Sony ICF-506 FM AM Portable Radio Review

Рет қаралды 52,375

6 жыл бұрын

The Sony ICF-506 AM FM Portable is a handy radio that most will find pleasing to own.
▶ The Sony ICF-506 at Ebay: bit.ly/SonyICF506
(paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
▶ The Sony ICF-506 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2GeHnC9
▶ The Sony ICF-506 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2LsNN4r
▶ Todd's Shop: www.amazon.com/shop/todderbert
(paid links) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
* Todderbert's Rockin' Radio Shop *
www.radiowavesbytodderbert.com
The radio has a deep tone to the sound, and this is great on FM and not so great for me on AM. I like a crisp, bright and clear tone on AM broadcasts and find it difficult to like this audio choice.
It also utilizes a step tuned approach instead of a pure analog tuning method. I am still warming up to this, some radios do this very well and some don't. I would say this one does it well on FM and average on the AM band. Fringe stations on the AM band can come into and out of tune causing a popping sound.
Features I liked best about this radio:
AC power. Simple cord, built in transformer.
Optional Battery power.
FM sound quality is very nice!
Carrying handle
Clear and accurate tuning Dial.
Battery life indicator.
This radio is great for most people. The collector or serious tuner may not be so happy with the AM quality. It is a solid buy for $40, because it will appeal to most with the included AC support.
You can help support the channel now by just doing your normal shopping through my Amazon links.
You don't even need to buy the item you are linked to. Just remember to use the link when you decide to shop for something at the big online store :) Awesome!
▶ Amazon Item Donation: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
▶ Patreon Forum: / todderbert
Special thanks go out to my Patreon Cornerstone Supporters:
Arnold Alt
MaryAnn A
Rita B
▶ Todderbert's Discord: / discord

Пікірлер: 92

@todderbert 4 ай бұрын

▶ The Sony ICF-506 at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2GeHnC9 ▶ The Sony ICF-506 at Amazon CA: amzn.to/2LsNN4r (paid links) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.

@clemsonbloke 3 ай бұрын

AM radio by its nature is muddy, nothing about AM is bright, lol!

@clemsonbloke 3 ай бұрын

Also, sometimes brands will roll off the AM just slightly, not a lot, but a tad just to keep it from being so noisy. Sounds pretty good to me. I think you're used to listening to pocket radios more than the bigger speakered ones, haha. Good Radio, thanks Todd.

@NhanNguyen-vq3kr 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. I just purchased this radio. Really enjoyed it.

@elbowroomtube 5 жыл бұрын

Your the Bob Ross of radio! Love your channel man.

@skateboarding118 5 жыл бұрын

Just got my longest dx to date with this radio.... Got a Nashville station from Vancouver, CA at around 4:15 am! Over 4000 km!

@Antonio-ms6yi 5 жыл бұрын

I live in Prince George BC Canada ,My radio is good in both bands AM & FM ;Good video todderbert

@CortoMalaise 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, thanks for the videos. Sound seems more crispy on the 306 but I'll get this one since it'll stay in my kitchen. AC power is a +++ Greetings from Switzerland

@timetravlr625 4 жыл бұрын

Really nice video,--- smooth, calm, and helpful ,--thanks friend!

@tertia0011 5 жыл бұрын

I recently purchased this radio. I'm happy with its reception: longest Dx to date with it is approx. 2,370 km.

@tertia0011 5 жыл бұрын

I live in Melbourne. 4.45 this morning I picked up a signal with callsign RNZ (Radio New Zealand) at the lower end of the AM band. New Zealand lies to the SE of Victoria across the Tasman sea.

3 жыл бұрын

As I am considering buying this radio or the Panasonic 2400D, which one performs better on FM? And can the antenna on this Sony rotate 360°? I hate it when the antenna can only be swiped in one plane.

@lindaeasley5606 3 жыл бұрын

Rediscovering the transistor radio ❤ They are very handy.You can take them with you everywhere and weigh less than a pound. I have an FM radio with my phone but who wants to run down their phone battery?

@tomrichardson6525 Жыл бұрын

My bathroom (and easy to get to portable) radio for over 15 years was my Sony ICF-36. Still have it. replaced it with a Sangean PR-D7. This "bathroom radio's" main job is filling in for my 20 something Wave CD listening to the local news on WBZ1030 as I prepare for the day. If you're going to have step tuning, why not have a digital display? And the PR-D7 has onboard battery charging. The IC-506 probably has the better speaker though.

@DIlic-iz9tx 4 жыл бұрын

*_I think it's a cleaner admission to the AM band at Sony icf19, though. What do you think?_*

@MalditoSeasEstadoDelsrael 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a radio in the same price range with similar am reception and a better speaker? I'd even consider older/used models- I just want a radio that sounds good and can be carried around the house, im currently clumsily carrying a Toshiba rp-2000f because it good quality sound, but its the size of a shoe box and weighs like 7 pounds with batteries on.

@ernestopantohan9866 2 жыл бұрын

Really nice radio, amazing

@marcosmza1962 6 жыл бұрын

Good receiver. It must be that for MW uses a relative narrow bandwith filter and affect the audio quality, but seems to be sensitive and with good selectivity. For a general purpose or kitchen radio, I think it works properly. That's my humble opinion. 73!

