▶ The Sony ICF-P26 at Ebay: bit.ly/SonyP26 (paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you. ▶ The Sangean SR-35 Radio at Ebay: bit.ly/SangeanSR35 ▶ The Sangean SR-35 Radio at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2JvYuAH (paid links) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
I have a major observation that is mentioned nowhere: The Sangean AM dial is compressed at the lower frequencies and expanded at the higher. The Sony is expanded at the lower and compressed at the higher. With a magnitude of 2 compared to each other ! If your stations of interest are mostly below 1000 kHz then use the Sony. If freq's of interest are mostly above 1000 kHz then use the Sangean. This is huge folks ! You might want to buy both for DXing.
I used to own the hoziontal version of the Sony called the ICFP36. Its the same radio but in a horizontal casing so it sits on its side rather than its end. I had it dor.about a year or so. It worked fine when I first got it. I kept it in the bathroom to listen to whilst getting ready in the morning. But one day it began to not hold its tuning anymore on FM and reception became somewhat crackly. Also the volume kept dropping. So I put new batteries in but no improvement. Also prior to this trouble beginning, I always found it difficult to tune into a weak signal sandwiched between two dominant ones. It just could not hold the weaker signal. So after all this trouble with it losing its tuning and temporamental volume I had enough and chucked it out the window. I then researched a good alternative which is when I found the Sangean SR 35. What a difference! Crystal clear FM tuning, it holds its tuning and can also keep hold of a weak radio station sandwiched between two more dominant ones. Also Ive had the radio in the bathroom for 3 years now, alot longer than the Sony (which was about 1 year), and its never gone wrong. This demonstrates the Sangean can handle a humid environment where the Sony clearly could not. So the Sangean for me, as an FM listener (I dont bother with AM) is by far the better quality and more robust radio. I would recommend it over the Sony anyday - worth the extra few quid (or dollars). Thanks for reading.
just a few points that you missed on the SR-35: #1 the stand up test, you can use the antenna as a kickstand to angle back the radio, and it works great! #2 sound, the back of the SR-35 is perforated, if the tone, or pitch, or hiss "from weak stations" is to high, just turn the radio around, and listen through the back, sounds good but at a lower pitch. So add two points to the SR-35, and it becomes "THE Clear Winner"
I bought that Sony radio a little while ago and I love it. I've been waiting to see what I can get in terms of FM DX on it. AM is great on it, and yes I am a millennial that listens to AM radio.
You have no idea how much this video has helped me. No one is reviewing these types of devices other than EZvid, or those other videos that are 3 minute compute voices reading their Amazon pages. But this in-depth comparison was so helpful. Need an AM for my 86 year old, mostly-blind father, and it sounds like judging on that alone, either will be great. Thanks so much!
I own both radios. I also have the Sony ICF-P27 and the older Sony ICF-S10MK2. I have always found Sony radios to be exceptional AM radios but lacking in FM reception. The Sangean is far superior in FM but as a pocket AM radio is a little hinky. I carry my old ICF-S10MK2 in my cargo pocket at work listening almost exclusively to AM. I prefer my on/off to be on the volume control as opposed to the band selector switch. I use my Sangean exclusively at home listening to Fm.
I have both. The Sony is great but the Sangean sound is phenomenal --- the sound details/quality is so posh, also with its earphones. The Sony is so efficient in battery ,lasting about 5 days..
Great video Todderbert (like all of yours honestly!). One HUGE plus for the Sony in my book is, the power switch is an actual recessed sliding switch. I don't know how many times I've had dead batteries because the volume control was also the power switch and it somehow got rolled and turned on in my pack.
I bought the Sony ICF-P26 and was so impressed with the AM band that I just ordered the Sony ICF-P36 and 48 AA batteries so they`ll both run for years which isn`t really an exaggeration if you only use them a few hours a day. Crazy battery life!
If you wire in a 2 x D-cell batt pack on the side, you can get 10 times the life for about 5 times the cost. Just in case you really want to squeeze hours out! Of course, the life of AAs is super...
dear Sir, I have been using a Sony ICF-S10MK2 for years ( I bought 4 to have spare radios in my wardrobe kkkk) then some weeks ago I bought this sony . I think the volume is low and the reception and selectiviy is not as good as the ICF-S10MK2 which is more suitable for use in the shirt pocket while I am cleaning my flat. I love your reviews. Best regards from Brazil, Mario.
i wished you had open the cover to compare the IC's inside However the most different in such pocket radio's is the Quality of components , i meant the Variable capacitor and the smoothness of tuning , Plastic durability when it's exposed to Direct Summer Sun light , Antenna capability via Head Phone jack which quite useful if you jugging and you fold the Main Antenna , and the AM internal antenna quality , and Head Phones Stereo Output capability ...
I have had the SR-35 going onto 3 years, the only real problem that the radio has had, was with the volume control, it became "sketchy" on the low end, after one year of use, so I had to take the radio apart, and spray the volume control with contact cleaner, and that fixed that problem. the radio still looks good, and the dial numbers show no signs of wearing off
I picked the Prunus J-777 because it's a true pocket radio but still has a speaker. The whole radio is rounded which makes it even more compact. More comfortable in my motorcycle jacket pocket than the bigger square shaped Sony that digs into your ribs. I only care about talk radio stations and the Prunus has a pleasant voice quality. Just thought I would throw this out there in case you ride a motorcycle or bicycle where size and shape really matter.
