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

[Bob]

The Panasonic RE-6289 was manufactured in japanabout 1979-1980 the local Halton region school Board in Ontario canada purchased them for school offices in 1980-1981 there a 2 wires for fm antenna connection on back but no terminal lugs and the am and fm performance is very good