Degen DE1125 Ultra-Thin AM/FM/SW Radio with 2GB MP3 Player/Digital Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)November 3, 2009:
Stay tuned as I will update this review shortly with more technical details to follow. I took a chance and ordered this Degen DE1125 from overseas ($78.99 shipped by registered airmail) despite some poor reviews that I have seen recently, but my unit is just fine and once again the overall quality control of electronics production in Chinese radio factories looms its ugly head! My unit is the Degen brand and not the Kaito version so it has sw capability instead of the USA weather band channels. It is excellent on the fm and good on sw bands despite relatively low sensitivity ratings compared to several other Kaito and Degen radios. To boot the unit is very well made and extremely small and pocketable and just what I was looking for by the way. I like it much better than the Sangean DT-200V and DT-400W units and it can even pick up routine weather broadcasts on my local am government sponsored emergency preparedness station. It does need a tone control that is certainly sorely lacking, but other than that I have no great complaints at this point, except perhaps for a more precise frequency control in smaller increment steps (see further below). The AGC (automatic gain control) does oscillate so that the signal strength fluctuates quite a bit for weak am stations as noted by other internet reviewers, but the stronger sw stations come in just fine as do all fm stations that I have listened to. I am very pleased overall with this radio/MP3 player, especially at this asking price!
UPDATE: November 18, 2009:
PROS:
1) Very fine quality MP3 player (comes with two songs, one by the late and great Karen Carpenter (Its yesterday once more) and another classic, the Hotel California). Both are excellent for demonstrating the MP3 capabilities available on this system.
2) Good quality voice recorder/microphone system with ability to record directly off the air (better at lower speaker volume).
3) Tuning is through either the very fine tuning knob or using the Auto+/Auto- keys on the keyboard so it is a much improved system (compared to the Kaito KA1123 or the Degen DE15 units).
4) There is excellent sensitivity for fm with very good selectivity
5) Fair to good sw sensitivity and good selectivity
6) Fair am sensitivity and good selectivity
7) High quality MP3 player with 2 GB of onboard mempry available.
8) Good quality ATS (Automatic tuning storage) preset capability on all bands with 255 presets available (adjusted using the Auto +/- keys). These presets are easy to play back too using easy to locate keys (can be used to either advance or backtrack frequencies) on the right hand side of the unit.
9) There is a very detailed and highly readable, quality LCD screen with a (green) high quality backlight.
10) The LCD screen details are different for the "off" position versus each of the three modes of operation (as listed under 1) below under Cons). The clock can be displayed in all possible screen displays and so it is very easy to set accurately.
11) There is a very nice on-screen digital signal strength meter that is displayed whenever the digital volume levels are adjusted.
12) It has a very long lasting and very flat rectangular battery (Lithium-Ion: Nokia cell phone type). The battery is charged using a USB to unit cable (provided) that goes directly to a PC (with automatic charging capability). The same USB cable is also used for quickly downloading songs from a PC.
13) It is a very small and pocketable, very nice looking unit with a high quality build (with a black rubbery surface with a nice feel). It has a nice support stand that opens up from the back and exposes more of the speaker to the air as well (see below).
14) The unit also has an extendable (nonrotating) vertical antenna about 15 inches in length that is good for fm and sw signal detection.
15) There is also a lock slide switch to keep all controls fixed when needed.
16) It also has a very good sounding speaker.
17) The printed manual is in both Chinese as well as in English and is not very hard to understand.
CONS:
1) There is no tone control for any of the three basic modes (am/fm/sw radio, MP3 player and voice and off the air recorder).
2) The tuning capability is fixed and does not have adjustable frequency step controls.
3) The radio senitivity is best only for listening to major stations, except for the fm operating mode and to a lesser extent sw. I think the Kaito version with all USA weatherband channels may prove to be a better buy overall if the sensitivity for these is adequate. There is some hiss to be heard in the background on am and on the voice recorder.
4) It has a lone bandwidth and no DX/local attenuator, but can register fm stereo through the earphones. It does not have an external antenna jack either.
UPDATE: November 19, 2009:
Apparently the weatherband reception option instead of sw reception (2.3 - ~23 MHz) has been dropped by Kaito (Degen) since it no longer appears listed on the Amazon website (it was listed there until very recently however!). Even today on their own website it is still listed as the Kaito KA800 with am/fm and weatherband reception capabilities and an orange backlight!


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Made by the same manufacturer that makes widely-appraised Kaito shortwave radios, such as KA1101, KA1102 & KA1103, the newly released DE1125 is a versatile little radio with lot of functions & features. It seamlessly combines a traditional world-band radio, a 2GB MP3 player, a radio recorder and a voice recorder altogether into an incredibly light and compact gadget, which measures only ? inch thick and weighs less 3 ounces without the batteries. Powered by three AAA batteries, this digital PLL world band receiver with DSP (digital signal processing) will keep you connected to a very comprehensive frequency range including FM, AM, shortwave. There are four options when tuning your radio stations and they are Auto - Scan , manual tuning, digital tuning and ATS (Auto Tuning Storage). You can store up to 255 preset stations using memory tuning feature. If you plan on traveling with a radio, the DE1125 is a very good choice. You can either listen to the DE1125 via the built-in D50mm speaker or with the included earphones. Beyond the ability to tune into various radio bands, the DE1125 also features a built-in automatic battery charger, plugs it into any wall outlet with the included AC plug or connect it to your computer with a USB cable. The DE1125 can also be used as a MP3 player with 2GB flash memory, you can download your favorite music from your computer to the radio and play it wherever you go. You can also choose the record mode under which you can use the DE1125 to record any radio program or just as a voice recorder. Depending on the sampling rate, the DE1125 can record up to 150 hours of radio program. Frequency Coverage: FM: 64.0 - 108.0 MHz, MW:520-1710 MHz; SW:2.3-23.0 MHz. Package includes Stereo earphones, AC wall plug, USB cable, carrying pouch, 1 of Li-ion rechargeable batteries and a copy of user manual.

