Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black) by Sony
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Digital camera reviews of Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black)
Digital camera Review: Mono Headphone jack
Summary: 1 Stars
The description of the radio says that it has a headphone jack for personal listening. It does not, however, mention that the jack is a mono-jack.
I don't just mean that the music is not in stereo, I mean that if you use headphones with this radio, you will only get sound in your left ear. I don't care if my music is not stereo, but why couldn't they feed the channel into both sides of headphones? What is the point of listening in just one ear?
Since I wanted a radio only for personal listening, this one won't work. I was especially surprised since none of the negative reviews mentioned this aspect. I will be returning.
Digital camera Review: Well Designed/Good Performance
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a big time radio guy, and have used many models over the years. There are two things that really make any radio stand out, and this one has both of them.
The ICF-38 is an excellent performer as far as reception of both AM and FM signals go. Weak signal pick up on both bands is markedly better here than with almost all small portable radios I've used, and even more importantly, selectivity (ability to seperate stations cleanly) is better as well. The tone switch (which some radios don't even have) cuts the treble when desired, if you want a less harsh sounding AM signal. The dial has no clock or light, but an LED for indicating if a station is tuned in. Battery life is excellent if alkalines are used (it takes 4 AA batteries). Output volume is listed as 4 watts, quite loud for a radio of this size, with little distortion at top level.
The other ingredient for a good radio is ease of use and a well though out design. There are little things here which most people won't notice that actually make this radio a joy to use. Many radios today that run off both internal batteries and AC require a seperate wall-wart that plugs into the radio and the outlet, but the ICF-38 has the power cord built in so you won't have to search for it when needed. Also, the battery cover is hinged, which is great as battery covers can disappear as easily as wall-warts (and you can't just go to Wal-mart to buy a new battery cover). The carry handle flips up when needed, and there is an indentation in the cabinet which allows you to slip in a finger to raise it easily, and you'll find out how nice this is when your hands are full and you need to bring the radio with you as well. Both slide swithches for band selection and power have a raised bump in the middle which makes it easier to change bands or turn it on. Finally, The shape makes it easy to place in most locations and it is very stable, making it unlikely to get knocked over.
If there were no markings on this radio to indicate the manufacturer, I would have easily guessed that it was a Sony product. It has the great performance and clever design that I associate with Sony.
Digital camera Review: AM FM Radio
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great radio for the price !! Good item to have around the house.Digital camera Review: SONY ICF38
Summary: 4 Stars
My husband wanted a small radio with no CD or other bells and whistles to use in his workshop and outdoors.
There are very few to choose from in this category--and most are unknown brands. We wanted to buy a brand that would be backed up. This was the best possibility I found.
He says it does the job and sounds fine for the situations he is using it in. He has a hearing loss, so even an expensive, high-end radio would be lost on him. However it does sound just fine to me, too.
It tolerates high temps and humidity (remains in the garage in South Louisiana 24/7/365).
Digital camera Review: Good Regular Radio
Summary: 4 Stars
Good reception both FM and AM. Nice size and good volume. I take it to the garden.