eBay Radio Sighting: Sony ICF-2001

Here's an attractive portable, the Sony ICF-2001, probably much coveted. If anyone knows how its performance squares up to similar vintages, let us know. Current bid is $32.

Comments

[Paul]

It's an OK radio, first PLL shortwave receiver in history, but that's about it.

See
http://stephan.win31.de/sw_ms_en.htm

[jeffrey McMahon]

So nothing exceptional. Thanks for the info.

[Paul]

If you are interested in radios in this category (high performance Sony portables), even now it's hard to beat the Sony ICF-2010. If you want better audio, look at the Grundig Satellit 700.

[jeffrey McMahon]

Those are good recommendations. My type of radio, the Panasonic RF-888, sounds so good that I'm spoiled and now find it hard to listen to smaller radios.

Tivoli is exchanging my old PAL for a new black one. I'll review it soon.

[Wals]

When you had a radio since school, you miss it. PLL tec was quite an innovation for a SW portable. Gave me 20y, good service. I thought it was a very risky purchase at the time.
I agree it isn't the greatest sound, but these(2001-10) radios have a pretty high re-sale so I'd imagine it will go for $60-80.

[jeffrey McMahon]

I think it's currently bidding for well over $140.

[jeffrey McMahon]

Correction: Make that about $66.

[Paul]

Two radios I've never had (or even seen in person), but really would like to play with, are the Philips/Magnavox D2935 and D2999.

See
http://www.dxing.com/rx/d2935.htm

Audio on these was supposedly stellar, and performance very good to excellent on AM/FM/SW.

They do appear from time to time on ebay, but either in very poor condition (and cheap), or great condition (and very expensive).

Two nice photos:
http://www.oldradios.co.nz/forsale/radios/d2999/d2999_7.JPG

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/portable/D2935cs.jpg

[georgioskoroneos]

georgis...good sound?well that's just the question,but i am glad to hear that...certainly a big radio produce a better sound with a bigger speaker and bigger space that is evident,and is true that one gets tired and sometimes it is something abnormal and asking bitterly...what is the point of the tiny speaker any way?well,big radio is good table radio and it becomes very difficult if you have to carry it,and i believe that the whole question boils down to this.

[georgioskoroneos]

gentlemen i am still looking for a nice pan.rf b65, but i do not go beyond of what is possible and can be achieved...if only have luck with only one...adios amigos.gia sou.

[jimofoz]

I bought my Sony ICF-2001 new back in 1981 or 2. I remember it went on sale at the RAF Upper Heyford BX for around $185. I'd lusted after it when it was near $300, but couldn't justify it. I'm still using it today.

[Mal]

Just bought Sony ICF2001 on ebay, in very good condition, everything works, $43AUD..........BARGAIN!

[Rick]

I've had my ICF-2001 since 1981 as well; it was on sale for something like $125. It was a fabulous machine back then -- rock stable; even the BFO is crystal-controlled. Selectivity is a bit broad, sensitivity up above 15 MHz is a bit deaf, but it has a huge speaker and sounds great on AM and FM. Eats its three D batteries like crazy. I had it out in Death Valley several times, and have copied low-frequency beacon stations with just its internal antenna from as far away as Puerto Rico!

The 2001 doesn't command a price like the later ICF-2010 because it lacks an AM synch detector and a tighter filter. But, I still use mine every weekend as a "garage radio" to listen to the West Coast 40 meter ham radio swap net, and, of course, the SF Giants on KNBR. (KNBR is a 50 kw local blowtorch that I can practically hear on my teeth fillings.)

[Khalid Parvez]

Hi Everybody !
It was early electronics that consumed lot of Milli Amperes. Body design is very good. Everything horizontal or vertical nothing diagonal. I like this shape. It had some better features as compared to ICF-2001D and 2010.

I am keeping it for its body design is good but it is not working and I need its circuit diagram if any one can help me.

rgards,
ap2kd@yahoo.com

[snakeyes4usa]

What a great find. Just picked one up this morning at an estate sale for $10.00. Has original box and manuals. Just need U.S. plug adapter since this one is round plug. Gonna have fun playing with this one!!!!!