Cinemorphosis

Category: technology

  • Blast from the Past: Panasonic RF-3000, The Tank

    I picked up the package of the Panasonic RF-3000 and could already feel the presence of greatness evidenced by the density of the box. Inside was a 25-pound radio. What do today’s radios weigh? Two pounds?

    The heft of this vintage reminds me of a beloved car my parents bought, a brand new 1967 Chrysler Newport. My parents loved that car and would still have it today except that a troubled neighbor boy attempted to steal the car in 1974 or 1975. The car rolled down the steep hill of a street we lived on and was totaled (as a side note that same troubled boy stole another car a few years later, crashed it, and suffered permanent brain damage, but I digress).

    My point is today’s products are cheap and often chintzy. This can not be said of the solid looking RF-3000. Its only flaws are that twice the previous owner, suffering from dotage presumably, felt compelled to inscribe his social security on the radio. Perhaps this is a testament to his proprietary love of the radio, well deserved. In any case, the person managing the deceased radio owner’s estate disclosed this flaw on eBay. Sorry, there’s something unwittingly macabre about this review. Please let me proceed. 

    Why does a man want a heavy radio? The same reason a man wants 300-500 horsepower in his sport sedan. One word: Confidence. The RF-3000 delivers and more.  

    I turned on the RF-3000 and was stunned by crystal clarity and a salient quality of sound that in my subjective mind may eclipse its legendary brother, the RF-2200. Stations came in with ease. The birdy on the dreaded 710 AM vanished with a slight rotation of the hulking 3000. 88.9 KXLU came in loud and clear. Same for 89.3 and 103.1, other touchy stations. Let’s get real. The 3000 puts today’s radios to utter shame (forgive me, but hyperbolic emotion lends itself to cliche).

    IMG_3362

    This radio is huge. My wife says it looks like a relic from The Hatch in ABC’s hit TV show Lost. As I said earlier, it evokes the grand heft of my parents’ 1967 Chrysler Newport. 

    What did I pay for this booming radio that is so solid I am reminded of the hull of a cruise ship? A paltry $87. You can buy some mediocre radios out there for twice that much. I’m glad I snatched this thing. What a treasure. File the vintage RF-3000 as more grist for middle-aged curmudgeonly men to rant and bicker about the loss of quality in the Modern Age. 

    IMG_3363

  • Blast from the Past: My First Look at the Panasonic RF-1130

    IMG_3476

    When I first saw the RF-1130 AM/FM/SW, my heart sunk for two reasons: I knew I had to have it. And I knew I was going to pay a handsome sum. I ended up buying the radio for about $210 plus shipping on eBay. It arrived a bit dusty but in excellent condition. The biggest problem is oxidation on the volume knob, so I’ll need to purchase some DeOxit spray. Luckily, the volume knob easily pulls off, so I hope the spray application gets rid of some of the volume static. Another fortunate development: Subsequent use of the volume has diminished the static. I doubt this radio was used very much.

    I assumed, the RF-1130 was an apex performer, worthy of rubbing shoulders with other Panasonic vintage legends such as the RF-2200, RF-877, and RF-888. The 1130 did not disappoint. 88.9, 89.3, and 103.1, all potentially problematic stations, came in loud and clear. While the 1130 beat my beloved 877 in FM, the comparison is unfair because my 877 is missing part of its FM antenna. I have to assume a full size FM antenna would make the 877 equal to the 1130. 

    IMG_3475

    Having tested a Panasonic RF-2200, I can say the RF-1130 is comparable, which is to say stunning. The 1130, the 888, and the 2200 are the best AM vintage performers I’ve ever used. As the photos show, the RF-1130 boasts a pop-up Gyro AM antenna, so you rotate the Gyro, not the entire radio, to maximize AM reception. The cheapsters who make today’s radios wouldn’t dream of putting a Gyro on their radios. I doubt they even know what one is. 

    Of course, you’re paying in excess of $200 for this “GI Joe type” radio. It feels expensive: it’s heavy and feels like quality. 

    The 1130 came with the original AC adapter, not a big wall wart, and it runs on 4 “C” batteries. 

    Speaker Sound:

    The generous 4.5 inch speaker fills a room with ease. The sound is clean with no background noise whatsoever. If you want a vintage Panasonic that goes even louder get yourself the 6 inch RF-888. 

