C. Crane Sonido Radio
by Sangean
(Click here)
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: SangeanRelease Date: 2006-09-29
Model: SNR
Color: White
Product features:
- Excellent AM and FM reception
- 250 hours runtime on fresh set of batteries
- TV Audio 2-13 and NOAA Weather Band
- Stereo headphone jack
- Connect your MP3 player to audio-in jack
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of C. Crane Sonido Radio
Customer Review: Fine so far, but not exceptional given the positive reviews
Summary: 3 Stars
I waited for this with great anticipation after reading the positive reviews. It is much larger and heftier in person that I thought it would be - especially with the large D sized batteries (It is replacing a Kaito portable that is about 1/8 the size of the Sonido.) I even went so far as to make a paper mock up of it before purchasing it to get a feel for its size. Unfortunately, the paper model was not able to replicate the heft. Of course, its size and weight make it feel like a high quality device and contributes to the great FM sound (more on that later).
I like to carry the radio when I walk the dog, so maybe this is a bit too big. I also use it around the house all the time, so it is less of an issue in that situation. I listen almost exclusively to sports radio (mostly Red Sox). In fact, I am a sports radio addict. Games or talk, I can't get enough. The AM reception is good, but I daresay that it is not better than my Kaito. The sound and reception on FM is great. But, since I listen to AM 90% of the time, this is not as critical for me. In AM, the voices sound a bit muddy and muffled. Sounds a bit like you have placed thick plastic wrap over the speaker grille. I wish there was a bass and treble control to sharpen up the voices a bit more. Bummer.
A couple of other things: The radio really ought to have a handle given its size and heft. If not a handle, then at least a rubber grip around the natural holding place. Also, I would like to see a lock button to prevent inadvertent changes to the stations or settings (especially since you often press buttons when moving the unit).
So, sorry to disappoint everyone. It just didn't measure up for my purposes. I will see how I feel about things in about a month and append to this review.
Appended to previous on 2/6:
So this radio is starting to grow on me. Since the Pats lost, I have been using the Sonido to listen to the primary updates on NPR. This thing is GREAT at getting in FM. Also, unlike just about all other portable digital radios, there is a display button that changes from station number to time and it stays on the time until you decided to change it back to the call numbers. Really handy since I don't carry a watch.
Update: My ferrite bar cracked in half after this fell from three feet off the window sill (I opened the unit to confirm). Bummer. Now the reception for AM is lousy. Boo hoo.
Update: After dealing with the broken ferrite bar for far too long, I finally replaced this radio with a Tivoli Songbook that I found for only $10 more than the Sonido. It is a better unit in many ways and for only ten bucks more, it is finally worth the additional cost. Check out my review for the Songbook for details.
Description of C. Crane Sonido Radio
The Sonido is the elegant-looking AM/FM radio with Weather Band. It has most of the fine features you've come to appreciate with our CCRadios, including excellent AM and FM reception. The NOAA Weather Band is an all-hazards band, so if anything unexpected happens in your area, you'll be among the first to know and the most informed. Coincidentally, the Sonido uses state-of-the-art circuitry to squeeze 250 hours of runtime out of a fresh set of four "D" size alkaline batteries (not included). Other features include: stereo headphone jack, MP3 player input, 5-memory presets per band, and dual programmable alarm clock with sleep timer. AC Adapter included. Two year warranty. C. Crane Company exclusive.Digital Cameras & Photo Categories
Similar Digital Cameras & Photo Products
Sangean DT-400W AM/ FM Digital Weather Alert Pocket RadioSangean; Sangean; Sangean; Electronics; Speakers
Price in other shops:
Sangean PR-D5 Portable Radio with Digital Tuning and RDSSangean America, Inc.; Sangean; Sangean America, Inc.; Electronics; Speakers
Price in other shops:
Sangean PR-D7 AM/ FM Digital Rechargeable Portable RadioSangean; Sangean; Sangean; Electronics; Windows; Speakers
Best price: $51.99
Price in other shops: