Sony ICF-S10MK2 Pocket AM/FM Radio, Silver by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony ICF-S10MK2 Pocket AM/FM Radio, Silver
Digital camera Review: Acceptable only
Summary: 3 Stars
Price: *****
Design: ***
Reception: ****
volume adjustment: ***
Sound qulity: ****
Earphone jack: *
Be careful this radio comes with a monaural side earphone jack!
Digital camera Review: Advice for purchasing headphone accessories for this radio
Summary: 4 Stars
If you want to use this radio with headphones, here is some advice on buying accessories.
The headphone jack is 3.5mm, also referred to as a 1/8" jack or mini jack. And as noted in other reviews, the jack is mono, which means if you plug in stereo headphones, you'll hear out of only one ear. (Most headphones these days are stereo.)
Here is an adapter that works well in converting the radio's signal from mono to stereo, so that you can use it with stereo headphones:
3.5mm Stereo Female / 3.5mm Mono Male Adaptor
The only problem with using this adapter is that it's not L-shaped. And because the headphone jack is in the middle of one of the sides of the radio, using this adaptor (even with L plug headphones) extends the effective width of the radio, making it more difficult to put the radio in your pocket. (I haven't been able to find an L-plug 3.5mm stereo to mono adapter, neither on Amazon nor on the Internet at large.)
Another solution is to buy a pair of mono headphones. I haven't found a good pair on Amazon, but there is a decent, $3.95 pair at scansound.com called "Mono Earbud Style Headphone."
As others have noted, the radio has a jumpy (sensitive) volume control. A good solution is to get an attenuator/level controller, like this:
Shure Level Attenuator Listening Level Controller
When you consider the cost of accessories, it puts the radio's $10 purchase price in a new light. With that said, the radio does have excellent sound and reception, which make the radio a good purchase.
Digital camera Review: Affordable Basic Radio - But Earphone Jack Needs Improving
Summary: 4 Stars
I'll let others talk about radio details.
My basic point is that the product is essentially like an old transistor radio from 50 years ago, but it's chaaper ($10), more reliable, and runs longer on two AAA batteries than the old radios did on a more expensive 9V.
I give it 4 stars because the mono earphone jack is not compatable to stereo headphones (you only get sound in one ear). Come on, Sony, this is unacceptable. Do mono headphones even exist anymore?
Digital camera Review: Amazing Little Radio
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an amazing little radio for $10. I am one of those folks who listen to talk radio all the time. I had a Radio Shack pocket radio that cost twice as much prior to this one and it was not even close to the quality of this little gem. Bottom line... you will not be disappointed.Digital camera Review: Amazing Radio
Summary: 5 Stars
Needing a new pocket radio for the bathroom and to take with me when im working around the city. This radio has AMAZING sound and reception. Worth every penny! Strong, sharp reception. Rich sounds. I only use it on AM talk/news radio. I'm going to buy another for my car.