Sony SRF59SILVER AM/FM Walkman Stereo Radio

I've been using these radios for the past 20 years or so, starting with the original model that had a black case but, I think, the same circuitry as this one. I use the plural because I've had to replace several. Most required replacement because the earphone jack quit after about a year's use. I tried to get inside to push the contacts back in place, but the one contact I needed (the middle one) was inaccessible. I think they've improved the jack in the last few years; my replacement frequency has decreased.I note that my radios receive VERY heavy use, as I am an NPR addict. Moreover, my local NPR station is AM and there is simply no pocket AM radio on the market that can hold a candle to this one. Good AM radios cannot be made smaller than this, because the antenna has to fit within the case, and the bigger the antenna, the better the reception.The circuit design is an old one with no presets and analog tuning and volume control; it uses a "potato masher" variable capacitor as a tuner, and a variable resistor as a volume control, which, in my opinion, are good things on balance, because you have actual round knobs you turn to perform both of those functions. Another advantage of the "old" circuitry is that when you switch the radio off, it is truly off and not running down your battery. I must admit that one of my radios had a defective volume control that emitted a scratchy sound when you turned it. One downside of the variable capacitor tuner is that it is difficult to tune to a weak FM station that is right next to a strong one (this often happens to me with NPR stations in other cities I visit). For this case, I think the newer lock-in circuitry might be preferable, but those radios typically use AAA batteries and draw power even when switched off.It almost appears that some radio manufacturers are taking bribes from the battery companies. You see these ridiculous radios and other portable electronic devices that take three AAA batteries. I hate that. I love the design of the Sony, which uses ONE AA battery. Simpler, cheaper, and lighter in weight. It makes it easier to carry a spare. And, by the way, the battery life is the best I've seen in a portable. I use a rechargeable NIMH in mine and it works fine. And, best of all, it doesn't quit when IT thinks the battery is low; it lets YOU decide (here again, an advantage of old technology). As the battery is depleted, and the amplifier section gets more stressed, the sound gets progressively more distorted. Finally when the voltage is insufficient to run the tuner section, it quits too, which causes the radio to emit a scratchy hiss. At that point you can turn it off, wait a while and turn it back on to get another 30 seconds or so of use. It's probably best always to carry a spare battery. But don't put it loose in your pocket with spare change and keys; it will short out and be useless, possibly even setting your pants on fire. I keep mine in a prescription drug vial and that works fine.One downside perhaps is the set of earphones that come with it. I throw them away (what a waste) and use a cheap set of earbuds (also Sony) that I get from Amazon. Pretty good sound for a pocket unit, much better than others. Certainly good enough for NPR news shows, which is all I listen to. Another downside is that compact fluorescent lights seem to interfere with AM reception, but they seem to do so with all AM radios except for the large ones that are probably well-shielded.All in all, I'd say this radio is TOO good a deal, which is to say that, because of what must be a low profit, it's hard to find at brick-and-mortar retail stores, who would just as soon you not know it exists, and who would much rather sell you a $50+ radio using the "latest technology." I had one of those once and it was a disaster, even though, it, too, was a Sony. It had the fancy presets (which I don't need because I usually only listen to one station), ate batteries like crazy and quit well before the batteries were completely depleted. Upon battery replacement, all the presets had to be reset.

I have two that I bought years ago. I had the first one and liked it so much that I bought another to keep in my vehicle in case I forget to pack it. I am an avid sports fan, and have season tickets to multiple sports at both the college and professional level. I enjoy play-by-play while watching, and this is the perfect radio. Yes, it's old school, but it is very very durable and has great sound for what I use it for. With analog tuning and the local/DX switch, I can hone in on many stations that a digital radio cannot even tune to, and that's even more the case at indoor stadiums where reception can be tricky. I like to always keep one headphone on while leaving the other ear open, getting the best of both worlds. I forget it's there, it's so small and light. Easily fits into any shirt pocket and durable enough to have in the rough environment of a jeans pocket when the shirt does not have one. They have gotten wet from rain, sweat, and being dropped into a sink, and never missed a beat. They have both been dropped countless times The only bad thing that has happened to both is that the plastic flap that holds the battery in broke off, but I use a piece of duct tape to hold it in with no problems at all. As others have stated, the battery lasts amazingly long. It is compatible with every type of earphone I have ever used with it. The headset that comes with it sounds great, I just rather small earphones for the purpose that I use this radio. It so small and concealable, it can be worn and not detected in many situations that would otherwise be inappropriate when there is a game on that I simply cannot miss! At this price, I went ahead and got another one when I ran across it on Amazon, as I haven't seen them in stores for years.

This is one fine portable radio for the price! Based on the reviews provided at this site, I bought this Walkman to replace one which was digital and in addition to AM/FM included WX band and a cassette tape deck. Other than the convenience of the previous unit's digital controls, which allowed preset radio station selections, the SRF-59 is head and shoulders above it in overall performance at less than 1/2 the price. Analog station tuning is a little touchy with the SRF-59, but it is not annoying to use. This is the only reason that I have downgraded the rating from 5 stars to 4. Once the station selection is made, the reception and sound reproduction are excellent - much better than my previous unit. The headset is comfortable to wear and produces great tone and range. The small size of the radio and the included belt clip make it easy to put it in your pocket or to attach it to your clothing. The reception does not seem to be degraded by putting it in your pocket. Overall, I give Sony a big thumbs up for putting so much performance in such a small package at such a low price.

After reading some of the negative reviews on here, I'm wondering exactly what those people were expecting? But I guess you can't please everybody. In my opinion, this radio is just what I needed. I'm quite surprised and pleased at the quality of the stereo sound for the small size, and I have no problems with the reception. I just needed an inexpensive, simple, small, personal, portable radio that I can wear and listen to while I'm working so it doesn't bother anyone else in the room. This little unit fills the bill for me.It's surprising to find out how hard it was for me to find exactly what I wanted. I didn't want to spend a fortune, and while I found other radios that might work, many of the choices were just beyond my budget. Then I ordered this one, and when I fired it up for the first time, I was more than pleased. I like the fact that it uses only one AA battery too. Very economical.After using another brand of radio for a few years, this one is a real step up for me. But I guess I'm easy to please. This is a great little radio for what it is. I don't think you could beat it for the price.