Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Carlos Latuff, who writes
I recently purchased a Sony SRF-S84 radio, which, despite its diminutive size, has excellent sensitivity. From what I’ve researched, this model began production by the Japanese company in 2001 and was discontinued around 2010. Below are the radio’s specifications, taken from its instruction manual.
The radio is an analog AM/FM model with a small tuning dial that requires a deft touch. It operates on a single AAA battery (excellent battery life), has no built-in speaker, and features a stereo headphone output (P2). Despite its tiny internal ferrite antenna (approximately 3 cm long) and the typical oscillations of medium waves, I was able to receive stations from neighboring countries very well here in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Here is some audio from this little marvel. I focused only on the medium waves. All listening sessions were conducted outdoors, at night, and without the aid of a MW loop antenna.
Audio 1
Radio 10, AM 710 kHz, Argentina, June 17, 22h30 (local time)
Audio 2
Radio Universo, AM 970 kHz, Paraguay, June 17, 22h33 (local time)
Audio 3
Radio Atlantica, AM 760 kHz, Argentina, June 17, 22h45 (local time)
Audio 4
Radio Super Rede Boa Vontade, AM 1300 kHz, Brazil, June 17, 23h43 (local time)
I bought one a short while ago too. It’s tiny and has good battery life. My friends have the 59 but I don’t. I do own an AIWA that is about twice as wide, very similar to this and I bought it in 1983 or so. Still have it.
I have this radio. It was my Every Day Carry radio until recently. I didn’t replace it because it is faulty, but only because the numbers on both the AM and FM sides are comprelely worn off! I got a little Retekess V112 to replace it but it is inferior and IT is already getting scratched up! and while rechargeable, the battery life is pretty bad. I also have an SRF-59, but it is too valuable to carry around. It is my tiny DX engine.
I also have a HanRiongDa HRD–747 which has amazing feature set and about the same size. But it has the most aggravating controls ever devised! And the smallest dislay font I have ever seen,
That’s exactly what I was thinking, Barry. This mini radio could easily be part of an EDC kit. I was thinking of a pocketknife, a Wuben G5 flashlight, and this little radio.
Amazing sound! Thank you very much for this review 🙂
My pleasure and duty, Sebastian. Greetings from Brazil.
..if Sony can build these sensitive radios in 2001, why not now? These are analogue radios, without DSP, or TR66686 radio chips! Bring back the Soni ICF-2010, Panasonic B646, etc..! Build ‘em, again!
I second that, Michael!
Third it. And I already have a 2010 and 7600G. Always wanted a 100 or even a one.
This inspires me to write up a review of my Aiwa CR-A55, a similar gumstick AM/FM receiver. Spoiler alert, it is fabulous and has never disappointed me!
I can’t wait to see your review, Rick. Greetings from Brazil.
please do Rick. I had 1 of these back in the day but lost in when we moved from Georgia
That’s some really nice audio coming out if that little radio! 🙂
Yes, Ollie…and that’s just from recording the AM frequency! The FM performance is also excellent! Greetings from Brazil.
Years back this series of Sony analog portables were the favorites of audiophiles who found the audio path very easy to upgrade. Lots of old threads on head-fi.org
Carlos,
Welcome to the world of ultralight MW DXing! Nice review.
I have the Sony SRF-59 which, I think, offers similar performance and requires a safecracker’s touch for tuning.
Cheers, Jock
Hey Jock, greetings from Brazil. I was really impressed with the performance of this tiny radio in terms of AM reception. Considering the minuscule size of its internal ferrite antenna, it’s hard to believe how many signals it receives. And since the vast majority of AM radio stations in Brazil have recently migrated to FM, the spectrum is even more conducive to listening to AM radio stations from Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Great review Carlos on a very interesting, small device.
By the way, i like your receiving reports a lot!
Thanks Roland, more reports to come. 🙂
Greetings from Brazil.