
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
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