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.
Post a comment
Your Information
(Name and email address are required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)
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
Posted by: Paul | October 16, 2008 at 01:20 PM
So nothing exceptional. Thanks for the info.
Posted by: jeffrey McMahon | October 16, 2008 at 03:29 PM
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.
Posted by: Paul | October 16, 2008 at 08:43 PM
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.
Posted by: jeffrey McMahon | October 16, 2008 at 08:53 PM
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.
Posted by: Wals | October 16, 2008 at 09:56 PM
I think it's currently bidding for well over $140.
Posted by: jeffrey McMahon | October 16, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Correction: Make that about $66.
Posted by: jeffrey McMahon | October 16, 2008 at 10:12 PM
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
Posted by: Paul | October 16, 2008 at 11:40 PM
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.
Posted by: georgioskoroneos | March 12, 2009 at 09:00 PM
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.
Posted by: georgioskoroneos | March 12, 2009 at 09:16 PM
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.
Posted by: jimofoz | May 27, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Just bought Sony ICF2001 on ebay, in very good condition, everything works, $43AUD..........BARGAIN!
Posted by: Mal | March 30, 2010 at 04:38 AM
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.)
Posted by: Rick | April 16, 2010 at 08:44 PM
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
Posted by: Khalid Parvez | November 08, 2010 at 10:11 AM
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!!!!!
Posted by: snakeyes4usa | November 20, 2010 at 01:06 PM