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Sangean DT-400W AM/FM Digital Weather Alert Pocket Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a fine radio with very nice improvements starting from its predecessor, the Sangean DT-200VX. It is a very light and small portable radio with very good battery life that can be taken almost everywhere for full as well as easy listening capabilities.
PROS:
1) It has quite good reception on all bands (AM/FM and Weatherband). Now it also has excellent and almost completely static-free reception on all 7 US frequency channels of the standard NOAA weather-band. In addition, this radio also has the official NOAA weather alert detection capability to signal the user of impending weather disasters as well as other problematic situations such as child abductions, flash floods, earthquakes, etc. However, this NOAA alert capability is NOT the latest S.A.M.E. technology (Specific Area Message Encoding) that is available on some other table top units that can give a county by county area warning to individual users. Like its predecessor, this radio also has a monaural/stereo switch (bandwidth control) for FM listening improvement, but there is no RF (radio frequency) DX gain switch on the DT-400W as there is on the new Sony SRF-37W for example, but see Con below.
2) It has a very big and easy to read display with a battery level indicator, a lock display indicator, a 90 minute shutoff capability (that can be disabled during each listening session if needed) with an on-screen indicator, etc. It also has a clock and a backlit display, but see Con below.
3) There is a very nice arrangement (called My Favorites) for as many as 19 presets for any band in any order with simple retrieval of all presets, but only in order from the first one designated to the 19th one in a logical progression (it won't go backwards to find the previous preset for example).
4) Its deep bass boost is a very nice feature.
5) Automatic scanning capability and seeking capability, but see Con below.
6) It also has a nice and easily removable belt clip for wearing the unit for jogging or walking.CONS:
1) Backlight cannot be turned off even in daytime and even in bright sunshine conditions. It is apparently an LED (light emitting diode) with an extremely low power drain, but it seems very illogical to me that it can't be overridden when it isn't needed at all. Apparently, it is actually only on briefly while tuning the radio and then it shuts itself off after a short time, but to not be able to disable it entirely when it is not needed seems absolutely counterintuitive to me.
2) It is certainly well built with a fully attached battery compartment door (requiring two AA batteries), but it is not as rugged as the Sony SRF-37W for example (and the latter only requires 1 AAA battery). Of course the reception and acoustics are better overall on the DT-400W so get a good case (like the Sakar International HS-10, a small hard shell case which it fits like a glove).
3) A 90 day limited warranty from Sangean America is way too short given that even the Sony SRF-M37W has a 1 year limited warranty (see my review of the SRF-M37W and also its product manual for details).
4) During automatic scanning/seeking, the audio is muted so you can't hear any stations as they are detected. Only the strongest stations are picked up during the scanning/seeking process. Of course during manual scanning the individual stations are easily heard so that you can readily pick the station you want to listen to.
5) Sangean chose to put the speaker controls on the same slide switch along with the Stereo/Mono (bandwidth) changing capability. In my opinion the arrangement was better on the DT-200V with a simple and direct push button Stereo/Mono switch on the front of the radio and not on the side with one other commonly used function.
6) As also discussed by others, you must connect the short trailing wire (that is supplied by Sangean) or else connect a set of supplied earbuds (or a more comfortable set of headphones- see below) in order to receive any FM or Weather-band transmissions at all- including the weather alert transmissions.
7) The supplied earbuds are very uncomfortable and could also be quite dangerous given the volume output that this unit is capable of with 2 AA batteries.


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The pocket sized Sangean DT-400W has about everything you could want from a portable radio. In addition to AM/FM bands, it also includes an NOAA Weather Alert Emergency Channel that sounds a very loud audible tone when an extreme weather condition is imminent and/or a police emergency or child abduction has occurred or any type of public awareness becomes critical. Even with your radio off or you are listening to another station the weather alert monitor continues to monitor the NOAA channels should an emergency arise.
See larger image).

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ETON G4000A AM/FM Shortwave Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)In this review I'm comparing the G4000 to its sleeker, more attractive cousin the Eton E10, the Kaito 1103, the Kaito 1102 and the big Grundig S350 DL. I'm even throwing in my Tivoli PAL and Tivoli Songbook. The winner? Much to my disbelief (I've been a big fan of my Kaito 1103 for over a year with its strong FM reception)the winner is the G4000. As I turned the stations here in Los Angeles, I didn't have to budge the antenna and I got perfect reception--for even the difficult stations like 88.9. Both AM and FM were stronger than the Eton E10 and the Kaito 1102. The G4000 beat the Kaito 1103 for AM and at least tied for FM, maybe even better because like I said, the G4000's FM strength is so impressive I don't even have to adjust the antenna for what are usually hard-to-get stations. I can't even say this about my big reliable Grundig S350 DL. Plus the speaker on my G4000 is far better than its small digital PLL sythnesized cousins, the Kaito 1102 and 1103 and the Eton E10. The only radios I have that have a nicer sounding speaker are my Tivoli PAL (my best)and my Tivoli Songbook but those radios have, relatively speaking, inferior reception. Plus they're fifty to sixty dollars more. On balance the Grundig G4000 is my best radio and I would argue the best radio for the money. Yeah, the Eton E10 is more attractive and has a better interface but its speaker isn't as loud and it costs 30 dollars more. If you can pick up a G4000 for a hundred dollars, as I did on Amazon with free shipping, you're getting a great deal.
Update: Gladly, I took my G4000 out of my office where the computer was creating a little interference, especially on AM. I love the G4000 so much I'm now using it in my bedroom as a "clock radio." In my office, I put what used to be my clock radio, my Sangean WR-2, a bigger table radio which doesn't get interference.
Second update on 7-15-06: Side by side comparison of the G4000 with the Eton E10 shows that the G4000 blows the E10 away in AM. The E10 gets AM overload on 1150 AM and sounds cold and distant whereas the G4000 locks in on 1150 perfectly and sounds warm and full. The G4000 even gets better AM separation than my Grundig/Eton S350. Get the G4000.

