Radio Obsession 2015: State of the Radio Collection: “I’ve Got What I Want”

When I got bit by the radio bug in 2004 and bought every Grundig, Eton, Kaito, and Tecsun being released, I started my radio education. At the time, I also bought some vintage Panasonic, Sony, and Telefunken radios. 

Has my passion died? Not really. Here’s the thing. I’ve got what I want. And I know my limitations regarding my tech skills, so I only use my mint Panasonic RF-888 shown below when I want a taste of vintage glory. My beloved Panasonic RF-877 “GI-Joe Radio” (top of the post) shown has amazing FM/AM reception but its sound is intermittent due to oxidization inside the pot. I may have to hire someone to clean it out. 

I’m resigned to the fact that while I have the best modern radios for suiting my listening needs, none of them have the majesty of a Panasonic RF-2200 or a lesser priced GE Super Radio II. 

In any event, here’s my current collection:

The C.Crane SW Radio plays in my workout den/office. I wanted it in my bedroom but its FM antenna too easily hooked on my elbow when I was getting up in the dark, so back in the den it went. Strengths: FM and loud sound. Weaknesses: None. 

C.Crane 2E plays in the kitchen. I bought this a year ago evidencing that I’ll still buy a new radio if I am confident that it is an upgrade to what I already own. The 2E proves to be better than its previous incarnation in terms of sound and FM reception but only by a hair. Weakness: Like all my radios, 640 AM is too strong in Torrance and gets overload in the sound of squawking goose. I gave up on 640 and now listen to Leo Laporte podcasts.

C. Crane Plus in the girls’ bathroom. Nearly as good as the 2E. Ed bought this for me for 7 dollars at Fryes. My greatest radio deal ever.

Tivoli Songbook in the master bathroom. It’s small so it fits on the tiny bathroom table. FM is fine. AM is subject to interference.

Sangean WR-2 plays in the master bedroom. I love that its earbud jack is in the front. FM is great. AM is above average. Problems: The on-off button sometimes needs to be pressed 3-5 times to operate, a condition that can be improved with a Q-Tip dab of Deoxit.

So there you have it. I still love my radios. I don’t buy them much anymore, not because I’ve lost my passion but because I’ve got what I want.   Related articles