First Look at a Circa 1970s Sony ICF-9650 Table Radio

I purchased the Sony ICF-9650 simulated wood grain table radio on eBay for $23 and free shipping. It was shipped to Torrance, CA, from Carlsbad, CA and arrived in excellent shape.

I thought it was funny that when I plugged the radio in, the on/off/volume knob had already been turned on. I didn't understand this until I turned the radio off and turned it on again a couple of hours later: The on/off/volume switch is scratchy and the volume doesn't increase immediately; rather, there is a delay. I don't know if this can be fixed easily or not. Anyway, here were my reception tests:

I tested FM first. I got strong reception on 88.1, 89.3, 89.9., 91.5, stations I listen to. However, 103.1 Indie Rock gave me a little trouble. Therefore, I may want to hook a wire antenna to the back. It's not an F connector. Instead, it's the old kind that may require an adapter. Honestly, with nothing hooked up in the back, I don't know how this Sony is getting such great FM, with the exception of the aforementioned station.

AM is strong as well. The voices sound clear and full.

The speaker sounds big as well. 

I like the retro look in the living room.  

I'll have to find the ideal FM wire antenna for this old hook up:

Now if I can fix the volume problem. Otherwise, even a low $23 is too much. One of the hazards of buying an old radio, I suppose. 

Comments

[Ed S.]

Those two screws look like they'll take a 300-ohm dipole, like the one you purchased for your former Tivoli. You know, the T-shaped flat wire antenna they used to throw in the box with every FM-stereo receiver.

[jeffrey McMahon]

The former Tivoli Model One had an F connector, but you're right about my Sony. Bad news: The volume is scratchy and on delay. I can only remedy for now by not turning on the on/off/volume switch but rather plugging and unplugging AC to wall socket.

[Mike W]

I bought a later but similar model off eBay about 6 years ago, an ICF-9740W :

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ICF-9740W-AM-Table-Radio/dp/B00006HOLN/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t

..and because I had a more substantial speaker cannibalized from a junked radio, I replaced the original speaker, which really helped. It was a good set for local AM/FM, but no DX'er for sure. I gave it away when moving house a few years ago.

After I threw out my clapped-out CCRadio last year, I regretted not saving the 200 MM ferrite bar. I'd love to try upgrading the internal ferrite bar on one of these Sony's, and I may do it yet. Here's a few pointers :

http://www.hard-core-dx.com/nordicdx/antenna/loop/amloop.html

I can't do the complicated stuff like restringing dial cord but can handle the simply soldering and mounting chores.

[jeffrey McMahon]

I will work on the volume control first. If I can fix that, then I'll put a 3-dollar T-shaped dipole antenna on the back. I won't do any modifications.

[Mike W]

Sorry, Jeff, I should have responded to your volume potentiometer problem first time around. I just bought this for $15 at Radio Shack :

http://www.radioshack.com/sm-deoxit-progold-twin-pack--pi-2104746.html

To fix the volume pot on my Grundig Satellit 800, which was a scratchy refurb even when I first bought it years ago. It worked fine, better than the $10 "Control/Contact Cleaner & Lubricant" I bought at RS last year, but may have to be re-applied at some point, I'll see.

At $15 it costs almost as much as the radio, I know, but a shot or two can often work wonders and it's good to have around if you're going to start getting more vintage sets. At the very least you can raise their resale value a little.

[jeffrey McMahon]

Thanks for that info. My local radio shack has the products, according to the site, so I'll probably get some tomorrow. I'll tell you how it works.

I'm listening to jazz on the Sony now and speaker is top-notch. Too bad my PR-D5 isn't matched with a big speaker like this.

[gerald johnson]

jeff if the seller represented the radio as fully functional and didnt describe the volume problem, you need to give him negative feedback.

[jeffrey McMahon]

Gerald, I agree unless he described that problem. However, I don't think he did.

Maybe the description is still available. I'll check. Thanks.

[gerald johnson]

look in the items youve won section of your ebay page. the original ad should be there. if dude didnt disclose, id hammer him. i might first contact him and see if he will refund your money. if not, leave something very nasty, like "beware dishonest junk merchant"!!

[jeffrey McMahon]

He offered to let me return the radio and said the radio worked fine.

At $23 and free shipping, it's not worth returning. If my nearby neighbor Ed has the time and interest, I may take the radio over to his place to see it.

Honestly, I don't know if the problem is with the volume or the tuner. The sound fades and returns sometimes and I may remedy it with a dipole FM antenna.

If I spray Contact on the volume button, should I take it off or leave it on?

[gerald johnson]

gently pull it off.

[jeffrey McMahon]

Okay, I'll give it a go. I can't say when I'll do it but it will probably be within this week. Thanks for the info.

[gerald johnson]

by the way i think he is full of sh*t. that radio didnt develope that problem as soon as it left him. i would tell him you will send it back cod shipping or he gets negative feedback. ive been around ebay awhile, and these people know what they are selling. fortunately jeff, most of the peole ive dealt with are honest. if you look at someone who has thousands of transactions, then its what they do strictly to make cash and those are usually the ones who are unsrcupulous.

[jeffrey McMahon]

I think you're right. He didn't offer COD. I suppose I could press him. I'm not in the mood for battle now. I had a trying time returning my second Honda Fit and keeping my Maxima. The experience left me fatigued.

I'm playing the radio now. It's working. I'd like to see its characteristics over the next week. The volume didn't screech just now. I then tuned from 89.9 to 88.1 and all was fine. I'm thinking--and hoping--that reception problems from lack of a wire antenna caused the silence and irregular volume. But I'll see.

I guy from Canada sent me a similar radio. He promises it's in cherry condition. It cost me 40 plus 26 shipping so I hope he's right.

[Ed S.]

Sure, Jeff, bring it over and I'll check it out. You have my number...
-Ed