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The G4000A is an enthusiast-quality world receiver, packed with the power to scan and lock-on to even the weakest Shortwave signals with rock-solid precision. The G4000A is capable of receiving AM, FM, continous Shortwave, and even SSB (Single Sideband) signals. Other features included: wide and narrow bandwidth filter controls, autoscan, direct keypad tuning, 40 customizable station presets, and sleep timer functions.

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Sony SRF-M37V FM/AM/Weather/TV Radio Walkman with 25 Memory Presets Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had trouble finding a Walkman type radio that works well around Manhattan - FM signal overload and multipath causes noisy reception on most radios in New York City.
The Sony SRF-M37V is the best one I've found so far. It performs better than Sony's previous SRF-M35 model, and it also works better than models I tried from Panasonic and Sangean. While it isn't perfect, the SRF-M37V has a lot less multipath and signal-overload noise than those other models. The local-distant switch does a decent job of cutting down on this kind of interference in the city without killing the stereo separation, and it works much better than the same switch did on the SRF-M35. In "distant" mode, this radio has very good FM sensitivity. However, I'm not able to pull in a couple of my favorite low-powered out-of-town & college stations because those frequencies get overpowered by nearby local signals. I've had the same problem with every other Walkman-type radio I've tried though, so it's not just a fault of this one.
The AM section seems to have good sensitivity too, but the sound quality isn't as crisp as other models, including the SRF-M35. The treble is rolled off so sharply that it sounds rather muffled and you can't hear "S" sounds in normal speech. I know audio quality isn't a priority for AM radio but I've still heard better than this.
Reception on the TV and weather bands seems good, although the audio level is a little low on both. I have to turn up the volume nearly all the way to get a normal listening level.
Overall fidelity is very good at low volume but you can't turn it up very loud before it starts to distort. I expect this is because it runs on a single AAA battery so the headphone amp is probably underpowered. Stereo separation is great. There seems to be a bit of bass boost built in, which is not switchable, so the bass is the first thing to distort at higher volume levels. The supplied headphones sound like typical cheap Walkman phones, and aren't as good as the ones that came with the SRF-M35. This radio will sound much better if you get some better headphones.
There is a battery status indicator, which is useful. There is also a clock but the time won't show in the display unless you turn the radio off.
The bottom line is this is a very good radio. It's small, the presets make it easy to tune, and the TV and weather bands are fun to have. If all you need is a Walkman that does a good job at picking up radio I don't think you'll beat this one, especially for the price.

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Sony radio walkman

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Sangean SR-3 AM/FM Pocket Size Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this radio mainly because of the built in speaker and that part of the stereo works great. the sound of it is amazing for the small size. BUT when i plug in my headphones(my own, not the ones they supplied) it sounded so flat and hollow. Also sangean products have a reputation for getting good reception but this radio does not. My CHEAPER sony walkman gets better reception with a lot less hiss. I am going to return this radio and either try a different brand or give a higher quality sangean a try.

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This stylish, compact FM/AM radio exemplifies everything Sangean radios are known for: efficiency, innovation, and convenience. Weighing a mere 58 grams (without battery), the SR-3 is as small as a lighter. You can tuck it into most pockets and it won't slow you down during a fast-paced workout or busy commute.
The radio comes with stereo earbuds and a neck strap, as well as a trailing antenna. DBB (Deep Bass Boost) enhances the low end, while a stereo-mono switch improves reception when needed. Measuring a mere 1.5 by 3 by 0.6 inches, the unit runs on a single AAA battery (not included).

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Sangean ATS-505P FM Stereo/MW/LW/SW PLL Synthesized World Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)I did a lot of research before buying the Sangean 505 and must say, now that I own it, that I'm disappointed on two fronts: the cheap plastic feel of the radio and its weak AM reception. I live in LA and the Sangean 505 gives me a weak signal for a major AM radio station 790. The internal AM antenna is such that I have to turn my radio far south to get the aforementioned station. There are the radio's strong points: clear speaker, strong FM reception, easy-to-use presets. My Sony SW35 has clearer AM reception, a more solid feel, but alas, has a tinny speaker, so I can't recommend that either. In contrast, my Grundig S35, which has no pre-sets and relies on a spin dial tuning system, gets strong AM and FM reception though it is the size of a lunch box. For digital tuners with presets, I'm still looking for a portable radio that delivers good speaker and strong AM reception. I may have to start looking at two-hundred-dollar models, such as the Sangean 909.
Post Script: Several weeks later I have found the radio I wanted Sangean 505 to be: The Kaito 1102, which gets great AM radio, has stronger FM than the Sangean, is smaller, and costs significantly less. To save even more money, the Kaito clone, the Degen 1102, costs another 15% less but arrives with only a Chinese operating manual.
Update: The Kaito 1103, in spite of its ergonomical difficulties, is the uncontested king of FM reception with above average AM reception. Ironically, the cheap GE Superradio III is the king of AM reception, largely because it has an 8-inch internal ferrite AM antenna, twice the size of any other radio.

