
Joe Maffuccio writes:
I've had a couple Sony SRF-84 radios, the earlier models are very quiet and seem to be aligned but the later versions (86?) had alot of background noise. The radio is stellar on battery life, 60+ hrs. and is very small.
I then tried, and immediately resold on Ebay for profit, an SRF-M97. It was terrible.
I finally ordered a Sangean DT-180, supposed to get in today. I'm certain, from reviews here, that it will be much better than either Sony.
Overall, a small radio with no speaker or clock is a different animal than one with those features plus digital tuning and presets. The DT200/400 is still a little bulky for me (walking, falling asleep). That is why I like my old ICF-SX3R, it's super thin.
The only other thin radio, besides newer Sony radios, is the Grundig M400...POS.
Final Thoughts:
We look forward to Mr. Maffuccio's impressions of his newly acquired Sangean DT180. I have one and I can say it's worth every penny of its $38 price tag.
Your post about Deoxit prompted me to act - It saved one of my beloved radios - WOOHOO! a Sony ICF-5900W.
I saved my paper-route $$ and bought one new in the 1970's. Used it everyday for years - however, after a dunking in the bathtub ~17 yrs ago it was never the same.
Man I missed that radio....
A few years ago I began trolling ebay for a replacement - eventually pulled the trigger on a mint looking 5900 including battery cover, strap, orig earphone & power supply. Happy Dance - I won! Unfortunatly my joy was short lived - it only performed on FM - the other bands were intermittent and only so if I fiddled with the band-switch knob. In disgust and disappointment I put my new find high up on a shelf - destined for a life of lonelyness & dust-bunnies.
After reading this post on Deoxit I decided to try that stuff on my 5900. HOLY SMOKES BATMAN! - worked like a charm - my 5900 is good as new, looks great, currently playing Rock & Roll on Canadian AM 800 CJBQ.
Regards,
Gregory