Back in the 1970's I gave my Dad an RF-2200 for his birthday. Paraplegic, he was operating his radios in bed and I often heard his Super Radio 2 fall over at night as he twisted and turned the radio for better reception. He thought the Panasonic was so much easier to use and the gyro-antenna was heaven sent. The 2200 had pride of place on his night table for over a quarter century. It got him through countless nights of insomnia as he searched the MW band, earphones on his head so as not to wake up my Mom.
I have the exact radio at home and its really good to play around with and listen to. Especialy at night time. It picks up alot of far away radio stations and holds them in. Great Fm to and the shortwave varies at times. Id recommend this radio to buy. it,s well worth it. It takes 4 D cell batteries to work and comes with a dial light and a swivel antenna bar on top. Its a good radio...
The GE Super Radio II is made for sound. The Panasonic RF-2200 is a multi-band radio, hence most of its engineering went into circuitry for all those bands. I also have both radios, mine are close to equal, perhaps the RF-2200 a bit more sensitive on weak signals while the GE is better sounding. One downside of the GE, one must turn the whole radio to align the ferrite antenna broadside to a weak station for optimum reception, while on the RF-2200 one needs just to orientate the rotatable antenna. 73 de KQ2N
I very much enjoy your demons of these two legendary sets! I like DX too, but both of my sets are new and still in production. They are the CCRadio-EP and CCRadio-2E, analog and digital respectively. They are as different as night and day, but are very good performers! I like your enthusiasm with daytime DX! It separates really good radios from the junk! :)
Thanks for this comparison of the two radios. I was trying to figure out where this test might have taken place. At the end, I heard a TIS station that makes me think that these signals were being received near Avalon, NJ.
Try the Panasonic RF 1165 (Tech 1000). It has legendary sound quality and the rotatable rod antenna on top like the 2200. I always liked my 2200 better since I listen to a lot of shortwave stations. Todderbert did a review on the 1165. A lot of these Super Radios were designed by Matsushita and GE/RCA used to put their name on it. I learned this because I worked for an electronics department of a large department store (no longer in existence though), Famous-Barr. Neat video. It takes a lot of patience to go through the dial on those old GEs.
I have and use both radios. The GE Superadio II sounds better, mainly due to its 6.5 inch speaker and tweeter. The Panasonic has a wimpy speaker, but has vastly better RF performance, in terms of sensitivity and selectivity; use headphones or an external speaker for improved monaural audio. I like the Panasonic spinning AM antenna, advanced controls and very precise slide rule tuning. For most users, the Panasonic is overkill; it's bigger, more complicated to operate and that gyro antenna is fragile. If you only listen to FM and AM, most people would prefer a well aligned GE Superadio II. (I think GE used cheap caps, so it will need a recap and an alignment). But of course if you want shortwave too, the Panasonic is superb. They are really very different radios. Both are fabulous, but for different uses.
I have both myself. I don’t prefer one over the other. However Panasonic 2200 is more definitive between just noise level and finding a station. REAL QUIET between stations. The Superadio II is a bit more annoying on noise level. Trust that I have more than one of both. The SRII out amps the RF2200 on volume. AND has equal station pulling power. If the SRII was made quieter in non-station voids I would crown it king. If the RF2200 were as loud as the SRII I would crown it king.
And that's with you turning the antenna on the 2200 while you're not turning the Superadio II on all stations. I tested my Superadio II against the Sangean ATS 909X. Guess which one won.
Thanks for comparing these. Not exactly a well-controlled scientific test here so conclusions might not be the most accurate. Sounds like the volume levels were different between the two radios and I can't really tell how all the tone and other controls were set either. Louder volume on the SR2 could be why some people think it sounded better. To my ears, the 2200 has less background and sizzling noises (especially when tuning) and a more pleasant tonal quality. But I definitely agree with the author here that they don't make radios like they used to! Wouldn't it be something if they'd make a new version of the 2200?
Also, the "BBC" co-production with "WGBH Boston" is coming from WNYC, NY City as mentioned by Earl Higgins. There is no WGBH on the AM band, it's only an FM station in Boston.
Indeed this is the clash of the titans of all am comparisons. Now try this at night outside of your house. I have 3 SRIIs and a Panasonic RF2400 on the way.
I keep coming back to this page and compare the two radios The GE sounds better but the Panasonic may be a hair more sensitive, If you ever want to sell you of these let me know.
roger woodland super radio is designed by Matsushita and GE/RCA put their name on the front door it. Know this because I worked for an electronics department in a large department store. Used to do the paperwork for the department.
I was curious about where you are located generally. It sounds like south New Jersey. Do you have a DX preference for AM listening? That is medium wave.
A properly aligned Panasonic RF-2200 should out perform the GE Super Radio as far as AM sensitivity, I too have both radios, and the Panasonic needs alignment after so many years. The GE out performs the Panasonic though as far as audio quality and volume.
Back in the 1970's I gave my Dad an RF-2200 for his birthday. Paraplegic, he was operating his radios in bed and I often heard his Super Radio 2 fall over at night as he twisted and turned the radio for better reception. He thought the Panasonic was so much easier to use and the gyro-antenna was heaven sent. The 2200 had pride of place on his night table for over a quarter century. It got him through countless nights of insomnia as he searched the MW band, earphones on his head so as not to wake up my Mom.
Great story and heartfelt. Thanks.
❤
But you truly have in your possession: The two greatest AM reception transistor radios ever made. I’m going to be buried with mine
I have the exact radio at home and its really good to play around with and listen to. Especialy at night time. It picks up alot of far away radio stations and holds them in. Great Fm to and the shortwave varies at times. Id recommend this radio to buy. it,s well worth it. It takes 4 D cell batteries to work and comes with a dial light and a swivel antenna bar on top. Its a good radio...