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AM 517-1710 , SW 1.711-29999 kHz (Continuous) , LW 153-279 , Five tuning methods , Direct frequency tuning , Auto scan , Manual scan , Memory recall , Rotary tuning , 54 Presets , Auto Tuning System (ATS) , SSB (SW band only) , Dual conversion , Fine tuning control , Memory scan , Tone control , Stereo headphones , Real & dual time , 2 alarm timers (radio and buzzer), Adjustable sleep timer. This portable Sangean AM/FM stereo short wave receiver gets an expanded number of radio frequencies that can be tuned in automatically or manually. The clock's illuminated time display includes seconds and can be set to show 12-hr. or 24-hr. time intervals. The PLL-synthesized radio has an alarm clock with adjustable sleep timer, lock switch and local/DX switch. Also features an auto preset system that holds up to 45 frequencies in memory. Uses 4 'AA' batteries (not included). Includes. ANT-60 shortwave antenna, 6V DC Adapter, carrying case.

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CC Witness 2GB Digital Recorder/MP3 players with AM/FM Review

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(More customer reviews)Great little recorder. Received mine yesterday, charged it up, recorded a few test recordings on AM and FM. Programmed it to record from midnight to 4am and it worked great. Fairly easy to use! AM receiver is sensitive and worked well with no interference. I followed the instruction manual and turned off th AM Radio display to minimize/eliminate any interference. Uses SD Memory devices as big as 16gb! That is in addition to it's built-in 2gb of memory. Maybe in a future model it will use a USB Thumb Drive or maybe a regular USB External Hard Drive! This unit is going to make late night recording and recording of specialty radio programs a real easy task. I calculate my recording usage at slightly more than forty hours a week.

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The CC Witness is one of the few digital recorder/MP3 players that also has both AM and FM radio onboard. Designed for the radio aficionado, the CC Witness has 2GB of onboard memory and up to 2GB of external memory on an optional SD card. That's 4GB of memory that you can have with you whenever you need it to record your favorite radio programs, your thoughts, lectures and even music. With so much space built into the unit, you'll have plenty of room to store hundreds of hours of recordings, and still have room for more. If you've ever worried about missing your favorite radio show, than the CC Witness might just make your day - since you can preset it to record up to 20 programs in advance. You can even make MP3 recordings of AM/FM radio programs on the fly.

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Coby CX-49 AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player Review

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(More customer reviews)My Sony Walkman finally stopped playing tapes, although the radio still works, after many months of books on tape and radio that gets me through housework, gardening and other chores. But, the only cassette recorder I could find when I went to replace it was this Coby CX-49. Halfway through a book and desperate to keep going, I bought it. The radio never gets in my favorite station without static (the old half-dead Sony is about a billion times clearer) and after owning the Coby for six days, I was sitting still in a chair when suddenly the tape starts distorting - turns out that, despite fresh batteries, one of the spindles has stopped turning. And it never started again. Don't waste your money like I wasted mine. I am now scouring the web for a stash of Sony Walkman cassette players I can buy up and hoard, because Coby is no substitute.

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Coby's CX-49 Personal AM/FM Stereo Cassette Player provides convenient, no-frills, cassette playback, for a price it'd be difficult to complain about. Its lightweight, compact design features a built-in belt clip for portable use. Enjoy auto stop at the tape's end and a fully functional AM/FM tuner.

Stereo Cassette Playback Enjoy all your favorite cassettes at home or on the go, whether you're addicted to books on tape, picking up the latest underground cassette releases, or looking to revisit a box full of dusty mix tapes. The CX-49 features an auto-stop function, so it'll turn off at the end of each cassette rather than sit there wasting batteries.

AM/FM Tuner It's always nice to have options--tune into your favorite radio station when the tape's over with the built-in AM/FM radio tuner.

Belt Clip If you're doing some gardening, cleaning, or anything requiring two hands, just use the built-in belt clip to keep the CX-49 at your side.

Powering Options The CX-49 runs on two AA batteries (not included) for portable use, or you can pick up a 3V adapter to power it from a wall socket.

Headphones and Earbuds Included A pair of lightweight basic headphones are included, along with some earbuds for those who prefer in-ear listening. You can, of course, opt for your own favorites with the standard 3.5-mm output, or even take a line to your stereo's aux input.

What's in the Box Coby CX-49, headphones, and earbuds.

