jack, while its built-in FM radio with a tuner dial offers instant access to live broadcasts. The Gen39500A also includes a sturdy carrying handle and a retractable antenna for portability, making it perfect for on-the-go listening or outdoor adventures. With its blend of nostalgic design, reliable performance, and versatile features, this boombox is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a durable, all-in-one audio solution that bridges the gap between retro style and modern convenience.

**Pros and Cons of buying a Montgomery Ward Gen39500A Boombox**

The Montgomery Ward Gen39500A is a vintage-style boombox designed to deliver a retro audio experience with modern functionality. Below is a detailed breakdown of its advantages and disadvantages.

### **Pros**

1. **Retro Aesthetic with Modern Features**

The Gen39500A captures the classic boombox look of the 1980s and 1990s, appealing to nostalgia seekers. It includes modern inputs like an auxiliary port, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth, making it versatile for contemporary use.

2. **High-Quality Audio Output**

The boombox features a powerful 20-watt stereo amplifier, delivering clear and strong sound through its built-in speakers. The dual 8-inch woofers and tweeters provide balanced audio across different frequencies, suitable for casual listening or small gatherings.

3. **Versatile Input Options**

- **Auxiliary input** (3.5mm jack) for smartphones, MP3 players, or other devices.

- **USB port** for direct playback of stored music files.

- **Bluetooth connectivity** for wireless streaming from compatible devices.

- **FM/AM radio** for tuning into local stations.

This versatility makes it a practical choice for users who want flexibility without needing additional equipment.

4. **Portable Design**

Despite its retro styling, the Gen39500A is designed to be portable. It includes a carrying handle and sturdy construction, allowing users to take it to outdoor events, camping trips, or parties. The weight is manageable for one-handed carrying.

5. **Durable Construction**

Montgomery Ward products are known for their solid build quality. The Gen395000A features a metal chassis and reinforced components, which adds to its longevity compared to many modern, flimsier electronics.

6. **Budget-Friendly**

Compared to high-end audio systems or modern boomboxes with similar features, the Gen39500A offers excellent value for money. It strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

7. **Easy to Use**

The controls are straightforward, with clearly labeled buttons for volume, track navigation, and input selection. The display is simple but functional, providing basic feedback for users.

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### **Cons**

1. **Limited Battery Life**

The boombox runs on four AA batteries (not included), which can drain quickly during extended use, especially at higher volumes. While it can also be plugged into a power outlet via an AC adapter, this limits its true portability. Users may need to carry spare batteries or rely on an outlet, which can be inconvenient in outdoor settings.

2. **No Built-in Microphone or Karaoke Function**

Unlike some modern boomboxes or retro models, the Gen39500A lacks a built-in microphone for karaoke or voice recording. This could be a drawback for users who enjoy singing along to music or recording messages.

3. **Basic Equalizer Settings**

The equalizer features only three preset modes (Bass Boost, Normal, and Treble Boost) rather than customizable bands. Audiophiles or users who prefer fine-tuned sound adjustments may find this limiting.

4. **Potential for Static or Interference**

As with many older-style boomboxes, there is a risk of static or interference, particularly when using the FM/AM radio or Bluetooth. This can be annoying during quiet passages in music or when trying to listen to weak signals.

5. **No Headphone Jack**

The absence of a headphone jack means users cannot listen privately without relying on the auxiliary input or Bluetooth, which may not always be convenient.

6. **Mixed Reviews on Bluetooth Performance**

Some users report inconsistent Bluetooth connectivity, such as dropouts or difficulty pairing with certain devices. This could be frustrating for those who rely heavily on wireless streaming.

7. **Vintage Design May Not Appeal to Everyone**

While the retro design is a selling point for some, others may find it overly bulky or outdated compared to sleek, modern audio devices. The large size could also make it less practical for small spaces.

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### **Conclusion**

The Montgomery Ward Gen39500A boombox is a well-rounded device that bridges the gap between nostalgia and modern functionality. Its strengths lie in its retro aesthetic, versatile input options, durable construction, and budget-friendly price. It is an excellent choice for users who enjoy the classic boombox experience while needing compatibility with contemporary devices. The inclusion of Bluetooth and USB connectivity makes it more practical than many vintage models, appealing to a broader audience.

However, its limitations such as limited battery life, basic equalizer settings, and occasional connectivity issues may deter users who prioritize advanced features or portability without power constraints. If you value a blend of retro charm and modern utility without breaking the bank, this boombox is a solid investment. For those who require high-end audio customization, extended battery life, or more advanced features, a different model might be more suitable.

### **Recommendation**

- Nostalgia enthusiasts who appreciate the look and feel of a classic boombox.

- Casual listeners or small-group users who want a versatile device for music, radio, and occasional outdoor use.

- Budget-conscious buyers who seek a reliable, well-built audio system without spending excessively.

- You need extended battery life for all-day use without access to power outlets.

- You require advanced audio customization or high-fidelity sound.

- You prioritize a more compact or modern design over a retro aesthetic.

- You frequently use the boombox for karaoke or need a built-in microphone.

Overall, the Gen39500A is a practical and enjoyable choice for those who can overlook its minor drawbacks in favor of its strengths.

Details:

Cleaned inside and out, all controls cleaned operate correctly. GEN39500 manufactured by Silver in great condition. One 4 woofer was bad, replaced with quality driver. Bass/treble controls.

Both decks belts are good, and easy to replace when required. Montgomery Ward model No. Deck 2 has intermittent output on the right channel. Great FM reception.

Good quality sound, plays loud. Cassette deck #1 works without issue, plays/FF/RW well.

part #: gen39500a price

• $55.00

specifications portste:

• brand: Montgomery Ward
• mpn: Gen39500a
• playable media format: Cassette Tape
• type: Boombox
• audio inputs: Microphone R/l
• color: Silver
• band: Am/fm
• year manufactured: 1985
• rms power: 20 System Watts
• audio outputs: Headphone Jack

returns portste:

• policy: No Returns

general portste:

• Consumer Electronics > Portable Audio Headphones > Portable Stereos Boomboxes
• condition: Used

shipping portste:

• type: Calculated
• transit: 4-11 Days
• cost: $49.40
• service: USPS Ground Advantage
• carrier: USPS
• class: Standard

seller portste:

• # reviews: 719
• rating: 98.9%
• city: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

offer portste:

• availability: In Stock
• sold: 0
• options: Ship-to-home
• started: April 21, 2026
• quantity: 1

payments portste:

• cash
• other
• credit card: Discover
• wallet: Apple-pay

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