    If you’re new to radios and don’t want to fork out this kind of dough, you might look at the Eton/Grundig S350 DL. At most you should spend $99 on one of these reliable, excellent performers. Sometimes they’re on sale for $49 as they currently are at National Geographic.  Of course, the S350DL doesn’t have the high-quality feel of a vintage Panasonic as it feels light and is made of cheap plastic. But $49 for a silver Eton/Grundig S350DL is the best radio deal I know of right now. I mention this value because I don’t expect all radio buyers who read this blog to be willing to spend $200 or more for a used radio. However, if you’re in the market for a vintage Panasonic, I give the RF-1130 the highest recommendation. 

    Shortwave Field Radio

  • Blast from the Past: My Review of the Sony ICF-5500

    IMG_3319

    I purchased the ICF=5500W about two months ago for about $80 on eBay. Unlike its big brother, the ICF-5900, the 5500 does not have SW, which is not a problem for me, a non-SW listener. Smaller than the 5900 and featuring a smaller speaker and AM/FM/PSB bands, the radio begs to be tested, reception-wise, with the 5900. It holds up rather well. I’d be splitting hairs to say that my 5900 gets better AM. At times I thought that was the case, but usually AM seems rather equal. FM is also the same. 

    My 5500 arrived with an accurate tuning dial while my $200 5900 has a dial that is a .70 increment off. Also every now and then the 5900 speaker sounds distorted on talk radio, but usually this is not the case. I don’t know why once in a great while the 5900 speaker sounds “tired.” The smaller 5500 does not show any signs of “fatigue” even though it doesn’t deliver as a big a sound. However, considering its pleasantly small size–8 inches tall, 6.5 inches across, and 2 inches deep–it produces more than adequate sound. There’s nothing tinny about the 5500. 

    IMG_3322

    My only quibble with the 5500’s design is the volume control, a horizontal slide ruler. There may be slight oxidization 

    On the AM scale between 0 and 10, I’d give the 5500 a 9 or 10. I can angle it to get rid of the birdy noise on 710 and most of the chuggling noise on 830 at night.

    On the FM scale, the 5500 definitely gets a 10. It grabs all weak FM stations with ease and can hold its own against the 5900 and one of today’s strong performers, the Eton/Grundig S350DL.

    To give you an idea of how impressive FM is on the 5500, consider that the very weak Indie Rock 103.1 requires lots of antenna play until you can find the sweet spot with my Eton Sound 100, my Sangean WR-2, my Sangean PR-D5, and my Boston Acoustics Horizon Solo and Duo. Now get ready for this: The 5500 pulls in 103.1 with the antenna completely down. Try doing this with a modern radio. One of the things I’ve learned from buying such vintage radios as the 5500, the 5900, and the Panasonic RF-888 is that today’s radios are depressingly bad–cheap build quality, light plastic materials. 

    To give you an idea of the build quality of these radios, consider that on eBay a Panasonic RF-5000 is for sale with the original receipt, a staggering $290 and it sold in 1969. In today’s money, that radio would cost over $600. Today’s radio buyers for the most part wouldn’t pay for that kind of quality. Hence we are stuck with junk in today’s radio market. I apologize, for I have digressed. Back to the 5500:

    Conclusion:

    Considering the rich audio, the small footprint, the handsome manly military design, the stunning AM/FM reception and the excellent value of the 5500, it is highly recommended and deserves to be placed under the category of Apex Performer. 

    IMG_3320

  • Blast from the Past: Paul’s Review of the Panasonic RF-1350

    3

    Thanks to Paul for this review of the Panasonic RF-1350 AM/FM/SW Radio. 

    This radio is quite rare. It may have been marketed only outside the US (I received mine from Canada).

    Dimensions: 12″x8″x3″ (approximate; a little larger in actuality)

    Features: 

    • AM/FM/SW in 5 bands. Continuous shortwave coverage in 3 bands from 1.6 – 30 MHz.
    • Telescopic rod antenna
    • Headphone and line out
    • External antenna connections for AM and FM
    • Continuously variable (analog) volume, bass, and treble control
    • Large tuning knob
    • Fine tuning knob for AM
    • Mechanical band selector switch
    • Runs on 4 D batteries or AC (no adapter required)
    • Tuning indicator needle
    • Carrying handle
    • Dial light (press and hold to illuminate)
    • Brushed aluminum face
    2

    Performance:

    In one word: superb. Excellent sensitivity and very good selectivity on AM/FM/SW. Very smooth, solid tuning knob (no wobble).  No backlash on dial. Dial amazingly accurate on AM and FM. Very nice control of audio tone via bass and treble controls. No scratchy controls. It has a 12 cm speaker (about 4.7 inches), and it can be very loud and room-filling. Build quality and workmanship is great and completely eclipses radios such as the Eton S350DL or Redsun RP2100.