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

Its a good make for sure. I love my Sony's. Though the current Panasonic 2400D I reviewed is getting more play time atm.

@RobertNES816 6 жыл бұрын

I have this radio. I agree with you about the muffled AM audio. Its not terrible but if only this radio had a tone knob it would really make it allot better. But having said that a radio like this with a 3 watt speaker is really nice and also being able to get 75 hours out of three AA batteries is really something. If you can find one Id recommend the Sony ICF-780. Its also a radio on a chip but it tunes more like a traditional Analogue radio. It has a tone adjustment knob and a large 3 watt speaker like the ICF-506 does however the audio amp seems to have better fidelity since the bass and treble are more pronounced.

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the recommendation. It has an interesting dial. I need a mid range radio like this to review. My GE Super Radio is a bit large and heavy with its 6D batteries. Though I love its sound. When portable radios had Bass/Treble controls.

@RobertNES816 6 жыл бұрын

todderbert The ICF-780 is no GE Super Radio for sure. Buts its a better radio then the ICF-506 is. The audio quality really is a very noticeable improvement. Selectivity and sensitivity seems to be about equal on both radios. Oh and the ICF-780 also works on AC and DC power to.

@reypasetes9850 8 ай бұрын

@@todderbertc00

@mohammedfaisal3786 3 жыл бұрын

Sir, tecsun 200 loop suitable for this radio?

@charlesduby4602 5 жыл бұрын

Wow the f.m. is great too,I'm a back in the day old school kind of guy you know the a.f.c. days somewhere along the way it was decided a.f.c. had too go, I gave the radio a high rating.

@charlesduby4602 5 жыл бұрын

Wow that is definitely different circuitry call it step tuning,I got to get one of them,I mean I like the old way of course but that's nice very strong also.

@gmzx3 5 жыл бұрын

I believe it has a digital signal processor chip in it, so that causes the similar to FM AFC effect.

@mrq- Жыл бұрын

Is this loud enough for FM drive in theatre movie?

@alenk4682 Жыл бұрын

Can it work without the 3 AA batteries?

@FandCCD 4 жыл бұрын

How does the audio compare to that of the ICF-38? It sounds pretty comparable but it’s been a while since I’ve listened to mine.

@todderbert 4 жыл бұрын

The 38 and the 506 are similar, but the 38 does have a tone switch that helps.

@bubu-tk2sb 5 жыл бұрын

I need this one too, last time I got a p36 after watching your review, but I've been played for week at my sis salon and ran bunch of batteries, this got ac thanks so much for your review.

@todderbert 5 жыл бұрын

I like this one. There will be some revisit videos airing soon :)

@bubu-tk2sb 5 жыл бұрын

todderbert please don't change the red table sheet on your video background, it does add a warm view while enjoying all of your videos. Thanks you ;-)

@miimaker2120 2 жыл бұрын

Anyone review Waxiba mp-995 solar-based radio? I found this being sold on Greek website, interesting radio

@dragokk2034 3 жыл бұрын

Very good radio! Sony is alway a top choice 👍📻👌🔝

@vu3mes 2 жыл бұрын

How's AM DX reception please

@Matthew-dd2gp 3 жыл бұрын

I had my 1973 Sony CFS-828S MK2 Radio Cassette-Corder

@corazinedorado6840 4 жыл бұрын

great value for money radio 👍

@balohna 6 жыл бұрын

Do you know if the headphone jack outputs stereo sound? I have some decent speakers and just want a small simple radio to plug them into.

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

Sadly its not stereo..I love my stereo radios when I can get them. www.sony.com/electronics/radios/icf-506/specifications

@balohna 6 жыл бұрын

Ah, mono in both ears might be okay! Not expecting amazing sound over the airwaves, just didn't want a speaker sitting unused. Thanks.

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

Well I found a new radio you may want to check out, it has FM stereo on the headphone jack and gets decent FM reception. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/atmHobqTxLOrhqc.html

@balohna 6 жыл бұрын

todderbert awesome! Thanks, checked out your video and will likely go with that one.

@user-qg8rd9ge7e Жыл бұрын

Can you send me any old,analog am or mw radio receiver sony to belarus?

@saniabdulla 4 жыл бұрын

Hello sir, I want to buy a radio, can you recommend me between this radio and tecsun r9700dx, which one is better?

@todderbert 4 жыл бұрын

The AM and FM performance on the Sony may be better, and run times on batteries are amazing. The Tecsun has Shortwave and a backlit dial. Depends on your needs.

@baneverything5580 4 жыл бұрын

@@todderbert I`m waiting on a Sony ICF-19 and Tecsun R9700dx to arrive. I don`t like DSP but the Sony seemed to work very well in your review and I wanted a radio that would run for hundreds of hours on a set of batteries in case the current SHTF situation gets even worse. And hell, with this disease going around I might be dead soon so I decided to buy some extra radios to play with.