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Emerson RP6251 Portable Weather Clock Radio Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this Chinese made radio quickly, without any research because I needed a radio to take to a construction job I was heading to. This radio is about the size of a book and fairly light weight even with batteries. Overall, I think this radio is overpriced by about $5.
What I like (pros):
The tuner and volume controls are analog wheels on the side of the unit. I prefer analog tuning and volume control because I feel that I have more control over it and can get exactly what I want. The volume control is good and does not dramatically change the volume with subtle wheel rotation.
The tuner scale if fairly accurate on FM and on the lower 1/2 of the AM band. The upper 1/2 of the AM band is not too accurate (showing 1080 AM as somewhere around 1600 AM). The literature doesn't specify the frequency range for this radio; however, I was able to receive the local Smooth Jazz station at 87.7 FM and there were broadcasts that I could receive even below that frequency. The FM appears to stretch up to 108 MHz which is an average range for FM. AM seems to go from about 530 (or below) to 1710 or so; an average range for AM too.
It has a digital clock with a date (month/day) function. Pushing the Mode button on top displays the date for 1 second. There is also a yellow button to turn on the backlight for the clock. The light is a soft indigo blue lasting approximately 8 seconds.
The other thing that I REALLY like about this radio is that the power cord is permanently attached to the radio (no wall wart adapter) and can be folded and stowed in the batter compartment. This 6 volt radio can also work on 4 AA size batteries. I don't know how long the batteries last as I have always used this radio with AC power.
What I DON'T like (cons):
First off, weather is a very important part of life here in Alaska. The NOAA weather service has stations broadcasting here that can be heard from nearly anywhere in the state (in my area on 162.550 MHz). This radio which boasts instant weather reception (with a button press) does not pick up ANY weather broadcasts on ANY of NOAA's frequencies. Once the weather button is depressed, you can fine tune the weather receiver between 162.400 - 162.550 MHz. Even using the weather tuning dial (located on the back of the radio), I was unable to hear ANY weather transmissions--only static. The telescopic antenna was fully extended and I moved the antenna and the radio to different positions to try to receive a NOAA broadcast but I only received static. For comparison, I have a handheld, programmable scanner in the same room as this radio and it can receive the NOAA station without any trouble. The BIG selling point for the radio beyond simply being a portable AM/FM radio is that it should receive weather. It does not. Perhaps, I have a faulty unit. For this price (and quality) it's not worth my time to bother returning it or trouble shooting it. Considering the weather feature is a major selling point for this radio, the quality control department should have discovered this problem before it left the factory. Either Emerson quality control is poor or this product is poor. Either way, the weather function on these radios is not dependable.
With the unit turned OFF, if you depress the weather button, the weather function turns on at FULL VOLUME and you cannot turn it down. If the unit is ON, then you can adjust the volume of the weather function to your liking.
Speaking of volume, this has about a 2-1/2 inch speaker and it distorts above 2/3 volume. So you can't get very loud with this radio without distortion. My Eton FR-250 was much louder.
Overall reception is mediocre. I detected static and/or distortion on many of the stations on both AM and FM. All but the most powerful stations had some level of static. Also, this isn't a great AM (or FM) receiver as it only received the closest and most powerful stations in the area. There is minimal tuner drift requiring some slight re-tuning occasionally. For the most part, it holds the stations you tune in. My Eton FR-250 received AM stations from roughly 200 miles away. This radio only received AM stations within about a 12 mile radius.
There is an earphone jack on the side of the unit. This is an EARphone jack and not a HEADphone jack. The audio only comes out of the left ear piece. This is the 21st century! Aren't we beyond this yet? Why are electronics manufacturers still making radios with left channel only mono? It shouldn't be that difficult or expensive to send mono to both channels. This very outdated feature is an annoying disappointment.
This radio is light weight and the switches are dials on the front that you have to grab and twist. I have this radio sitting on a counter top and I always have to operate it with two hands because it's so light and has a poor center of gravity (more of the weight is at the top of the radio). Also, the power and band dials are rather wide (not narrow enough to easily "pinch" with the finger and thumb) so when I grab a dial to turn it (power or band) the radio slides away from me so I'm forced to hold the radio with one hand while I operate a switch with the other. With a radio this shape and design, it may have been smarter to put the controls on the TOP of the unit rather than the front.
If this radio was lost or stolen, I would not buy another one. For the price range, I think there may be better options available--in hindsight, I would have rather bought the Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black); however, I realize that radios are expensive to begin with and an increase in quality often brings an increase in price. Even with all the mp3 and computerized technology available today, the cost of radios is continuing to rise every few months. Overall, I would not really recommend this radio for most applications. DO NOT buy this radio if you need weather service broadcasts--that feature simply does not function.

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Receive current weather forecasts with the help of the RP6251 portable weather radio by Emerson.This AM/FM radio allows you to hear NOAA weather reports for your area with the touch of a button.Fine tune the radio to your specification with the weather band control and slide-rule radio tuning dial.The 120V AC or 4 AA battery operation makes the RP6251 ideal for emergency use, or use the built-in AC power cord for everyday use.The 3-inch dynamic speaker has a wide-range projection so you can hear the radio loud and clear.

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Videonow Chatnow FM Radio Earpiece Review

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(More customer reviews)You don't have to have a chat now to use the FM radio. But the whole thing is kind of fuzzy and there is no way to tell what radio station you are on unless you wait for the person to say what radio it is.
The piece works well with the chat now communicators but it makes your ear feel and sometimes you hear funny afterwards for about three minutes.


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Kaito KA1103 - Portable radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I own the whole lineup of Kaitos and the 1103 beats the others for FM sensitivity. The 1101 takes second, the 1102 takes third, and the 105 takes fourth. AM is similar on all models. But the speaker is also superior on the 1103.
Here's what I like about the 1103:
1. Powerful, crystal clear FM reception that is superior to radios that cost twice as much.
2. Warm full speaker sound for a radio of this size.
3. The cool factor of a radio that has so many innovations and is changing the radio industry, causing Sangean, Grundig, and Sony to wake up and start making more competitive products at better prices.
4. PLL synthesized tuning with over 250 presets or memories.
Here's what I don't like:
1. You have to press buttons or digitally enter for volume control. There is no spin wheel for quick volume change.
2. The analog display takes up unnecessary space on the radio.
3. AM, like all PLL synthesized radios, is well above average but needs improvement.
However, AM is more than adequate and as a whole the 1103 is my favorite PLL synthesized, dual conversion small radio. If I could only own two radios, a compact and an analog medium sized radio, I'd keep the Kaito 1103 and my Tecsun BLC 2000 (sold for considerably more as the Grundig S350), which gets great AM.
If you don't mind finding an English manual on the internet, you can spend half the money on the Kaito by buying its clone, the Degen 1103. Degen radios, the original Chinese versions, are Kaitos but only come with Chinese manuals and they need AC adaptor converters. The upside is that they are half the price of the American version Kaitos.
Post Script: I enjoy my Kaito 1103 more than ever because I placed it ontop of my Sangean WR-2 and hooked up an audio cable between the two radios. So I'm feeding the sterling 1103 reception through the Sangean's premium speaker. Great bedside setup. You could do the same for cheaper by just buying a good speaker and hooking it up the 1103.
Update: I don't recommend you save money by purchasing the less expensive Chinese clone Degen. The adapter gets hot. If you must get the Degen, buy a USA-built step down 110 converter to avoid fire hazard.
Update for 8-12-206: Both my Degen and Kaito 1103 have shut down making me think that they had lost all electric power or had "fried" inside but in fact they had "shut down" and only needed to be reset by sticking a paper clip end into the reset hole. Now they both work fine. In fact, I bought the Kaito because I thought my Degen had "fried." I was wrong. Keep in mind, these radios can be a little touchy and may need to be reset from time to time.