The two radios are in excellent shape. I really enjoyed the video. Thank You!
The GE Super Radio II is made for sound. The Panasonic RF-2200 is a multi-band radio, hence most of its engineering went into circuitry for all those bands. I also have both radios, mine are close to equal, perhaps the RF-2200 a bit more sensitive on weak signals while the GE is better sounding. One downside of the GE, one must turn the whole radio to align the ferrite antenna broadside to a weak station for optimum reception, while on the RF-2200 one needs just to orientate the rotatable antenna.
73 de KQ2N
I very much enjoy your demons of these two legendary sets! I like DX too, but both of my sets are new and still in production. They are the CCRadio-EP and CCRadio-2E, analog and digital respectively. They are as different as night and day, but are very good performers! I like your enthusiasm with daytime DX! It separates really good radios from the junk! :)
Thanks for this comparison of the two radios. I was trying to figure out where this test might have taken place. At the end, I heard a TIS station that makes me think that these signals were being received near Avalon, NJ.
I was 20 miles from Avalon, Egg Harbor Township, Nj.
Try the Panasonic RF 1165 (Tech 1000). It has legendary sound quality and the rotatable rod antenna on top like the 2200. I always liked my 2200 better since I listen to a lot of shortwave stations. Todderbert did a review on the 1165. A lot of these Super Radios were designed by Matsushita and GE/RCA used to put their name on it. I learned this because I worked for an electronics department of a large department store (no longer in existence though), Famous-Barr. Neat video. It takes a lot of patience to go through the dial on those old GEs.
I have and use both radios. The GE Superadio II sounds better, mainly due to its 6.5 inch speaker and tweeter. The Panasonic has a wimpy speaker, but has vastly better RF performance, in terms of sensitivity and selectivity; use headphones or an external speaker for improved monaural audio. I like the Panasonic spinning AM antenna, advanced controls and very precise slide rule tuning. For most users, the Panasonic is overkill; it's bigger, more complicated to operate and that gyro antenna is fragile. If you only listen to FM and AM, most people would prefer a well aligned GE Superadio II. (I think GE used cheap caps, so it will need a recap and an alignment). But of course if you want shortwave too, the Panasonic is superb. They are really very different radios. Both are fabulous, but for different uses.
I have both myself. I don’t prefer one over the other. However Panasonic 2200 is more definitive between just noise level and finding a station. REAL QUIET between stations. The Superadio II is a bit more annoying on noise level. Trust that I have more than one of both. The SRII out amps the RF2200 on volume. AND has equal station pulling power. If the SRII was made quieter in non-station voids I would crown it king. If the RF2200 were as loud as the SRII I would crown it king.
And that's with you turning the antenna on the 2200 while you're not turning the Superadio II on all stations. I tested my Superadio II against the Sangean ATS 909X. Guess which one won.
Excellent comparision.
Thanks for comparing these. Not exactly a well-controlled scientific test here so conclusions might not be the most accurate. Sounds like the volume levels were different between the two radios and I can't really tell how all the tone and other controls were set either. Louder volume on the SR2 could be why some people think it sounded better. To my ears, the 2200 has less background and sizzling noises (especially when tuning) and a more pleasant tonal quality. But I definitely agree with the author here that they don't make radios like they used to! Wouldn't it be something if they'd make a new version of the 2200?
Also, the "BBC" co-production with "WGBH Boston" is coming from WNYC, NY City as mentioned by Earl Higgins. There is no WGBH on the AM band, it's only an FM station in Boston.
The 2200 sounds great with an external speaker. I use a Realistic Minimus 7 with mine.
Indeed this is the clash of the titans of all am comparisons. Now try this at night outside of your house. I have 3 SRIIs and a Panasonic RF2400 on the way.
I keep coming back to this page and compare the two radios The GE sounds better but the Panasonic may be a hair more sensitive, If you ever want to sell you of these let me know.
I like the sound of the GE Super Radio. I have better SW radios than the Panasonic.
Great video.
Which radio you have for SW do think is best?
2200 is the best for AM
I have an SR1. Best AM DX machine I know!
My 2880B stopped working due to dry solder joints . I will repair and replace electrolytic capacitors when I can due to diminished sound quality .
Nice , I’m more tempted to buy a Superadio now. Thanks.
Great stuff here and a good idea! I gave the SR2. I’m presently trying to find a great RF 2200 for that “Last one” unt
SUPER RADIO BRINGS IN MORE NOISE AND STATIC, PANASONIC RF2200 SOUNDS BETTER TO ME.
super radio is more sensitive.
roger woodland super radio is designed by Matsushita and GE/RCA put their name on the front door it. Know this because I worked for an electronics department in a large department store. Used to do the paperwork for the department.
Yup 2200 wins
I want that superradio.
I hope to get one someday. love the AM on it...
@@mxslick50 There all over ebay
I was curious about where you are located generally. It sounds like south New Jersey.
Do you have a DX preference for AM listening? That is medium wave.
A properly aligned Panasonic RF-2200 should out perform the GE Super Radio as far as AM sensitivity, I too have both radios, and the Panasonic needs alignment after so many years. The GE out performs the Panasonic though as far as audio quality and volume.
SR2 is a beautiful radio
Sounds like the Panasonic RF-2200 needs what is known as a circuit alignment.
Try this same comparison at night.
Super Radio was made in the 90s.
Super radio 2 best sound
Your 2200 has some issues i,d say.should quite easily out perform the sr2 on mw & fm.
I have the original Superadio and it, I think, is the best. But the II is very close. The III is just not quiet as sensitive.
Does anyone have an rf 2200for sale thanks
Japan electronics is far bdtter than U. S Sorry thats the reality
very sorry next time try doing something good and understandeble
trying MW DX is useless during daytime....do it at night