It Appears Official: The Sangean PR-D5 Boasts an AM Antenna Twice the Size of the PR-D7

Thanks to the relentless search for the best AM available from a radio lover who goes by the name of Unrelenting Ferrite Core (yes, radio lovers are passionate about their radios), we now have the official word on the AM antenna strength of the Sangean PR-D5,  which is superior to the Sangean PR-D7. In the words of Unrelenting Ferrite Core:

Well, I suppose this is the "unrelenting" part. Here's the PR-D7 quote from the CCrane FAQs tab :

"How good is the AM reception on the PR-D7?
 

The PR-D7 has good AM reception almost as good as the Sonido Radio. The PR-D7's internal ferrite antenna is 8mm in diameter, 4" long and does a good job pulling in stations."

And here's a quote about the PR-D5 off Universal Radio's site :

"The new Sangean PR-D5 a top quality AM, FM, FM stereo radio with twin speakers. It has a 200 mm ferrite AM antenna for the best possible AM reception"

200 MM is about 8", 100 MM is about 4".

I'm thankful for that update. Now let me add a curious fact: As I post this, the PR-D5, which not only has a bigger AM antenna, stereo speakers, tuning knob, and RDS, sells for $72. And the PR-D7, which does not have RDS, has a smaller AM antenna, and has no tuning knob (you have to toggle buttons) and has a slightly larger monoaural speaker, can be pre-ordered at $80. So I ask: What makes the PR-D7 a more expensive radio? Is it the speaker? Very odd.

Comments

[Mike W]

Speaking of which, I've come "this close", as they say, to bidding on used Panasonic RF-2200's on eBay a number of times over the last few years.

I don't recall you ever mentioning that model, maybe you don't like the older analog models, or buying used. I have mixed feelings myself about them. Here's a great link from Radio Intel :

http://www.radiointel.com/review-mwolympics.htm

[Jeff McMahon]

Mike, I've always found the RF-220 appealing and find that its spirit in style and feel lives on in the Kaito 2100. I don't buy old radios as I don't have enough tech in me to keep them going.

I've pretty much lost interest in the PR-D7 now that I know its AM antenna is half the size of the PR-D5's. What's the point?

[Ed S.]

So, as the gals say, size *does* matter after all! Speaking of ferrite antennas, of course.

[Mike W]

I knew that with all this talk of antenna lengths the whole Freudian thing would inevitably rear its head (ahem), which is why I have avoided using the term "ferrite rod" like the Ebola virus.

As if that's not enough, as I write this Bloomberg Radio is broadcasting an interview with a UN spokesman, and Englishman named "John Holmes".

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

[Jeff McMahon]

Ed, Mike,

Wouldn't that be ironic if the smaller PR-D7 got equal, if not superior, AM reception. Then there'd be a lot of confusion.

[Derek]

Where can I purchase the PRD5 with a clear case for less than the $89 Universal Radio is asking?

[Mike W]

Hey Derek;

Here's the Prison-Industrial Complex version for $79.95, as a pre-order anyway :

http://www.123radios.com/BuyItNow.asp?PID=2591

I didn't see the shipping cost, but you can at least check it out.

[Jeff McMahon]

Derek,
123 Radios is selling the PR-D5 CL pre-order for $79, ten dollars cheaper.Jeff

[Jeff McMahon]

Thanks, Mike, you beat me to it. Plus you provided the link, which I can only do in e-mail. I still haven't learned to do it on my own website. What a loser I am.

[Derek]

Just got the PRD5CL. This "prison model" has a rubber antenna unlike the heavy, thick chrome antenna on the standard model. The 123radios.com representation of the PRD5CL states that the unit features an alarm, an aux-in socket, and includes an AC adapter. No AC adapter, and the alarm & aux-in socket have been removed "to comply with federal regulations". I am very disappointed, & will be returning the PRD5CL tomorrow.

[herculodge]

Thanks for the info. I like my PR-D5 but it can't rub shoulders with my C.Crane CSW.

[Derek]

I am considering either the CCRadio+ or the PRD5. I mainly listen to AM (both talk & music). I've seen a CCR+ w/ a Sangean label before.
Does the CCR+ have an 8" internal AM antenna? I like the features of the Sangean (rotary tuning dial, RDS, size, build quality, feel, etc.) but would like to know about the CCR+. Why is your CSW superior to the PRD5? Thanks for the feedback!

[Carrie]

Derek,

The CSW has AM filters in the event that you suffer from AM overload. The PR-D5 doesn't.

The CSW produces a big sound without turning the volume up very loud. In contrast, you have to crank up the PR-D5, like straining a 4 cylinder car up a steep hill.

The CSW internal AM antenna is nearly as big as the PR-D5's. I think AM is excellent on both.

I prefer the bigger size of the CSW.

Having said this, I think the PR-D5 is the best radio you can buy at its price point. Remember, the CSW is $60 more.