If I wasn't expecting a Panasonic RF-3000 to arrive in the next day or so, I'd jump on this Sony TFM-8000W. Catalog this one under People Who Like Their Radios Tank-Like. That would be me. Seller is marketing this as in excellent condition. My guess is this super performer will eventually bid for $200 or so.
My favorable impression is supported by regular contributer and vintage radio extraordinaire Gerald who writes:
The tfm-8000 is a serious portable. about 12 inches square and 4 inches thick. very melodious very well made. no chincy toggles and buttons. mine is a good performer on all bands. the tuning mechanism is THE smoothest of any radio i own.it reminds me of my old pioneer receiver with smooth jewel like heavy balanced feel in the tuning dial. i believe that radio will sell for more around the 85.00 to hundered range and well worth it. it is very miserly on batteries. when shined up, its a beautiful radio. its got more metal and chrome than a '62 buick and built as sturdy!
***
Hearing Gerald's praise of the TFM-8000, I can only hope my soon-to-arrive Panasonic RF-3000 will be comparable.
Gerald, I've added your comments to the post. Thanks.
Posted by: jeffrey McMahon | September 19, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Wow. That's a sweet looking radio. I just got my first paycheck since the middle of June. I may need to stay away from your ebay sightings for a few days...
Posted by: Scooby214 | September 19, 2008 at 05:52 PM
I've got a 1970s Panasonic table radio in the garage. I'll give it to you for shipping costs. It works but uses its power chord as the antenna.
Jeff on my wife's computer.
Posted by: Carrie | September 19, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Is it the 6289 or the 7259?
Posted by: Scooby214 | September 19, 2008 at 07:22 PM
It's a 7259. I tested it and it works quite well, similar to the Sony I sent you. The good news: It has external antenna hook-ups in the back. Old school type. Not the F type of today's. It's your if you want it. I can mail it tomorrow or Monday. I'll need your address again.
Posted by: jeffrey McMahon | September 19, 2008 at 08:50 PM
I was hoping it was the 7259. I'll fire off an email to you with my mailing address. :)
Posted by: Scooby214 | September 20, 2008 at 06:43 AM
I bought my TFM-8000W 3 months ago from an Ebay seller at a BUY IT NOW price of $125. The only reason the seller was letting it go without any bidding, was that she was unable to raise the handle-stored pull-up antenna. After some work, I got the antenna fixed (raises to 6 feet!). Of all the old radios I own, this one is my very favorite! Why? 1)The SUPER SENSITIVE label on a few of Sony's models, means just that! I get great reception on all bands.2)Tuning is easy, with a very readable scale on all the bands. 3) The radio also just looks great, and I end up using it every day. 4)The sound is great too, just right and rich (unlike most other Sony models)I highly recommend if you see one in both good cosmetic and operating condition, go for one!
Posted by: Bill Karda | September 09, 2013 at 01:21 PM