The original Dewalt ToughSystem Music player and charger, DWST08810, has made a comeback and is back in stock.
It was effectively replaced by the ToughSystem Music 2.0, which quickly received a high frequency of negative reviews.
A short while later, Dewalt “suspended production of the radio” in early 2020, and said they were “taking steps to understand what caused the quality issue.”
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The ToughSystem Music 2.0, DWST08820, doesn’t seem to have ever relaunched since then.
It’s not clear to me when the ToughSystem Music was restocked, but its reemergence seems interesting and noteworthy.
If you want a Dewalt ToughSystem-compatible jobsite radio, music streamer, and charger, this is your only option.
I tested this model around when it first launched, and it delivered solid sound and a fantastic user interface. I liked the Tstak version a bit better due to its smaller size, but the ToughSystem Music didn’t give me much to complain about.
The radio is compatible with Dewalt 12V and 20V Max batteries up to 5Ah. It has an AM/FM radio, 3.5mm AUX input, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Price: $267-$299
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Mr. Creek
I have one. It gives good rich sound. Very sturdy. I also think the battery life is amazing even with 12v. I like the fact it also charges batteries while playing. most jobsite radios lack that feature also has a nifty waterproof storage compartment that’s a good size. IMO It’s the best on the market especially if you have some toughsystem boxes. Even with out having other toughsystem boxes it’s very well designed and integrates well. We have used it for karaoke camping, but I suppose it can also be used as a good portable P.A. system when addressing larger crews.
I use mine with the cooler, and powerstation with a small flatcreen tv, Also on the jobsite, picnicking, tailgate, camping or just in the garage, it’s a fantastic unit. it would be cool if multiple ones could sync up and play the same input.
Now all they need is a toughsystem vacuum.
fm2176
If they had the SKAA technology of the Ryobi Score or the syncing capabilities of the Ryobi Verse, that would be a great–but expensive–setup. I bought the Score speakers when they were clearanced out, but they now sit neglected on the back patio. If the Verse is available during Ryobi Days this year, I may pick up a couple more.
Ovan
Technology in sound and community has advanced a lot. Sadly, the option to use a memory card (mini SD or USB) is not reflected here, much less is it present to synchronize several speakers.
Plain+grainy
The Milwaukee version (Packout)is great in my mind. The antenna is pretty nonexistent, performs rather poorly I think. I wish it had a jack, then you could add an antenna.
Jason
Good sound but man that thing weighs a ton
fm2176
I have two, one fairly well used and the other new in the box. I had a couple of others I gave away to family and friends, and they enjoyed them while they had them. Unfortunately, their meth didn’t add up and theirs ended up stolen or pawned off. Anyway, Home Depot used to have these on clearance for around $100.
Dated but usable screen, great sound, outstanding battery life, and really good durability. The one I’ve used a lot has been dropped, kicked, tripped over, and had heavy things fall on it. For a while (about 6-7 years ago), I’d almost exclusively use my old 12v Max batteries in it, saving the 20v Max batteries for the powerless flipper home we had at the time. This was around 2017, and the batteries were mostly 1.3Ah and 1.5Ah with dates from around 2010 to 2013. They ran fine while streaming SiriusXM, though plugging my phone in would deplete them quickly.
TomD
Has anyone checked if they’re old stock or actual new manufacture
And if the latter, are they still as good as they were? Or did things get changed?
AP
Connect a portable DAC and vastly improve the sound quality!
kevin lebel
can you elaborate AP?
bg100
Oh yeah, finally! I’ve been looking for these for a while. Really bummed about the quality issues with the 2.0. Might actually pick one up since my little DeWalt portable is now having speaker issues.
MFC
I finally gave up trying to get one and just got the milwaukee packout version and keep one 3ah m18 battery just for it. Since I use packout with all my dewalt stuff it works out though people be tripping when yellow pops out of the red.
A-A-Ron
One important thing to note is that this isn’t compatible with batteries that are larger than a 20v 5 amp.
Despite its age these still sound top-notch.
Mr. Creek
Technically, yes compatible. But keep in mind this came out years before Flexvolt form factor. It’s that they physically don’t fit. In my opinion. No one give a second thought to a 1965 mustang, scrap metal. But a 1965 Shelby GT350. Different story.
Once in a while, that rare unicorn comes out before its time. Then for some reason corporate pulls the plug on something magical.
I hope this unit is back for good. Or it could be someone doing inventory found 3 containers of forgotten merchandise and is clearing the books off.
Waste of time comparing what it used to cost, Inflation. Point is; its here today, hopefully tomorrow. I called the DeWalt service location in my area: Unsupported/discontinued for replacement parts or service.
I bought 2 more because it’s worth it to me at that price. I Fear if they do come back to production it will be same exterior, different internals. So buy once; cry once, or cry later because you did not buy (cry that huge noggin to sleep on that gargantuan pillow).
Stuart
Thanks! I added this in the post.
From the online user manual:
Jared
That seems nuts to me. They re-released a product that isn’t compatible with their full line of batteries?
That’s weird.
If I bought one I’d be awful disappointed to discover it didn’t work with my Flexvolt packs.
John
For the cost of Bluetooth speakers now a days I really never understood why these are desirable.
fm2176
I think there are a few reasons:
Ruggedness – most BT speakers simply aren’t designed to be handled roughly. They might be fine for a small work area, but a construction site that might see them exposed to inclement weather, dust, and even getting dropped from a height or have a piece of heavy material fall on them would damage or destroy most inexpensive speakers.
Sound quality/volume – I haven’t owned too many BT speakers, but none of those I have match the sound quality and volume of the TS system. I’ve owned a few of the DeWalt DCR006 and one DCR010, and they work great in a closed environment, but larger job sites find them drowned out, not to mention they lack any sound adjustment besides volume.
Compatibility – by itself, the TS Music + Charger is a great jobsite radio, but when used as part of the system, it has strengths over nearly any other radio or speaker. It can take 12v Max or 20v Max batteries or be plugged in, and doubles as a charger, negating the need for the latter to be packed separately (depending on work load). It mounts directly to other ToughSystem components, so some tradesmen could load out their tool kits to include the radio, and simply roll everything needed to their work area. Many modern smartphones won’t fit, but smaller phones, keys, and other valuables can be stored in the weather resistant top compartment. Also, many crews still simply tune in to the local radio station, which pure BT speakers are incapable of.
Dave
I have the Craftsman Tstak version and got it free with a 5 tool kit. Couldn’t believe that deal. Still works great .
CMF
Around 2017 or so, I was looking to buy one of these. Then found out that the TS would not charge Flexvolt (maybe newer ones do?), so I opted for the TStak version which does charge FV.
Good sound, very happy.
Will
Dewalt just released a 10 plus year old tech item, for a huge price? Not quite old enough to be nostalgia.
I heard Nokia is going to release one of the original Android phone with real keyboard and 2.4″ screen. Only 1000 bucks. Doesn’t work on 3g or 4g or 5g, doesn’t have Bluetooth either, don’t think it’s touchscreen. It is “classic” though.