Herculodge

Will the Redsun 3100 Make an Appearance in 2009?

With 2009 approaching, radiophiles don't have a lot of new radios to look forward to. One exception is the Redsun 3100, an upgrade from the 2100, with its improved memory selection system, direct keypad entry, and SSB. Word on its availability is contradictory. Some message boards say it's been put on "indefinite hold" while this site says it's coming out in early 2009. 

Best Radios of 2008

In making the selection of Best Radios of 2008, I want to acknowledge other readers' opinions so this isn't merely my personal favorites list. In fact, I have reservations about all the radios I recommend as "best," some reservations more serious than others, as we shall now see.

Best Radio of 2008 #1: Boston Acoustics Horizon Solo for $85-99. The AM and FM sound good on this tuner coupled with great speaker sound. You can't beat this at this price point. The Solo is an upgrade from the Recepter, which did not have a headphone jack. Reservations: No telescopic antenna. Yeah, the FM wire antenna is a drag, but what can you do? Stick rabbit ears on it? No thanks.

Best Radio of 2008 #2: Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo for $115-150. This is more of a good thing from BA. Similar to the Solo but dual speakers and a remote. Reservations: Again, just a wire antenna. To be fair to Sangean, they have a WR-3 for $257, which I haven't tested, but it sounds promising with its telescopic antenna. Amazon reviews are good. I'm confused about the WR-3, however, because Amazon site says it hasn't been released and shows none of the 8 reviews. What gives? Anyway, if you're looking for an upscale bedside radio with telescopic FM antenna, you may want to look into the WR-3. For a positive, thorough review of the WR-3, CLICK HERE. From everything I've read about the WR-3 and as the owner of the Duo, consider two things: The Duo will give you louder speaker sound at half the price. And the WR-3 operates exclusively by its remote control, which would make it a good kitchen radio but not a good bedside radio. 

Best Radio of 2008 #3: Redsun 2100, which is the Kaito 2100, which is the C.Crane CSW for $139. Up front let me say I sold mine when a side by side test with my Sangean PR-D5 (and another reader agrees) showed that the smaller PR-D5 got better AM reception. I was particularly annoyed by ESPN 710, which had a birdy noise. However, FM is fantastic. The speaker is great for talk, but I find it harsh for music. A lot of readers love this radio, however, so I must select it as one of the strongest performers of 2008. One last reservation: The tuner switch between FM and MW seems flimsy. One reader's switch broke, and now works off and on and this isn't the first time I've heard of this problem. For a digital radio, the 2100/CSW is a disappointment. No direct keypad entry. And half-baked memory buttons, which only scroll upward so that you can tune stations just as quickly using the speed dial. 

Best Radio of 2008 #4: Sangean PR-D5 for about $80. First off, the PR-D5 gets major kudos for sticking a big 200mm ferrite AM antenna inside. The FM telescopic antenna is good for pinpointing your sweet spot. The radio is small and makes a good bedside radio. In fact, I say it should be limited to bedside because its dual speakers don't generate enough big sound. In fact, the limited speaker sound is my biggest reservation of this radio. However, great fit and finish, strong AM and FM performance, far cheaper and in many ways better (except for speaker sound) than much more expensive Tivoli Songbook. 

Sony SRF-T615 Pocket Digital Radio Buy Now for $135

Tom has alerted me to a Sony pocket radio I've never heard of--the SRF-T615, which is supposed to be a great performer in its class.

Radio Exotica from Ukraine: The VEF 202

Described as "super popular" and the "radio every Russian family wished to have," this VEF 202 starts at a bid of $30 and ships for $45. 

Most Disappointing Radio of 2008: The Grundig Satellite 750

With its gyro antenna evoking the vintage years of Panasonic and its military look, the Grundig Satellite 750 whet the appetites of radiophiles for several months and then when it was finally released all of those who contribute to this blog waited for the reviews to come in and the reviews weren't pretty. Eight Amazon reviews average 2 stars. eHam reviews aren't much better. I've not tested the GS750 so I'm basing my decision on reviews, message boards, testimonials, etc. Having said that, for the price of $300, you'd expect something that would bring back the glory of yesteryear but by all accounts the GS750 is a pedestrian affair--its AM and FM reception no better than a $99 Grundig/Eton S350. 

Considering its price, its expectations, and its promising "real" radio look, Most Disappointing Radio of 2008 must be hung around the neck of the Grundig Satellit 750. 

$400 Cue Radio for iPod

You can spend $150 on the Boston Acoustics Duo with iPod or if you're dying for RDS feature you can spend an additional $250 and sacrifice the Duo's dual speakers and get the Cue Radio. I think I'll save my money.

RCA Enters WiFi Internet Radio Market

The RCA Infinite Internet Radio uses Slacker Personal Radio service, which is available in premium. Not a bad price upfront for a $102. 

JC Penny Solid State Mult-Band Could be a Panasonic

Thanks, Gerald:

This jc penney looks suspiciously like a panasonic made set. id almost bet its panasonic. Currently bidding for $4.95. Should be a great deal. 

Sony ICF-5100 Orbiter Buy Now for $250

With shipping, this Orbiter will cost you $275. Great radio, but overpriced. I've seen these go for about $150. 

Rare Sony ICF-6500W Buy Now for $180

Seller says this rare ICF-6500 has been "modified" a bit but works great. As rare as this radio is, it should sell even with the "modifications." Very good looking radio.