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The newly released Kaito KA1103 is an improved and more advanced version of widely praised KA1102. This digital PLL dual conversion world band receiver will keep you connected to a very comprehensive frequency range including FM, AM, short wave and long wave stations with both a digital readout and a simulation of the old-fashioned analog dial. The KA 1103 has a very effective wide-narrow filter. It does a really good job of whacking back adjacent channel interference. Listeners will be impressed with both selectivity and sensitivity. With single side band (SSB) reception, the radio will transmit with a minimal amount of interference. There are four options when tuning your radio stations. With direct tuning, you input the desired frequency digits. Manual tuning allows you to change the frequency using the tuning knob. If you are unsure of what station you want, use the scan tuning option to have the radio stop at all hearable receptions. Finally, with preset tuning, you can recall a preset station with a single button press. You can store up to 256 preset stations using memory tuning feature, and there is a ten-key direct access tuning function, offering you quickly access to your top ten favorite stations. If you plan on traveling with a radio, the KA1103 is a very good choice. You can either listen to the KA1103 via the built-in 3" speaker or with the included earphones. Beyond the ability to tune into various radio bands, the KA1103 also features a built-in automatic battery charger, plugs it into any wall outlet with the included AC adpator when the battery indicator shows that battery is low. Frequency Coverage: FM:76.0-108.0MHz;MW:520-1710 MHz; SW:1.71-29.99 MHz;LW 100 - 519 kHz. Package includes Stereo earphones, 120 V/AC adaptor, external antenna, carrying pouch, 3 pcs of AA rechargeable batterties and a copy of user manual.

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Eton Sound 100 AM/FM Radio, White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Sound 100 is the latest in Eton's product family. As a stand-alone radio this device is average. The model with the iPod dock is a cut above and more worth consideration for only $30 to $50 more.
Eton Sound 100 iPod Dock, White
Etón Sound 100 iPod Dock, Black
The speaker is monaural, but optimized to prevent distortion. At the highest volume the sound gets tinny but doesn't hiss. If you like modern design, the Eton is one of the best looking. It is sleek, COMPACT and light.
But there are shortcomings. The internal AM antenna is below average. You can use an external one, and most users will need to.
There are only 10 programmable station presets. The RDS broadcast data is only 8 characters at a time. The screen is hard to read; you have to be right in front of it. There are no external RCA, speaker or subwoofer jacks, only line out. There is no EQ, treble or bass control and no way to adjust the backlight.
Why only 10 presets? Why no speaker or subwoofer jacks? Why didn't they add Short Wave or HD capability?
If you only need an alarm clock radio, there are other options. This unit is above average on FM but below average on AM. Products by Sangean, BA and others have higher ratings at this price.
Sangean WR-2 Digital AM/FM Tabletop Radio, Black
Sangean WR-3 AM/FM Digital Table Top Radio
Boston Acoustics Receptor Clock Radio (Platinum)
If you are VERY picky about sound and want a nice compact radio alarm clock, this unit will mostly appeal to Eton purists who prefer this design. Definitely compare before you buy. Enjoy!
Pros
+ Very nice iPod serial interface for optional Dock
+ Line-in and auxiliary jacks for MP3 players and other devices
+ Good speaker sound with surprising bass
+ Shielding protects the radio from interference
+ Battery backup possible for power outages
+ Nice alarm clock function
+ Nice looking design in a small and LIGHT form factor
Cons
- No equalizer; no treble or bass control
- Requires external antennae for good radio reception
- No RCA jacks or stereo connections for external speakers
- No Subwoofer connector - only standard stereo line out
- RDS only displays 8 characters at a time
- Backlight is not adjustable; you must be close to it to read it


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Etón has updated the retro glamour of radios past with swooping, curved lines and today's in-demand colors. This little radio packs a wallop, making it ideal for home or office use. Go aheadpick your favorite color.

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Kaito Pocket-Size PLL Synthesized AM/FM Shortwave Radio, KA11 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I wanted a small shortwave radio to take on a trip. Whenever I travel, I feel bad because my Sangean ATS-909 is a little too big to drag along. Besides size, cost was an important factor in my purchase decision. There were not many reviews for the Kaito KA11, but it had most of the features I wanted and overall Kaito radios have pretty good reviews.
I ordered the radio online for $54 including shipping. As advertised, the radio is extremely small. Although small in size, this radio is packed with features. Overall, the buttons/controls are nicely laid out. Using the radio is very intuitive, but you may need to crack open the manual to use some of the features such as the sleep timer and the alarm clock. The manual is easy to read, but obviously translated to English so some of the sentences require some patience to understand.
Features: The radio has 1000 memory locations (100 per page). You have the option to scan through the stored memory locations or just scan up/down by frequency. Even though the speaker is small, the radio still sounds good. Overall, sensitivity is decent and selectivity between strong adjacent stations is good. The radio displays both time and frequency. The backlight is orange and the LCD display is very easy to read. So far battery life seems very good. The left-side of the radio has an external antenna jack. The battery compartment door is attached...a welcome change. The package comes with an AC adapter, manual, ear bud headphones and a long-wire external antenna. If you use rechargeable batteries, it is possible to charge the batteries inside the radio (with the AC adapter).
The whip antenna stores inside the radio. I am not sure I like this feature. Sometimes the antenna sticks while trying to push it back into the radio. Hopefully this will become less sticky over time. To set the clock, you need need to take the batteries out of the radio momentarily. The rotary volume control is very sensitive. Unfortunately, this makes it fairly easy to go from low volume to extremely loud without much movement. I also do not care for the location of the volume control. When the radio is lying flat on a table, you cannot adjust the volume. The carrying strap is permanently attached to the radio. This is a small annoyance. Unlike similar radios in its class, there is no pop-out stand. In my opinion, the frequency coverage should have included the 60 meter band.
For future designs of this radio, I would like to see a slight change in memory functionality. If you manually punch in a frequency that is already in memory, I would like the behavior changed so it displays the memory location of that frequency. Right now, you have no way to know if a frequency is already in memory. There should also be an easy way to add a frequency to the next available memory location. Currently, you need to specify a memory location when saving a frequency. This increases the possibility that you may overwrite a memory location with a different frequency.
In summary, I really love my Kaito KA11 radio and I am very happy with the purchase. It is definitely a great feature-packed radio, especially for its size and price. Most of the issues discussed above are minor annoyances and definitely not reasons to avoid this radio.

