Sangean WR-3 Enters Clock Radio Competition with an FM Telescopic Antenna

It's hard to find a high-end clock radio with a telescopic FM antenna and a remote control but here it is, the Sangean WR-3.  My current bed side clock radio the Sangean WR-2 does not have an FM antenna and in bad weather it sometimes needs one. But now the Sangean WR-3 enters the market, retailing for $299 and currently selling for $268 on Amazon. I'm tempted to replace my WR-2 with it, but it seems too high. It's even pricier than the new Internet radio, the Sangean WFR-20 WiFi Internet Radio, which goes for $250. In spite of the WiFi's positive reviews, I don't trust the technology and don't want to hear music rebuffering every now and then. Back to the WR-3: If the price went down to $200 or so, I might fork out the money and replace my WR-2. The other thing is I don't need or want a CD player on my clock radio. I prefer simplicity. If only Sangean would put a telescopic antenna on the WR-2. I think I'll hook up the C. Crane FM Reflect Antenna (should arrive in a week or so) to the WR-2 and see if it significantly improves the WR-2's FM reception. If the antenna isn't too big and cumbersome for my bedside, I'll keep it there, but to be honest I don't imagine I'll want to see some crazy antenna sticking over my bedside. The jungle gym effect isn't exactly the bedroom aesthetic I'm looking for.

Comments

[Ed S.]

You ignore the negative Amazon reviews of the Reflect antenna at your own peril, Jeff. It appears to be no better than a 4-buck Radio Shack dipole FM antenna. I can tack on a Telescopic antenna onto your WR-2 if you'd like; I'm sure you could too. Go to Signal Electronics in Torrance, or a Rat Shack for a "Replacement Telescopic Antenna"...there are a myriad of ways it may be attached to the radio. Real men use Duct Tape.

[Jeff McMahon]

The bad news is I already ordered the antenna. The good news is I only spent 29 dollars. But I fear you may very well be right. I could have bought a cheaper version here in Torrance. I'll post my results as soon as the antenna arrives.