@dougsvideos4441 6 жыл бұрын

The radio has a DSP. Chip in it. That's why you have to tune slowly. Most radios have been doing that for awhile. I have radios with and without I am not sure which I like better.

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

I enjoy the extra selectivity of a quality DSP radio, allowing me to listen to fainter stations. Though I do like a smooth non-AFC analog FM tuner.

@domi3722 6 жыл бұрын

Bonsoir, moi c'est juste pour écouter la FM. Les stations sont faciles a trouver et stables ?.

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

Oui, cette radio a une excellente réception et sélectivité FM.

@domi3722 6 жыл бұрын

Ok merci beaucoup.

@corazinedorado6840 4 жыл бұрын

please friend this radio is still produced in 2020? do you have the date that this radio was produced?

@todderbert 4 жыл бұрын

These are still on sale in the States, at Amazon: amzn.to/2ChhNQi

@ernestopantohan9866 2 жыл бұрын

Top choice

@OwenPrescott 6 жыл бұрын

Do you think this is a good manual spirit/ghost box? Doesn't matter if people believe in that sort of thing, just want similar sweeping radio effect

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure, I know nothing about ghost box radios and what makes a good one.

@charlesduby4602 5 жыл бұрын

Owen Prescott that radio would make an excellent ghost detector radio!

@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531 3 жыл бұрын

SONY CONTINUES TO MAKE TOP NOTCH RADIOS!📻🎶🎶🎶

@MarcosReis18 3 жыл бұрын

Good night, I just got to know the channel. I'm looking for a radio the size of this one, to serve me as a desktop radio that can be plugged into an outlet. The best I've seen so far are this and Panasonic's RF-2400D, but I'm having trouble with places to buy, as I live in Brazil and both are only available to buy outside the country. Could you help me by recommending other models that can meet my need? Thank you for your work!

@todderbert 3 жыл бұрын

Prunus J-15: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pJ2He6ac1rvFgJc.html

@MarcosReis18 3 жыл бұрын

@@todderbert thanks bro

@Callatis 2 жыл бұрын

What's the great choice for AM? Sony ICF506 or Panasonic RF3500E9-K?

@todderbert 2 жыл бұрын

The 506 is built well, and should be good against most radios. Not sure of the Panasonic since I have never tested one.

@Tekashi-oe1wj 5 жыл бұрын

I buying the Radio now i wondering how it is?

@todderbert 5 жыл бұрын

You will enjoy it. The DSP is rather good and locks on the stations. FM is excellent, and the sound quality is impressive. I like the dual power option also.

@metitusable 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, does it need the batteries to operate? Thanks

@Mgaga97 26 күн бұрын

From what it seems, no - it has a power cable input socket (looks like regular radio inlet cable socket - without the ground)

@radiowavemaniac 3 жыл бұрын

9:15 Popular Polish song

@torstenhranchuk7 5 жыл бұрын

anyone know if the headphone jack is mono or stereo?

@todderbert 5 жыл бұрын

Mono.

@torstenhranchuk7 5 жыл бұрын

Thanx very nice of you to get back to me best regards happy holiday's @@todderbert

@todderbert 5 жыл бұрын

Happy Holidays!

@anthonycosta1776 Күн бұрын

I’m surprised you didn’t think this is an excellent AM radio for pulling in fringe dx. Try it with a passive loop like select a tenna . It rivals the ep pro and cc 2e

@mcdus78 5 жыл бұрын

A power cord! Thank you Sony!

@user-ew2pg2nq7s 5 жыл бұрын

Nice radio 📻📻📻📻

@todderbert 5 жыл бұрын

Nice, clean design. Great reception also. One of my favorites.

@jeffking4176 6 жыл бұрын

I really don’t like this new “step tuning “ . Its a pain. Reception seems decent enough. I really like the large dial/ black on white- very easy to see.

@todderbert 6 жыл бұрын

This is a pretty radio, but I returned it due to that dreaded step tuning and charlie brown sound speaker on the AM.

@firozmohammed222 Жыл бұрын

Radio nice

@3dhYT 11 ай бұрын

The place for the cable should be in the back, not on the side.

@gilvanjunior8858 4 жыл бұрын

I love This Channel but a don't speak english 😭😭😭

@todderbert 4 жыл бұрын

Keep Rocking!

@user-ro2xc8ef4y 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@user-ew2pg2nq7s 5 жыл бұрын

I have Sony j40

@mcdus78 5 жыл бұрын

شموخ رجل I want to buy your radio. How much?

@user-ew2pg2nq7s 5 жыл бұрын

@@mcdus78 where are you from

@mcdus78 5 жыл бұрын

شموخ رجل I am here in Qatar. Are you selling it? How much?

@abrahamantoniosanchezrubio7136 5 жыл бұрын

👵👴💜📻

@mikkei3532 2 жыл бұрын

Panasonik DX2400 is much better

@mbaslacker6373 6 жыл бұрын

I cannot recommend the Sony ICF-506 as an AC powered office radio. The power socket is not deep enough to securely hold the power cord in place. Any small movement will cause the radio to momentarily lose power or cause the cord to fall out. A rare design flaw by Sony. So back to the store it goes....