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The newly released Kaito KA11 is mini-size AM/FM shortwave radio with wide frequency coverage and excellent reception in all bands. This radio is about the same size as a deck of cards and weighs a little less than half a pound, but it is packed with many nice features, such as 1000 permanently stored pre-set memories, alarm clock, thermometer and built-in battery charger. It has 7 shortwave meter bands that covers from 5.8 to 18.1 MHz, unlike most of FM radios, this radio covers from 70MHz and up to 108MHz, good for listening to campus radio broadcasting and etc. There are 5 different tuning methods available, they are 6 direct frequency input, manual tuning, auto tuning, memory scan, random preset and ATS preset. With its outstanding sensitivity and selectivity and portability, this radio will make an ideal receiver for traveling and your daily listening. This radio operates on two AA batteries.Accessories include AC/DC Adaptor, User manual, Reel Antenna, Earphones, User manual and Warranty registration card

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Tivoli Audio SBWS Songbook (White/Silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I conducted a fairly extensive - and enjoyable- search for a radio to use at work after on-line music streaming was blocked by my employer. Because the reception in my office is just about 'nil, it was important for me to find a radio with not only good FM reception, but also an input jack for me to connect ipod/phone. I also needed the device to fit into a small nook on my desk. Plus I wanted the unit to look, well, like a piece of e-candy. And, of course, produce a nice sound without too much bass due to the, um, acoustics in my office.
I still can't get much FM reception in my office, even with the Songbook; however, I've come to realize that it's unlikely any radio could bring me much in that environment without actually somehow convincing my employer to hook me up with an outdoor antenna. Right. (I do want readers to know, however, the FM reception at home is super.) And, the sound quality both of the radio (at home), and using this device as a speaker using input jack (both in the office and at home) is absolutely wonderful! I love this unit so much that I bring it back and forth between office and home for use at both places.
How did I ever live without the Tivoli Songbook?!

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Whether traveling for business or pleasure, in today's world, having access to news and music is increasingly becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. SongBook delivers the wealth of programming that FM and AM has to offer, in the Tivoli Audio trademark high-fidelity sound. Add that to the sensitive digital tuner, alarm clock, sleep timer, and built-in charger for NiMH/NiCAD batteries, and you have a first class portable clock radio. FM and AM work in Europe and North America. The SongBook is available in five high gloss colors that's sure to make a statement and suit your style. Includes a rear keyhole cut-out for easy wall mounting. Features include a digital alarm clock with wake to music or beep tone, sleep function, auto manual tuning with 5 station presets, and auxiliary input and stereo headphone output. Its on-demand blue backlit LCD makes for easy viewing in difficult lighting conditions. Enjoy superb AM and FM performance or the go, or add your ipod, MP3 player or portable CD for outstanding portable playback. Operates using included external power supply or six AA alkaline/NiMH/NiCAD batteries or 12V source (batteries and 12V adapter not included).As with all Tivoli Audio products, the SongBook AM/FM Travel Clock Radio is compatible with all iPhone/iPod and other players. Take the music with you, wherever you go.

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Sony SRF-HM01V S2 Sports Walkman Street Style Headphone Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have always preferred headband style radios over armband radios while running so I am in a constant search for the right one. Too often, Sony and others develop their headband radios, which are fairly obviously targeted to joggers, exercisers, and other active people but then forget about that target in final production. I've used previous models of headband radios that provide superior comfort and stability on the head. Early on the problem was that they would rust out from the salt in my perspiration. Newer models have solved that problem but created another. The "Street Style" behind the head technique of wearing this unit has a lot of promise. But it can be very uncomfortable to all but the smallest heads. They should really fit these to a regular sized western male instead of to a tiny Thai women. That said, it does have a stable and quiet fit even after several miles. But it will hurt your ears a bit.
As to reception and sound. Well...I've seen it better in other units. I won't say it is poor. But it could be better. And I know this because I could compare it to another Sony model (the analog tuning twin of this one). The mega bass isn't as mega and the FM capture is weaker. The weather and TV bands are neat but not very practical. And I have some concerns about the funky sliding battery cover. It works, but I just don't trust it. One plus is that the ear units attach to the loop internally. My last pair had a metal set screw that rusted and broke. All in all I give it 3 stars, average, and I will keep it until I find a better one. A redesigned and lighter version of the flawed SRFHM55 would be the trick. Get it together Sony!

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Do you crave a full, rich sound in a compact radio? Try this Sony AM/FM/TV and WeatherBand radio on for size. It's perfect for walking or jogging, as the headband keeps the radio stable and the light reflector keeps you safe. You can listen to TV audio channels, get up-to-date forecasts on weather channels, and program your favorite stations into the radio's 30 station presets -- all at the touch of a button.

