Technological progress is moving by leaps and bounds: the development of television, the latest computers, sophisticated smartphones, powerful laptops, but radios are not far behind their brothers. Modern radios are products for professionals, mini-models for carrying in your pocket, retro-style devices or with a futuristic design, all of these receiver models are no longer just radio stations.

Evolution has changed these devices: today they look like multifunctional products, in which there is an alarm clock, a timer, a player for playing your favorite music tracks, a flashlight and a charger for your mobile phone. Developers and designers do not hold back the flight of fancy. To get acquainted with the latest in this area, you just need to carefully read our article.

Kinds

According to the method of distribution of signals, radio is divided into three main categories:

  1. Terrestrial - its signals are distributed everywhere, and they can be received through the antenna, which is available for any model of receivers. This species is considered the most common, although it has its pros and cons.
  2. Wired option. A radio point is available in almost any apartment in a modern city, town or village. By connecting a stationary radio, users can always be up to date with events in the country, and most importantly, its advantage is the lack of an insecure reception zone, because the signal is transmitted through wires. Stationary radios can be equipped with several buttons so that the listener can select a program on his own. Such products are purchased by the population for a summer cottage located in the countryside, where this is the only way to keep abreast of all events.
  • Online radio is the brainchild of traditional radio and the Internet. It is distributed via dedicated lines or telephone wires. There is always a high quality signal and sound.

Which receiver is better than a digit or analog

Modern radios are divided into analog or digital version depending on the adjustment. The first are equipped with a mechanical tuning scale, and the choice of a broadcasting station is made using a special wheel (switcher) or a slider.

Such devices are inexpensive and are a convenient option for those who mostly listen to one station and rarely "wander on the air." The disadvantages of analog models include inaccuracy in setting the desired range and lack of memory.

Digital models give radio amateurs the opportunity to go on a long voyage on the radio waves in order to find their favorite music or hot news on the air. A product with automatic search, as well as with good reception, is radically different from analog devices, because it can memorize your favorite stations in FM or AM mode from ten to several hundred, which depends only on the model.

They are equipped with liquid crystal displays, which displays the necessary information. In addition, “buns” can be built into them: alarm clock, timer, charge indication. Modern radios are compact in size, so they are used both for home and for tourism, they support MP3 playback, have USB connectors for connecting, as well as SD / MMC and Aux.

Today, young people prefer digital products, because they have good sound, small sizes, up to pocket options, provide stable signal reception of your favorite station, it is convenient to take them with you on the road.

How to choose

When choosing and buying a device, you need to pay attention to the following technical parameters:

  1. Sensitivity. The higher this indicator, the more radio stations the receiver is able to catch.By voltage it is measured in MicroVolts (μV), by voltage - in millivolts per meter (mV / m).
  2. Adjacent Channel Selectivity. It shows the ability to perceive radio waves and produce sound without wheezing, beeping and other interference. Measured in decibels (dB). The higher the indicator, the better (optimally - from 60 to 100 dB).
  3. Output power. Indicates how loud the output sound will be. Measured in watts (W) or milliwatts (mW). The higher the indicator, the louder the device.
  4. Additional "buns". This is a matter of personal comfort. Someone needs a receiver as simple as possible, but someone cannot live without an alarm clock, the ability to read audio files from a flash drive, and so on.

What you should not pay attention to exactly - the brand of the device and its cost. More expensive doesn't always mean better. Decide for what purpose you need a receiver and rely on technical data and user reviews.

Rating 2019

We have compiled a rating of the most popular models based on user reviews:

Portable

Perfeo PF-SV922

Perfeo PF-SV922

  • Type: portable
  • Frequency setting: digital
  • Sound power: 2 W
  • The number of fixed sound settings - 50 stations; speakers - 1
  • Information display: display
  • Power: battery - from USB; working time - 8-10 hours
  • Dimensions: 110x74x28 mm
  • Weight: 155g
  • Manufacturer: Russia

pros
  • small size, light weight;
  • high-quality sound, convenient use;
  • holds a charge for a long time, there is no signal loss;
Minuses
  • not identified.

