When I first saw the RF-1130 AM/FM/SW, my heart sunk for two reasons: I knew I had to have it. And I knew I was going to pay a handsome sum. I ended up buying the radio for about $210 plus shipping on eBay. It arrived a bit dusty but in excellent condition. The biggest problem is oxidation on the volume knob, so I'll need to purchase some DeOxit spray. Luckily, the volume knob easily pulls off, so I hope the spray application gets rid of some of the volume static. Another fortunate development: Subsequent use of the volume has diminished the static. I doubt this radio was used very much.
I assumed, the RF-1130 was an apex performer, worthy of rubbing shoulders with other Panasonic vintage legends such as the RF-2200, RF-877, and RF-888. The 1130 did not disappoint. 88.9, 89.3, and 103.1, all potentially problematic stations, came in loud and clear. While the 1130 beat my beloved 877 in FM, the comparison is unfair because my 877 is missing part of its FM antenna. I have to assume a full size FM antenna would make the 877 equal to the 1130.
Having tested a Panasonic RF-2200, I can say the RF-1130 is comparable, which is to say stunning. The 1130, the 888, and the 2200 are the best AM vintage performers I've ever used. As the photos show, the RF-1130 boasts a pop-up Gyro AM antenna, so you rotate the Gyro, not the entire radio, to maximize AM reception. The cheapsters who make today's radios wouldn't dream of putting a Gyro on their radios. I doubt they even know what one is.
Of course, you're paying in excess of $200 for this "GI Joe type" radio. It feels expensive: it's heavy and feels like quality.
The 1130 came with the original AC adapter, not a big wall wart, and it runs on 4 "C" batteries.
Speaker Sound:
The generous 4.5 inch speaker fills a room with ease. The sound is clean with no background noise whatsoever. If you want a vintage Panasonic that goes even louder get yourself the 6 inch RF-888.
If you're new to radios and don't want to fork out this kind of dough, you might look at the Eton/Grundig S350 DL. At most you should spend $99 on one of these reliable, excellent performers. Sometimes they're on sale for $49 as they currently are at National Geographic. Of course, the S350DL doesn't have the high-quality feel of a vintage Panasonic as it feels light and is made of cheap plastic. But $49 for a silver Eton/Grundig S350DL is the best radio deal I know of right now. I mention this value because I don't expect all radio buyers who read this blog to be willing to spend $200 or more for a used radio. However, if you're in the market for a vintage Panasonic, I give the RF-1130 the highest recommendation.
georgis...i am still looking for a pan.rf b65...but nothing is available...up to now.
Posted by: georgioskoroneos | March 13, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Just fished a RF-1130 from out of a recycling box yesterday. Battery contacts are heavily corroded and the controls suffer from oxydation, so it'll need some attention. But it performs great. I'm so excited about it.
Greetings from Germany
Posted by: Dirk | January 06, 2013 at 12:26 PM
I have a radio like this but It needs some repair to the tuning dial.
It doesnt move when I turn the tuneing dial to see where the stations are.
One tone knob is missing.
But the radio works fine and loud picks up alot of stations.
Would like to find another one thats doesn,t need any repairs.
Posted by: Norman Bloom | September 21, 2018 at 01:48 PM