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Sangean PR-D5 Portable Radio with Digital Tuning and RDS by Sangean America, Inc.
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Sangean America, Inc. Brand: Sangean Edition: Electronics Model: PR-D5 Color: White Publisher: Sangean America, Inc. Studio: Sangean America, Inc. Music Label: Sangean America, Inc. Product features: - PLL synthesized tuning system with auto station seek.
- 200mm ferrite AM antenna provides unmatched AM reception
- 10 memory presets (5 AM, 5 FM)
- Rotary volume and tuning control
- Radio Data System (RDS) function with radio text, station name and auto clock time; Aux in, Sleep Snooze Alarm
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sangean PR-D5 Portable Radio with Digital Tuning and RDSCustomer Review: The PR-D5, an excellent portable radio. Summary: 4 Stars
As it is with many products these days, a bit more time taken in design and more attention to detail in the execution would have made this a 5-star product. First, just how portable is a unit this large (and heavy, with the 6 C batteries installed) without a shoulder strap? They do give you a grip rail on the back so you won't drop it carrying it from room to room, but it's not satisfactory for say, a camping or hiking trip. And speaking of batteries, Sangean did not put a foam pad on the inside of the battery hatch lid to help prevent the batteries from shifting around. That lack is not hard to rectify, but it did detract from my score for this unit. This just in: I wondered if there was any protection for the memory, etc. when it is time to change the batteries, so today (8/26/07) I ran some tests to find out. I pulled a battery for various periods up to one minute - the presets and other memories remained intact and the clock held too. A REAL MANUAL would tell you exactly how much time you have to putz around and get the new batteries in. It would also tell you that you MUST install batteries for the memories to be maintained for lengthy periods.
. As with the RCR-22 which I also reviewed today, the "manual" leaves much to be desired. For the units shipped to North America, Sangean could leave out all the languages except for English, Spanish and French, and use the freed-up pages for more thorough information. Simple things for the non-technical folks like whether you plug the AC adapter into the radio and then into the AC outlet or vice-versa would be useful (the first method is correct for nearly all AC adapters). And for the more technically literate buyer, what happens when you plug in the AC adapter? Does it disconnect the batteries entirely or just protect them with a diode? Apparently the batteries are protected by a diode as nothing happens (the radio keeps on playing and the clock tells the time) when you plug the AC adapter into the radio while the adapter is not plugged into an AC outlet. At least make complete info available from the web site, but noooo... My first Sangean, the ATS-803, AM/FM/Shortwave receiver came with a REAL MANUAL, but then it cost more than twice as much too. Unfortunately some sleazy barstid [sic] stole it from me.
. The controls are very easy to use and the reception is excellent (as noted by Universal Radio on their web site). As with many other Sangean models, the AM tuner and antenna system is not simply an afterthought. The speakers give a very good sound for their size and there is a headphone jack for those who want even better sound quality. I tried a pair of self-powered speakers (such as used with computers, etc.) with it to great effect. As Letterman is fond of saying: You can "blow the roof off the joint!"
. I listen to AM radio a lot, so I've looked more closely at that aspect of the PR-D5. This past evening I listened to WSB in Atlanta very clearly (I'm in a deep valley in the Finger Lakes of NY). I recall picking up Charlotte, N.C. and New Orleans too. The length of this unit (10-3/4") means you will need a good sized, free area on your night stand or table to rotate it for best reception and perhaps a way to elevate it too. Though a couple of my nearby AM stations are working on their transmitters/towers, I am still able to receive them at their current low power outputs.
. The other functions of clock, alarm, timers, etc. work as described, and since this unit lacks a direct-entry number pad, the presets are a necessity. I set them to my regulars and fortunately their frequencies are scattered pretty well across the band (from 570 to 1390) so they can serve as starting points for tuning other frequencies. I'd prefer that the available 10 presets could be used for either AM or FM band stations, but the five I have for AM are just adequate for my needs.
. A thorough manual would have gotten the PR-D5 a 9 point or 4.5 star rating from me. One can't ask for more pure radio performance from a unit in this price range. I don't think that anyone would be really disappointed with this radio. .bh.
Description of Sangean PR-D5 Portable Radio with Digital Tuning and RDSHands down one of the best performing portable radios you will find today. With its whoppingly large 200mm ferrite antenna, its dual 2.5" speakers, and the RDS text function you would be hard pressed to find another portable radio that offers so much for so little. This lite and powerful radio is capable of being powered by the included AC adapter, 6 x 'C' batteries, and optional DC power you have the flexibility a portable should have. We could talk all day about its features and performance, but think that you are the best judge. Listen and learn what good radio is. Features: PLL Synthesized tuning system. 200mm Ferrite AM antenna - provides unmatched AM reception 10 Memory Presets (5 AM, 5 FM). Rotary Volume Control Rotary Tuning Control Auto Seek Station Stereo/Mono Selector Switch Headphone Socket 3.5mm Aux-in Socket. DC Jack (Adapter not included) Backlite LCD. Sleep Timer Radio Data System (RDS) function with radio text, station name and auto clock time. Alarm with Humane Wake System (HWS). Battery Life Indicator. AC Power Adapter (Included) Dimensions ( W x D X H): 10 3/4" X 5 1/3" x 2 2/3" Weight: 2 lbs. Batteries: 6 x 'C'.
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