Domestic experts pleased with a high-quality model at a modest price. The device’s functional capabilities are up to the mark, and can satisfy even the most fastidious consumer. The design is modern, all details are high quality.

HARPER HDRS-099

HARPER HDRS-099

  • Type: portable
  • Tuner Tuning: Analog
  • Sound power: 1.3 W
  • Number of speakers: 1
  • Information: scale, LCD
  • Power: batteries - 4.5 V, 3x D; from the network
  • Dimensions: 212x137x64 mm
  • Weight: 870 g
  • Manufacturer: Hong Kong, PRC

pros
  • retro design, quality build;
  • Built-in MP3 player, high sound quality.
Minuses
  • no memory, manual tuning

The model from Chinese experts is made in retro design, like old all-wave radios of the USSR period, but with a display and control buttons. On the side panel there are slots for SD memory cards and micro SD and a headphone jack.

Sony ICF-306

Sony ICF-306

  • Type: portable
  • Frequency tuning: FM / AM analog tuner
  • Output Power: 100mW
  • Number of speakers - 1
  • Information display: dial
  • Power supply: batteries - 2xAA (LR 6)
  • Dimensions: 190x97x51 mm
  • Weight: 400g
  • Warranty / Manufacturer: 12 months / China
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pros
  • a metal mesh on the speaker, and a body made of durable plastic;
  • soft, smooth tuning, clean, velvety sound;
  • It catches stations perfectly, hold a battery charge for a long time.
Minuses
  • not identified.

This model was developed by Japanese experts, but it is assembled at the plants of the PRC, while the assembly quality is high-end. Has a stationary headphone jack.

Stationary

Panasonic RF-800UEE-K

Panasonic RF-800UEE-K

  • Type: stationary
  • Tuner Tuning: Analog
  • Sound power: 2.5 W
  • Number of speakers - 1
  • Information: settings bar
  • Food: from a network
  • Dimensions: 270x140x97 mm
  • Weight: 1.9 kg
  • Warranty / Manufacturer: 36 months / Indonesia

pros
  • high sound quality, excellent reception;
  • can play sound files from flash drives.
Minuses
  • no power supply.

The radio receiver resembles the old models of the XX century, it perfectly accepts FM, CB, HF, when watching movies from a laptop at the cottage, it perfectly serves as an additional amplifier of the sound series. It can read information from a flash drive.

Sangean wr-12

Sangean wr-12

  • Type: Stationary Radio
  • Frequency setting: analog
  • Sound power: 16 W
  • Number of speakers - 2
  • Information display: display
  • Food: from a network
  • Dimensions: 295x126x203 mm
  • Weight: 4.2 kg
  • Warranty / Manufacturer: 1 year / USA

pros
  • stationary version with excellent acoustics;
  • high build class, excellent appearance.
Minuses
  • sometimes there is a crackle when receiving distant stations.

Unique radio in a wooden case with built-in subwoofer 10 watts of power. Frequency range: FM - 87.5 - 108.0 MHz, and AM / MW - 520 - 1710 MHz.

Hyundai H-SRS100

Hyundai H-SRS100

  • Type: stationary option
  • Tuner Tuning: Analog
  • Sound power: 3 W
  • Number of speakers - 1
  • Information: display
  • Power Supply: 220 V
  • Dimensions: 135x130x165 mm
  • Weight: 1 kg
  • Warranty / Manufacturer: 1 year / Hyundai, made in China

pros
  • powerful wooden case;
  • convenient grip settings.
Minuses
  • not found

An excellent development of specialists from South Korea - there is nothing superfluous, like a simple design, but it looks great in the interior of a business office, there is a standard headphone jack, AUX input.