    1

  • Time Travel to 2008: Reception Test of the Panasonic RF-888

    IMG_3268

    A day after receiving the Panasonic RF-888 I did an outside reception test. My first impressions were positive inside my office, so I wasn’t surprised to find that AM and FM was superb, as superior as my testing of the Sony 5900 and the Panasonic RF-2200.

    IMG_3270

    On FM, weak stations such as 89.3, and especially 88.9, came in crystal clear with no background noise.

    On AM, the weakest station, 710, came in with no birdy noise.

    IMG_3264

    The speaker is huge and will blast your ears so from close range I had to barely turn up the volume. My RF-888 will easily fill the living room, and it will probably grace the side coffee table for some time.

    As a living room radio, the 888 will need an adapter and a regular reader Paul, who also sent me the owner’s manual on PDF, was kind enough to recommend the Regulated and Filtered 6VDC 300mA Adapter from Radio Shack.

    IMG_3260
  • Radio Obsession 2015: State of the Radio Collection: “I’ve Got What I Want”

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

    IMG_6254

    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. 

    IMG_6252

    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:

    IMG_6250

    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. 

    IMG_6258

    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.

    IMG_6263

    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.

    IMG_6262

    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.

    IMG_6259

    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

  • C.Crane Solar Radio: Attention to Details Makes It a Winner

    C.Crane Solar Radio: Attention to Details Makes It a Winner

    20250115_153540

    The C. Crane Solar Radio, paired with the optional AC adapter, arrived on Day 9 of the Los Angeles fires—perfect timing for some disaster preparedness. My first impression? Surprisingly compact and, dare I say, stylish. Its buttons and controls are refreshingly intuitive, a rare quality in emergency gadgets that usually look like they were cobbled together by paranoid survivalists.

    Then I met the battery door—a stubborn slab of plastic that wouldn’t budge. My fingers failed, so out came the Swiss Army knife, turning what should’ve been a simple battery swap into minor surgery.

    20250115_150949

    Once powered up (on batteries, to avoid interference), I tested FM reception. Not bad. It’s sensitive, though slightly weaker than my Sangean PR-D12 when pulling in 89.3, a notoriously tricky station here in Torrance. Still, it handled it well. KUSC 91.5, though, was a lost cause—same as the PR-D12. Odd, since during my obsessive radio blogging days in the mid-2000s, 91.5 was crystal clear. Maybe it’s not the radios. Maybe it’s today’s electromagnetic smog choking the airwaves.

    Later that evening, as I tackled the dishes, the FM sound impressed me. 89.3 came through loud and clear, delivering crisp voices on the news.

    AM performance? Initially disappointing—distant, hollow, like voices echoing from a well. My friend Mark reminded me that modern homes are electronic war zones. Between Wi-Fi routers, smart devices, and God knows what else, AM hardly stands a chance.

    But then I tweaked the settings. Switching the bandwidth filter from 2.5kHz to 4kHz transformed the AM performance. Suddenly, it shined.

    The speaker is pleasant but modest. This is a small radio, after all. Luckily, the hidden High Power Audio Mode (press buttons 1 and 5) gives it a subtle boost—not exactly concert hall quality, but enough to rise above kitchen noise.

    Where the C. Crane Solar Radio really excels is in its power versatility—two battery types, a solar panel, and a hand crank. Practical, yet it doesn’t scream apocalypse gear.

    So, where does it fit in my collection? The PR-D12 stays in the garage for kettlebell workouts. The Solar Radio earns a spot over the kitchen sink, likely becoming my wife’s go-to. With solid FM performance, customizable AM tuning, and thoughtful design, the C. Crane Solar Radio gets the details right—and comes out a winner.

    20250115_150937
  • Long-Term Comparison of the Tecsun PL-660 and the PL-680

    Long-Term Comparison of the Tecsun PL-660 and the PL-680

    6a00d8341c6d1b53ef02c8d3cd41ac200c-800wi

    I’ve had both the Tecsun PL-660 and 680 for 5 months now and if I had to choose one, it would be the 660. They are virtually the same in so many ways, speaker sound, AM reception, ergonomics. However, when it comes to FM, the 660 seems more sensitive and grabs the stations without any fuss. 

