Greg Reviews His Panasonic RF-4900: Now His Favorite Bedside Radio

 

 

 I recently acquired a used Panasonic RF4900 from a fellow Herculodge reader (thanks Brandon). I have to report (all jokes aside about the size of this radio – it’s big) it’s become my current favorite bedside radio! The radio arrived (well packed) via USPS and after some initial prep work it was ready for a workout.

How does this radio rate? – It’s not tops in any one feature set (perhaps looks?), rather - it’s the whole package I find enjoyable. I find it a decent band scanner and all-around “fun to use” receiver for casual listening on all bands it covers. The radio deserves a better rating than many you find on the internet.  It’s got:

Good looks - what’s not to like with all those buttons and knobs?

Good sensitivity on MW & SW - I can’t say much about FM, I’m not a DX’er in that space, but all the local FM stations sounded good.

Decent selectivity – overall decent however, it can be touch-and-go in tight spaces like the 49-meter band in the evening or listening to amateur SSB talk – VERY doable but the narrow filter is a bit too wide.

Nice coverage – MW, SW, FM

Good sound – Not a Hi-Fi set but what SW receiver is? Ok, exceptions to the Hallicrafters SX-62A.  

Portability – yes it runs on batteries

 I compared it side-by-side to a few other radios (see below).  Comparisons done using an external 60-foot longwire antenna & ground connected to each radio. 

 

I did a side by side comparison with: Eton E1, Sony ICF 5900W, Sony ICF 6700W, Kenwood R-1000

 

First place goes to the Eton E1. Overall ease of use and top scores in “DX-ability” (sensitivity, selectivity, stability). This is still the top receiver I have for DX use.

 

Second place is the Kenwood R-1000 – not as good sounding as the 4900, higher noise floor vs. Eton & 4900, but better selectivity & stability than the 4900.  The R-1000 is a better DX machine vs. the 4900 but not as easy to listen to.  It’s odd, on paper the R-1000 is a solid product\package, yet, of all my radios, I find the R-1000 is the one that sits idle the most.

 

Third place is the Panasonic RF4900 – Good sensitivity, sound, and looks.  Ease of use with the dual speed tuning.  The only place it falls an bit short is in selectivity – only a fault if you want to do real DX work.

 

Forth place is the Sony ICF 5900W – really it’s almost as good as the 4900 – just not quite as sensitive.  It’s surprisingly easy to get accurate tuning even though it does not have a digital readout.  As a portable it beats the 4900 hands down (size and inclusion of a whip antenna).

 

Last place goes to the Sony ICF 6700.   I think this is a real cool looking radio and it’s the one I use for everyday listening while at work, not as sensitive as all the others.

 

Regards,

Gregory

 

Comments

[Gary]

Thanks for the comparison, Gregory. You've got some really nice radios.

Jay Allen wrote an RF-4900 restoration article that you might find useful.

http://radiojayallen.com/panasonic-rf-4900-restoration/

[Gregory]

Gary,

Yea, I've seen Jay's article, he does good work - it's one of the reasons I started looking for a 4900.

[brandon]

Glad to hear you like it - also glad to see its getting some use - I hate keeping classic stuff in my collection just to sit and gather dust. I think I agree with your review - its not top of the line in any one category but it really has no major shortfalls.

[Angelo]

BEDSIDE? Where do you sleep, in the kitchen?!! This thing looks like it would be at home on a kitchen table----a little too large for a nightstand!

[CDT]

That's one that remains on my wish list. I have the 2200 , 2600 and 3100 so far.
I recently picked up a Panasonic RF-1102. A great little portable, it has really proven to be perfect for dxing while dozing off, really sensitive, great sound quality and really finely built portable. I was tuning into WWL 870 New Orleans clear as a bell from here in Cleveland last night.
I recently thinned the radio herd a little bit and sold a ICF-2010, and RF-B40 which both sat gathering dust, and quickly found I have used this 1102 more in a month than i've used many other radios in the years that i've had them. Good review thanks!

[Larry]

The RF-4900 is one of my favorites. For pretty much the same reason that you stated: "It’s the whole package I find enjoyable."

When I turn on the RF-4900, which I do every few days, alternating with more 'serious' receivers, I go hours on end with it! Its hard for me to turn it off & walk away. Interesting that some RF-4900s drift worse than others, or maybe I should say: Some RF-4900s don't drift that badly, some do.

[Nick Jones]

I just picked up an RF-4900 and plan to station it in my office at work. Don't want to just DX at home. It has a few dirty switches and needs aligned but over all in good shape.