Alarm clocks

Sony ICF-C1T

Sony ICF-C1T

  • Type: Alarm Clock
  • Frequency tuning: AM / FM analog tuner
  • Output power: 115 mW
  • Quantity: speakers - 1; alarm clocks - 2
  • Information display: display
  • Food: from a network of 220 V; batteries - 1xCR2032
  • Dimensions: 110х102х101 mm
  • Weight: 490 g
  • Manufacturer: SONY concern, Japan

pros
  • unusual design, high build quality;
  • wakes up in the morning with a 100% loud signal and music.
Minuses
  • not found

The original development of Japanese designers will appeal not only to youth, but also to the older generation. It is distinguished by its cubic shape and simple operation. The device fits seamlessly into any interior.

Philips AJ 3400

Philips AJ 3400

  • Type: Radio Alarm Clock
  • Tuner Tuning: Digital
  • Case Material: Plastic
  • Quantity: speakers -; alarm clocks - 2
  • Information: display
  • Power: batteries - 2xAAA
  • Dimensions: 191x70x103 mm
  • Weight: 500g
  • Warranty / Manufacturer: 1 year / China

pros
  • large numbers on the display are green, do not irritate the eyes;
  • excellent display, loud, clear sound;
  • as the clock goes very precisely, no need to adjust.
Minuses
  • buttons are small, inconvenient controls

The built-in quartz resonator allows the mechanism to go very precisely without adjustment, the two levels of brightness of the green numbers do not irritate the eyes, even in complete darkness.

HARPER HCLK-2044

HARPER HCLK-2044

  • Type: Desktop Alarm Clock
  • Frequency setting: digital
  • Sound power: 0.5 W
  • Quantity: fixed tuner settings - 20; speakers - 1
  • Display information: display with a diagonal of 1.8 inches (46.44 mm)
  • Power supply: from a standard network - 220 V; 2xAAA batteries - only for saving settings
  • Dimensions: 200x81x68 mm
  • Weight: 460 g
  • Manufacturer: Hong Kong, China

pros
  • two alarms, large display;
  • modern design, large numbers, loud rising sound.
Minuses
  • small buttons and closely spaced.

Pretty stylish watch, LED indication, pleasant salad color. It perfectly catches stations in two AM / FM bands and remembers them. You can replace the alarm clock melody with your favorite radio station and wake up to music.

Pocket

Panasonic RF-P50EG-S

Panasonic RF-P50EG-S

  • Type: Pocket Mini Receiver
  • Tuning: FM / AM analog tuner
  • Frequency range: FM - 87.5-108.0 MHz; AM - 520-1610 kHz
  • Number of speakers - 1
  • Information: scale for settings
  • Power: 2x AA
  • Dimensions: 117x70x30 mm
  • Weight: 140g
  • Manufacturer: Matsushita Electric Corporation, Indonesia

pros
  • nice tuning, small size and weight;
  • good sound quality and signal stability.
Minuses
  • not identified

Perhaps this is the best model in its class and this price category.

Sony ICF-P26

Sony ICF-P26

  • Type: Pocket Radio
  • Frequency tuning: FM / AM analog tuner
  • Type of control: mechanical
  • Number of speakers - 1
  • Information display: dial
  • Power Supply: 2xAA (LR 6)
  • Dimensions: 119x70x38 mm
  • Weight: 190g
  • Warranty / Manufacturer: 12 months / China

pros
  • high quality yellow assembly, loud, clear sound;
  • good reception of stations; batteries hold a charge for a long time.
Minuses
  • not identified

The compact model of the vertical design is equipped with an LED battery status indicator, good sound is provided to the user with any listening option: through the built-in speaker or headphones.

Tecsun q-3

Tecsun q-3

  • Type: Pocket
  • Tuner Tuning: Digital FM
  • Sound power: 3 W
  • Number of speakers - 1
  • Information: display
  • Power: 1000ma BL-5B power supply (not included)
  • Dimensions: 103x62x23 mm
  • Weight: 160g
  • Warranty / Manufacturer: 12 months / China

pros
  • good sound reproduction, compactness
  • charging can be done from a PC or laptop
Minuses
  • not identified

findings

There are quite a lot of radio models on the market today, because manufacturers produce not only standard products, but also very miniature ones that can be carried in your pocket, and the sound quality remains high. Each user can choose the perfect option for themselves. We hope that the information provided in the article will be a useful help in this difficult matter.