    The biggest difference is that when I tune to 89.3 LAist, the 660 grabs it with no problem. In contrast, the 680 not only has variability depending on the antenna and radio location, the speaker volume fluctuates considerably so that when the station is weak, the volume is very low and then the volume increases when you adjust the radio location and antenna. I find this highly annoying, especially since I listen to 89.3 a lot. Therefore, the 680 is not getting much radio time. I have it on the black Yamaha piano across from my office where it gets some occasional use. 

    I should add that five months with the Qodosen DX-286 has made me more impressed over time. Its FM is superb, its speaker sound is loud and rich, and its AM reception is superior to both the 660 and 680, so this little marvel is a keeper. 

  • Comparing the Qodosen DX-286 with the Tecsun PL-330 (Which I Absolutely Did Not Need)

    Comparing the Qodosen DX-286 with the Tecsun PL-330 (Which I Absolutely Did Not Need)

    Tecsun 330 & Qodosen

    Let’s get one thing straight: I had no business buying the Tecsun PL-330. None. I already own the Tecsun Four Horsemen—660, 680, 880, and 990—all brilliant in their own right, all lovingly hoarded. I even own the Qodosen DX-286, a small-footprint miracle that punches above its weight with a speaker that sounds like it’s packing 3 watts of sonic muscle, though the specs remain elusive. That radio even beats the Tecsuns on AM shielding, filtering out the urban electrical swamp that makes most radios wheeze and crackle like they’re being exorcised.

    And yet… the PL-330, a compact, .25-watt whisper of a radio, somehow seduced me. Maybe it was the open-box discount—$50 for a radio with a good reputation and a slightly rumpled box? Resistance was futile. I hit “Buy Now” faster than a dopamine junkie in a Black Friday frenzy.

    I didn’t even need the manual. Owning this many Tecsuns means I’m essentially fluent in Tecsunese. Clock setting? Presets? I could do it blindfolded while flossing.

    But let me be honest: The PL-330 is sleek. It has the crisp, militaristic geometry of something NASA might issue to interns. The buttons are snug and precise, unlike the Qodosen’s oversized, Playskool-style layout that screams “Designed by someone who just discovered ergonomics last Tuesday.”

    That said, Qodosen wins on practicality—it has a kickstand. The PL-330, bafflingly, does not. A design oversight or a cruel joke? We may never know.

    I don’t dabble in shortwave, but word on the street is that the 330 handles it like a champ. For FM, both radios are impressively sensitive, but I give a hair-thin edge to the Qodosen. On AM, the Qodosen’s clarity and noise control make it the better choice. For music, the Qodosen delivers a richer, more textured experience. But for talk radio, the PL-330 is sharper and cleaner—great for absorbing Madeleine Brand or NPR in the quiet of dawn.

    Verdict? The Qodosen stays bedside, loyal and boomy. The PL-330 earns a home in the master bath or kitchen, a quiet companion for 5 a.m. when the world still sleeps.

    Did I need it? Absolutely not. Am I keeping it? Absolutely.

    Tecsun PL-330 1
  • The Love of Radios and the Power of Gezelligheid

    The Love of Radios and the Power of Gezelligheid

    20250226_132117

    The Love of Radios and the Power of Gezelligheid

    I’m fully aware that my love for radios borders on the irrational. When I see a certain type—say, the Tecsun PL-680 or PL-660—something in my brain short-circuits. I’m instantly enchanted, as if I’ve just glimpsed an old friend across a crowded room, and at the same time, I’m comforted, as if that friend just handed me a warm cup of coffee and told me everything was going to be alright.

    A radio isn’t just a device; it’s a symbol, though I haven’t quite worked out of what exactly. Maybe it represents the art of slowing down—of sitting in a quiet room, wrapped in a cocoon of music or in the company of voices so familiar they feel like beloved houseguests. Or maybe it’s something more primal, a sanctuary against the chaos of the world, a frequency through which I can tune out the profane and tune into something sacred.

    The word that comes to mind when I hold a radio is cozy—but not in the kitschy, scented-candle, novelty-mug kind of way. This is deeper than that, more akin to the Dutch word gezelligheid—a term that encompasses coziness, warmth, companionship, and the ineffable comfort of simply being. Radios don’t just play sound; they create atmosphere. They transport me back to Hollywood, Florida, sitting on the porch with my grandfather, the air thick with the scent of an impending tropical storm, the crackle of a ball game playing in the background like a heartbeat of another era.

    Many have abandoned radio for the cold efficiency of streaming devices and smartphones. I tried to do the same for over a decade. I failed. Because gezelligheid—that feeling of simple, enduring pleasure—isn’t something you can replace with an algorithm. Some things, no matter how old-fashioned, still hum with life.