This little documentary about the boombox from NPR is worth watching for the designs alone. It seems to rely a little heavily on the collection/account of one guy, but hey, 11 minute boombox documentary.

As usual, the real insight is in the comments:

The best thing about boomboxes is that you can position it right in front of your face. I’m sorry but no matter how good of a home audio system you have in your living room, it still can’t give the same effect as a boombox sitting on your desk only a few inches from your face.

Take that, audiophiles!