Fresh from E-Bay: The Panasonic RF-900.
This one flew under the radar as I was the only bidder, grabbing it for twenty bucks.
The photo shows the radio as received----I have not cleaned it up yet.
I place this model from the early to mid 1970s: Prime-time for Panasonic radios.
It's compact but weighty----nice hardware and features, including a meter and dial light.
The sound quality is good----not up to the standards of larger Pannys or Sonys, but certainly quite listenable.
AM reception is amazing----great sensitivity and selectivity. I haven't toyed with FM yet.
I didn't need another radio but the deal was too good to pass up. If you're looking for a very competent AM-FM radio with a few bells and whistles----but above all, great performance, this one is worth looking for. I have a love for Panasonics of this era. Some people claim that Sony is slightly better----just a little better engineering and quality. Frankly, I don't see it. I own both----and I think the Panasonics are just as good as far as performance goes and far better as far as design. I love the look of the Panasonics and frankly, I can't get enough of them. Nothing beats a classic.
Angelo
Their entire RF-9xx line is really good. My RF-935 and RF-940 are probably the 2 favorite portable radios that I own.
Posted by: brandon | April 04, 2012 at 02:27 PM
Also spotted this on ebay - I have never heard of this model before or seen a picture of it. It was referenced once on this blog back on 2009 and Jeff mentioned he had never seen one before. The Panasonic RF-1148
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Panasonic-Service-Manual-RF-1148-6-Band-Portable-Radio-Original-/00/s/MTAyNFg3Njg=/$%28KGrHqJ,!joE9UbgeycIBPc05B,MFQ~~60_57.JPG
That's only the service manual and the picture isn't that clear, but looks like an interesting radio. AM and FM sensitivity specs are both really good. Also has a 4-watt 4-inch speaker. I cannot find a single picture of this radio anywhere on the internet.
Posted by: brandon | April 04, 2012 at 02:47 PM
New from Grace Digital: http://blogkindle.com/2012/04/impressive-kindle-fire-speaker-dock-announced-by-grace-digital/
Posted by: Tom Welch | April 04, 2012 at 03:10 PM
Brandon: That Panasonic looks like a 1980s vintage? And it looks like it's built like a tank. I don't remember seeing that one before.
Posted by: Angelo | April 05, 2012 at 05:41 AM
The RF-759 is another nice one. I had one for a couple of years until the AM finally gave out. Very sensitive and selective reception on both bands; nice audio for a portable; tone control, dial light and AFC. I probably could have fixed mine if I'd had the patience to take it apart and methodically clean all the switches with De-Oxit.
http://tinyurl.com/7abnmd4
A lot of vintage Panasonics seem to be missing the battery door; probably a poor design but not a big problem if you're not too fussy ;-)
Posted by: Keith Beesley | April 05, 2012 at 02:34 PM
I bought one like that in 1974. Is there a place to find parts (antenna is broken off at top)? Radio still works well.
Posted by: Dave | August 01, 2012 at 06:22 PM
I am also looking for an antennae for this model. Can someone please help?
thanks
Posted by: lasagolf | November 15, 2012 at 07:19 AM
I just bought the RF900 for $10. Still works great.
Posted by: Wm | December 05, 2024 at 09:22 PM