Press play: How the boombox went from must-have technology to the antique store shelf

Two things that aren’t seen often these days: A worker splicing copper cables and a boombox.

In the post-digital era, folks are more likely to connect with music via headphones, a streaming service and a bluetooth, cellphone or Wi-Fi signal.

Listeners can be insulated in an individualized world, songs unspooling based on preference-based input.

The boombox was the last roar of the analog era. It was likely to be tuned to a radio station or play a hand-assembled mixtape.

It was an unapologetic portable party loud enough to entertain or annoy everyone on the street corner or beach campfire ring.

Battery power untethered the unit, and the visual design included a handle, speakers and enough knobs and switches to put an airline cockpit to shame. Often the plastic was fashioned to look like chrome.

One unit even came with a motion detector alarm built in to deter thieves.

My first cars lacked tape decks or sometimes even a radio. An hours-long road trip required fresh batteries, a travel case of a dozen mix tapes and, of course, a boombox.

That boombox outlived several cars.

Some units have become collectors items.

The JVC RC-M90, featured on the cover of LL Cool J’s debut album, “Radio,” is highly sought after. One is currently listed on eBay for more than $3,000, including shipping.

Perhaps your earbuds will be just as valuable in 30 years.

This story was originally published August 3, 2018 at 5:01 PM.