Very tempting to shell out the required $300 to get my greedy hands on this National Panasonic R-5410B. This radio-cassette player reminds me of why I became a radio freak ten years ago.
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Can“t understand the point of pay $300 for this when you can get a near mint RF2200 for just about the same money..plus, the 2200 has more elaborated radio section and the directional AM antenna..
Posted by: Pablo | August 16, 2014 at 06:53 AM
Good point, Pablo: Here's the mint 2200 for same price:http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-PANASONIC-RF-2200-8-BAND-RADIO-MINT-/331268580200?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item4d21256368
Posted by: herculodge | August 16, 2014 at 08:03 AM
I suspect the point is that the R-5410B is a collector's item while the RF-2200 is a popular and excellent radio for actual use. They're great, but not particularly rare. Therefore the two radios appeal to different markets.
(Big sigh) I know it just isn't practical, but I do wish they'd put the RF2200 back in production. I'd settle for a modern tech radio that was excellent on all bands the way the RF2200 is. You can get some excellent shortwave receivers. If some of the reviews are to be believed, the CCRadio 2E is as good on MW as any portable has ever been. But good luck finding something that is excellent on both.
Posted by: bill | August 16, 2014 at 09:29 AM
A question for the readers.
Suppose I did want a newer radio which, like the Panasonic RF-2200, was a good DX portable on shortwave, medium wave, and FM. It should be at least nominally portable.
Is anything made today even remotely close to as well balanced? I know there are sets praised for SW, for FM, and for MW. Sometimes I've seen sets praised for two of those three. But if you had to pick the one set currently manufactured which comes closest to being great on all three, what would it be?
Posted by: bill | August 16, 2014 at 07:29 PM
Bill,
I'd consider the CCRadio-SW (or the similar Redsun RP-2100). I find it to be very good on MW and SW, and excellent on FM. In addition, it has very good sound quality for a portable radio.
Here is Jay Allen's review:
http://radiojayallen.com/redsun-rp2100c-crane-cc-radio-sw/
Keep in mind that there is some sample to sample variation with the CCRadio-SW/RP-2100, so my rating applies to a "good" one.
Posted by: Gary | August 16, 2014 at 11:04 PM
I concur with Gary on that point; however, no radio today will have the magic sound of an RF-2200, especially on AM.
Posted by: herculodge | August 17, 2014 at 05:55 AM
I was lucky enough to buy an RF-2200 when they were new. It cost $189 and I found it in a brick and mortar TV store in Chicago. That was a lot of money back then, especially for a grad student.
For once I had the good sense not to run out on a good thing. I still have the RF-2200 and it still works well.
Unfortunately, this much loved and well-worn radio needs some alignment and cleaning I don't know how to do. It also has too much sentimental value for me to chuck it into suitcases and haul it all over the place the way I used to do. So heavy use goes to newer radios these days.
Posted by: bill | August 17, 2014 at 06:49 AM
Bill,
There are a couple things the CCRadio-SW (RP-2100) lacks that would be nice to have: a direct-tuning keypad and SSB tuning. Even with these missing features, I think it's a good radio for the money.
Posted by: Gary | August 17, 2014 at 09:54 AM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-1970s-OLD-MODERNISTIC-FUNKY-STAR-TREK-ALL-WORKING-AM-FM-amp-8-TRACK-TESTED-/131273386178?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276
It's mod, man.
Posted by: Angelo | August 23, 2014 at 11:01 AM
Off topic, but the Radio Shack 20-00629 (Sangean ATS-505 clone) is on clearance at most local Radio Shack retail shops for around $25. Here is the link to it on the shack's web site (where it is not on sale).
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21589936&filterName=Type&filterValue=Multiband+radios
Pretty good reviews for it online, especially considering the value when its on clearance!
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