Sony radio survives 80 km/h fall from car, keeps working

The radio that fell from a car at 80 km/h and kept playing

A forum user shared that a Sony ICF-F10 radio fell out of a moving car traveling at over 80 kilometers per hour yet continued to function. This is not marketing hype; it is the testimony of an enthusiast who owned one for more than twenty years. The anecdote summarizes the core of a conversation that has lasted for years among radio listeners: several participants argue that older devices last longer than current ones. Amidst this, an uncomfortable question arises: Is there anything decent available for less than 20 euros?

Suspicion regarding rebranded receivers

The initial complaint is specific. An enthusiast had a Sanyo that sounded "great." It died. He bought a Tecsun encouraged by good reviews and, although he admits it is a better device, it sounds worse. According to this user, most radios sold in Europe are rebranded Chinese models. He recalls that current Grundig radios are rebadged Tecsuns; regarding older models, he says he does not know.

In the thread, it is repeated that price does not always correlate with reception quality. A 200-euro receiver can be excellent; a 20-euro one, surprisingly good. The key, insist the more technical users, lies not only in the device but in the antenna.

Sony, the most mentioned brand

If there is one brand that appears repeatedly in recommendations, it is Sony. The ICF-SW7600, SW7600G, and SW33 models appear again and again. One enthusiast owns three. Another says his SW7600 had all capacitors replaced when the manufacturer itself said it was unrepairable, and now "it sounds like angels." The phrase summarizing the consensus: "They don't make radios like this anymore."

The ICF-F10, the one involved in the car accident, remains a model another user has their eye on. Albertini believes the ICF-F12S, sold in emerging markets, will be a good radio. The ICF390BLK is the cheap model purchased and recommended by alopaco. Regarding Sony, one participant doubts they maintain their former quality and notes they are not cheap.

The price of excellence

At the opposite end is Tivoli Audio. Its Model One is praised for its reception, including sideband capability. It costs 200 euros. An enthusiast sold it for 60 and received calls from all over Spain: "If I had known, I would have asked for double." He sold it because he could no longer stand listening to Spanish radio, not because the device failed.

A forum user recommends the German second-hand market: used Grundig and Saba radios in excellent condition for few euros. According to him, quality radios at low-to-medium prices are no longer manufactured.

The antenna matters more than the receiver

Here comes the technical nuance that debunks the myth of the miraculous device. "The antenna is the most important thing, provided we respect minimum standards for equipment," summarizes an enthusiast. For HF, a long wire is the simplest solution. For high VHF and UHF, a discone with a radiator for 50 MHz works well. And the cable: a high antenna is useless if connected with 25 meters of mediocre cable. Minimum RG213.

Installation, moreover, is the most complicated part: space, permits, visual impact. Hence why one forum user opted for a homemade solution. He mounted a radio cassette player with two speakers in the drawer of an old speaker box, including a cigarette lighter socket and powered by a source from his era. "It sounds phenomenal."

The bargain at 18.80 euros

For those who just want to listen to SER and Cope (Spanish commercial radio stations), a forum user considers a cheap radio sufficient; ultimately, alopaco bought the Sony ICF390BLK. It can be found for 20 euros delivered to home; one enthusiast bought it for 18.80. The subsequent review is enthusiastic: "Good reception and great, very powerful sound for less than 20 euros." Another has the same model in digital version and uses it in the bathroom: "It withstands everything, it's like new."

For proper shortwave listening, the choice is the Tecsun PL-600 with an external antenna. And for those wanting something more serious without breaking the bank, the Baofeng UV-5R: 34 euros, magnificent audio, firmware improvable.

Relics that still work

At the other end of the spectrum are devices no longer manufactured. A Hallicrafters SX-42 from 1947, with FM and turntable input, audio stage with two 6V6 tubes in push-pull. A Sansui TU-666 from 1974, in the family since then, used to listen to police frequencies in the lower FM band during the transition. A Zenith Transoceanic Royal 3000-1 from 1962, with germanium transistors mounted in sockets and point-to-point wiring, no printed circuit board.

There are also those who built their own radio with three valves and a Maria Fontaneda biscuit tin. And those who remember the crystal radio as the ultimate example of DIY spirit: a germanium diode and enameled copper wire wound around a toilet paper tube.

One forum user recalled that, if he remembers correctly, the BBC ceased its shortwave broadcasts to Europe years ago. Another said he listens via mobile phone, through wifi or mobile data. The conversation leaves the impression that "real" radio has fewer stations to tune into every day.