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Sangean DT-210 AM/FM Pocket-Size Digital Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It is said in radio engineering circles that all possible advances in improving radio reception reached a pinnacle decades ago. As anyone who has used some of the classic radios of ages past can attest, there are burled wood, chrome, hand-wired, and even vacuum tube examples with reception and fidelity that put modern units to shame. So in the 21st century, the age of portable entertainment and miniaturization, why isn't there a pocket example of a "pinnacle of engineering" radio?
Leave it to a small overseas company barely decades old itself to create the solution. The Sangean DT series of radios have long been considered the "pocket DXers" of portable radios, DX meaning distance listening, and this most recent design ups the ante and raises the bar by lowering the weight and shrinking the size. Weighing in at slightly less than a cell phone, with dimensions on par with an iPod, it's the device of vintage performance and modern size that many serious radio listeners have been waiting for.
And a serious radio it is. For example, The stereo-mono-speaker switch is a blessing on many different levels; weaker FM stations that cause most radios to bounce noisily back and forth between mono and stereo mode can now be forced to mono for a much cleaner signal. When you're ready to listen using the speaker, you can just leave your headphones plugged in - they become the FM/TV antenna. Alternately, a length of antenna wire is included, plus the plug is standard mini 1/8" size (not the rare sub-mini size found on some other DT series units) which means that any antenna with a mini plug can be used for ultra-long-distance/rural listening.
Sensitivity is nothing without selectivity, which is the ability of a tuner to pull in a weak station that's right next to a strong one on the dial. This is where the cost-saving measures of other manufacturers become annoyingly obvious, and where the little Sangean shines. Here in Southern California on the FM dial, between 88 and 90Mhz there are at least *ten stations*. In the space of 2Mhz! I had no idea prior to owning this radio that so many were there. Any other radio might be able to pick up a scant few of the more powerful stations with some antenna positioning and tuning trickery, but the Sangean gets them all casually, no hassle or drama. AM reception is similarly impressive; KOA Talk Radio out of Denver, Colorado, nearly a thousand miles away, comes in audibly and regularly without the aid of an antenna.
Once you've tuned that rare station, you'll want to enjoy the listening experience, and the good news continues here also. The small speaker is nicely balanced and seems specifically designed to bring out the human voice, so that when listening to a weak/distant station, voices stand out from the static. The real joy begins when you use headphones - the included earbuds are cheap (as they should be, the purchase price should go towards the actual radio, not earbuds) and only adequate, but a quality set of headphones will produce an amazing high-fidelity sound. The bass boost helps balance out cheaper earpieces, and with better sets, pushes the bass into DJ territory.
There are a couple negative points - the interface relies on a single set of up/down keys, which means a third button has to toggle between tuning and memory presets. It's a little stilted and requires some practice before you can scan presets without looking. Also, using the headphone input as an antenna means you can't listen to FM or TV without something plugged into it. But these are small issues in light of pure tuner quality.
So is the Sangean right for you? You don't have to understand any of the technical fine points or jargon above - if you notice a difference in reception between your car radio and your portable, or if a friend's radio seems to get a station you can't, you're ready for the DT-210V. Fifty dollars for a pocket radio might seem steep, but then other portables don't provide fifty dollars worth of performance. If you take radio listening seriously, it's time for an equally serious radio you can take with you; the Sangean DT-210V nets my highest recommendation.
(Six month update - Despite hours of use daily and a few rough spills, my DT-210V still looks, works, and sounds the same way it did the first moment I took it out of the box. Using the same rechargeable batteries I picked up when I purchased the radio, I haven't spent a penny more on powering it, either. I attempted to make a short list of AM stations I could receive with the DT-210V, only to find days later that I've thus far pulled in 126 stations from 12 states and 2 countries [best catch so far: KOKC out of Oklahoma City, OK, 1,135 miles away and as clear as a local station some nights]. Incredible!)
(One year update - No change. 1000+ hours of use and my DT-210V is unfazed. I've since gotten a pair of professional studio monitor headphones and have found that songs played on FM music stations are EQ'd identically to the same songs played from a reference CD player - the 210 is perfectly balanced and actually makes a great portable reference receiver!)
(Two year update - I've since replaced my Sangean with a Japan-only Sony SRF-T615, which is smaller and has better-yet reception. But I'll definitely be holding on to my DV as it has better audio quality, can be turned up louder, and is still only half the price of the Sony.)
(Three year update - My DV is now pulling classical-music-for-infant duty; Thanks to the diminutive design of the 210 combined with the wire antenna, it easily tucks away inside a bassinet with the antenna either hidden under the mattress or suspended outside the crib, so the entire setup is completely out of the way of both child and parent. I've tried a few other, cheaper portable radios in this role, but inconsistent reception and concerns about a metal whip antenna near a crib made them a non-option. The DV easily and dependably pulls in the local classical station, providing quiet and faithfully reproduced nap time music for baby.)
(Five year update - I still prefer this radio for working outdoors, thanks to the great reception and loud speaker; I turn it up and place the radio facing outwards in a cargo pants pocket - presto, the sound follows me wherever I go, no headphone wires to get tangled in. This model has since been replaced by the DT-400W, and long-distance listening with powerful portables like these is now a hobby called "Ultralight DXing", the enthusiasts of which regard the Sangean DT series among the best.)

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Sangean DT210 Pocket Radio - Keep up-to-date on the latest news, weather, traffic, sports scores, & much much more with this ultra-portable pocket radio from Sangean! This radio is so portable, it can fit into your shirt pocket! Built-in Speaker Low Battery Indicator Stereo/Mono Switch DBB (Deep Bass Boost) Includes -removable belt clip, stereo earbud headphones, & trailing antenna Size - 2.4 x 1 x 4 Weight - 3.85 oz.

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Sangean K-200 Multi-Function Upright AM/FM Digital Radio (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Awesome reception. I live in a small town an hour or more away from the big cities and I can pull their stations now! Unbelievable bass and sound quality for a unit like this. I use my radio in my bathroom but it sounds so good I might move it to the living room or deck for parties.

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Digital Tuning AM/FM Kitchen Radio.

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