Best Radio Picks As of November, 2009

Introduction: Here are some assumptions I made before making my choices:

1. You are more interested in AM and FM reception than “extras” like iPod cradles, cell phone chargers, CD player function, etc.
2. While speaker sound is important, it’s less a priority than reception. If you’re playing a lot of music, though, you might want a radio with the best fidelity possible.
3. You’re interested in build quality and overall quality control. Please take note that no radios today can match vintage radios in this regard.

 

Best Table and Clock Radio:

CCrane CCR-2: Great AM, good FM; FM reception doesn’t seem to be affected much by the telescopic antenna; speaker sound is greatly enhanced by turning up both bass and treble almost all; priced between $150-160, this radio may give sticker shock to some. A very reasonable alternative is the Sangean PR-D5. It has the same 200mm ferrite for outstanding AM reception, slightly less FM reception and mediocre sound from its two 2.5 speakers, but I use it every day in the kitchen for close-by listening and its overall performance is compelling. I compared it to the Sangean Sonido but the Sonido’s mediocre AM made me prefer the PR-D5 in spite of the Sonido’s superior speaker sound.

 Best FM Back-Up Radio:

On weird weather days when FM is significantly compromised, you may want a back-up FM powerhouse. My choice is the Grundig/Eton S350 DL, usually $99. Its mediocre AM sound and analog tuning may cause some buyers to look elsewhere but the only FM performer with similar power is the CCrane CSW and at $140 and the same mediocre AM reception as the S350 and ugly, harsh speaker sound, I say get the S350.

Best High-Fidelity Radio:

For purse sound, I can’t find anything that matches the Boston Acoustics Horizon Duo. Its smaller brother, the Solo, is very good also. But please heed this caveat: I’ve had three Duos and had to have Boston Acoustics replace them because the AM “fries.” This radio plays hot, and stays hot even when it’s turned on, and I’m speculating that the heat cooks the AM until it dies within less than a year. As a pure FM tuner, the Duo makes great sound but its AM problem makes me pinch my nose when recommending it. Too bad there are no other radios out there that come close to the Duo in fidelity. A more reliable alternative: The Sangean WR-2, clock radio or the aforementioned Sangean Sonido or save your money and use your Grundig/Eton S350 as your FM tuner.

Favorite Outdoor Portable Radio:

I just reviewed the $99 Milwaukee 2590-20 digital radio and felt that it in many ways eclipsed the $229 Tivoli PAL (I paid $130 for mine in 2005 and Tivoli replaced it recently when its rubber melted). But the 2590 is not that cheap when you consider you have to buy a battery and charger, which jack up the price to $190. I’m too lazy to be taking out batteries and recharging them, so I’ll stick with the PAL in spite of its analog tuner. You might just save your money and use the Grundig/Eton S350 has a portable as well. Its D batteries should last 200 hours or so.

Favorite Vintage Radio

I play my Panasonic RF-888 in my office every day, exclusively on AM. The sound is glorious with no background noise and makes any radiophile lament the quality of today’s radios. I bought mine in rare mint condition for $200, but I see them commonly sell for about $100. 

Comments

[Huesby]

Hey Jeff:
What about the CCrane CSW and its 'famous' Twin Coil Ferrite antenna ?...Isn't it an excellent performer on AM thanks to its Twin Coil Ferrite antenna ?

[Jeffrey McMahon]

Hugo, I've had 3 CSWs and they've all been mediocre on AM. I got rid of all of them.

[Huesby]

Have you tried of adjusting the coil position on the ferrite antenna ? I've found that in almost all brands of radio I've bought (Sony,Panasonic, Tecsun, Redsun...), this coil isn't in the best pick signal position place , usually displaced up to 0.5" but with some exception like GE Superadio and Sangean radios, perhaps this is the reason you think they are better radios ?... 'cause after coil peaking they all seem to perform equally well.

[Jeffrey McMahon]

Your tech-knowhow puts you at a huge advantage. I don't tweak any of my radios. You should send us a lesson on coil peaking.

[Huesby]

I'm gonna try to do it with some pictures , you should expect them by next week.

[Jeffrey McMahon]

Right on, Hugo. Thanks.

[John]

Have you ever heard or owned a Model 88? How does it compare to the BA Duo? My 88 is just a little much for apartment life with its subwoofer.

[Bruce Pflieger]

How big is the ferrite antenna in the current "RCA RP7887 AM/FM Super Portable Radio". Do you think the RCA even compares with these? Thanks.

[Huesby]

Bruce:
200 mm or 8" long, and YES it can compare with these mentioned above as long as it is well aligned.

[Jeffrey McMahon]

John, I never had the Model 88. If it's too loud for your apartment, I recommend the BA Solo over the Duo.