First Look-the Panasonic RE-6289 Wood Grain Table Radio

I paid $39 and another $36 for shipping from Canada in order to get my hands on an excellent condition Panasonic RE-6289 wood grain table radio from eBay.

I opened the radio and was surprised how small and light it was. Because I recently bought a similar, slightly larger Sony ICF-9650, the comparison is inevitable.

My first impression makes me nod toward the 6289. Tuning seems more precise, sound more sharp. There is no option for external antenna attachment on back, but the AC cord, which serves as the FM antenna, is more than capable. I received 89.3 KPCC and 103.1. 

AM is great. I tried 570, 640, 830, 1070, 1150, 790. All came in with great clarity and hardly any background noise.

One AM station that gives ALL my radios trouble is ESPN 710, especially at night and in crummy weather. 

Another comparison that comes to mind is the Tivoli Model One and the 6289 is by far a better receiver. 

The speaker is loud and full. This Panasonic is a keeper. 

See how it looks compared to the bigger Sony ICF-9650 below:

Comments

[gerald johnson]

what other radios do you have comming jeff? after the dust settles id love a full critique of your impressions of vintage vs. new.

[RUBEN RAMIREZ]

I just inheretate from my 102 years old Nanny one exactly the same in perfect condition, do you know the year it was made, or how much it is worth?
Thank you

[jeffrey McMahon]

They're not worth that much since I paid 40. If yours is mint, it might command 50 or more. It doesn't have external FM antenna option so that might keep price down.

How old is it? I found a service manual on eBay but it was undated. I'd have to guess late 60s or early 70s.

Jeff

[Kim-Marie]

I got this from my grandmother. What might it be worth? Thank You

[Bruce Smith]

My RE-6289 does have a factory FM hook up.

[Bruce Smith]

http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/germancarsonly/?action=view&current=P1010001-6.jpg

[Angelo]

Guys: I just got this same radio, the Panny 6289. Mine has the external FM hook-up too.
I paid $20.00 for it (It was $25.00 Buy It Now or best offer. I offered 20.00 and the seller took that---plus $14.99 for shipping). This might be the best $35.00 radio bucks I ever spent. I can't believe how whisper quiet this thing is while tuning---crystal clear audio. It has a nice, rich tone. It is lightweight, which concerned me when I first opened the package. But it's proving to be a nice surprise.

[Shahbaz]

do you know the manufacture year for the re-6289? i have one, thanks.

[Angelo]

I am assuming early-mid 70s, but I honestly don't know. This is among my top five radios for audio quality, at least for my ears. It edges out my C Crane EP for talk radio---and I'm a fan of the EP.

[Trygve]

I just found a almost mint one in the trash it really has a great sound. I am vary happy with this find. :)

[Tito Vel]

Guys and Gals I have the model RE-6289. its in excellent condition. im looking to get $ 80.00 for it being that its in almost new condition. it also has the external fm antennae.I live on long island so if anyone is interested, please e-mail me at ([email protected])at that point I'll give my number out and go from there

[Panasonic]

That's what i'm lookung for, Panasonic re table radio. lol, always imagine that i can grab it, but it's must be expensive for now, because it's too classic.

[Peter]

I used an telescopic antenna and mounted to the rear cover. With all the vent holes, I choose one at the upper left corner.
This has helped me to improve the FM reception.

Does this radio have a dial light that would come on when radio is turned on?

[ANN WALSH]

I have a Panasonic Model 6289 radio from the 1970's and would like to have it repaired. Where would I take it for repair here in Little Egg Harbor, NJ or nearby?

[Steven Mann]

Does it have a lighted dial