Greetings from Lincolnshire UK Sir, and wow, I love both of those radios from what you have shown us, but that Sangean sounds great on FM. My heart says go for the Sony, but my head is tending to favour the Sangean! Great video as usual mate, very useful to us radio lovers out here!
Here's a sub-category for the dial. I'd give that to the Sangean. The dial pointer is in between the dial scales. That makes it easier to know where you are, on the dial. In the Sony's case, reading the FM is harder, because the pointer is below the AM scale.
I actually had that written down on my chart and forgot to mention it, but I added the win to Sangean with the popup in the video. ua-cam.com/video/eRfgaD0Wwig/v-deo.htmlm35s
Thank you again for so much interesting videos about radios, i love it! I have both radios, and i think the Sangean is clear the better choice. The sound quality of the Sangean is amazing, also the build quality is better than the sony portable in my eyes. I have also the Sangean SR-25, try it, it's also a fantastic little portable radio with great sound-quality and it's also very sensitiv on both bands. By the way, how many radios do you have? Hope my english is good enough, i've learned this language for about 40 years in school ;-)
Through you I have the Sony and I love it, and this has been a most difficult comparison for you, and a lot of effort. This is one of your finest videos, and the hits you will get on this comparison will attest to that, great job Sir 👍 Tam.
i searched pocket radio with good sound quality with external speaker and i found the Sangean SR-35 has very good sound. well.. my first pocket radio in 1991(when i was 12 years old) i bought sony icf radio(i can't remember the model number but a bit smaller than sr-35, works with 2 AAA batteries) and it was very clear sound with external speaker. it was really good to listen with classical music. time past.. the power switch has broken that i couldn't turn it on. well. this is about 20 years ago stories though.. i also had sony icf-sw10 which is short waves radio it also great and i still have it but the size is not pocket sized and i want really pocket radio with a clear sound speaker but mostly i bought and listened radios sound like sony p26. external speaker sound is ok but i always wanted the radio like i bought the sony one in 1991. i looked up pocket radio reviews and i found the sangean sr-35 has really similar to sony that i used. recently i've got sangean sr-35 and i really like the fm reception and external speaker sound. thanks for this comparison video. :)
Thanks for your great reviews! Got my SR-35 yesterday, and from the git go it picked up my favorite FM classical, which I have not been able to tune in on the Sony ICF-P26 - both of them (first one went back, second one exhibits the same non-result). Early in the morning, around 0000 pacific, I get a few more stations on the low end of the MW band with the Tecsun. I'm only now mapping / DX'ng the MW band and have gotten from 520 to 780 lol. Still ID'ng stations. Radio-locator helps me out a lot. The Sony is great sounding though, and tuning with both are a joy. The Sony was great listening to the Dodger game the other day - which is to me intense listening, trying to visualize a complex game through descriptive commentary. Very nice sound. Early days with the Tecsun SR-35, but I like the sound of it too. I love both and they are both keepers. Two eneloops and I'm good to go. The tuning light is a major plus!
I'm with you, todderbert, in that I prefer the Sony. If you want an analogue radio, get a proper analogue radio. If you want a DSP radio, get one with a digital frequency display. Seems straightforward to me.
Thank you for the comment. Totally correct. Though there are a lot of people who love their SR-35s. Not a bad radio at all. If Sony could use that speaker circuit..it would be heaven...and add a tone switch..I might be asking for too much :)
I could probably be classed as a Sony fanboy.I have bought a few Sangean radios over the years,and I am always impressed at their overall quality,and performance.I think you did a fair review.Thank you.
todderbert I appreciate the comment,but the old middle school teacher in me,compels me to ask”did you mean ,you’re welcome Scott”?Minor grammar quibbles aside,I have liked,and subbed.
todderbert I am far from expert,but the state of Florida considered me adequate to iteach itto middle schoolers,also math and science,two of my long time favorite academic subjects.You do fine,I was just nitpicking .Looking forward to more videos.
i just bought Sangean SR-35 and it has really muddy AM sound, Also my Eneloop 2000mAh only last for 20hours or less. I don't know if it's defective but I've decided to return it. I have a Tecsun r909 and my Eneloop 2000mAh batteries last for a week or so i use it almost 12 hours a day. FM sound is the best in Sangean SR-35 but I am more on AM listening.
Nice review. All the differences makes the difference. Do you use the wrist straps? I use the wrist straps, makes me feel safe. I know, Two Hands and a Radio hates them. No, but seriously, the AM/FM pocket radios you review, they are real gems.
I just bought a Sangean SR-35 pocket radio because the Sangean Australia website suggested that it has FM Stereo, turns out it doesn't and I want a pocket radio with FM Stereo. I'll be returning my SR-35 to the shop for a refund. It's sad really, because the SR-35 is a very fine radio, the sound quality is excellent, even through the built in loudspeaker, and the reception is very good too. I've written to Sangean Australia telling them of the error on their website, I hope they correct it. I'm thinking I might get a Sangean DT-800, I like Sanngean radios a great deal.
If you want to improve the tone and volume of the Sony try putting a paper towel tube over its speaker. You can temporarily tack the end of the tube over the speaker with hot glue and easily remove it later along with the dab of glue.
Great review! I also have both. The Sony pulls in more distance stations in the daytime without the noise and hiss we often get. It is also one of my heaviest radios pocket radios! Both do have amazing sound.
Both have little static or hiss between stations. But the Sangean has slightly less hiss i noticed. My Sony gets a weak AM station hundred miles away during daytime. It also pulls in a 50w daytime station, same distance, that i can not get on the other radios. Most of my other pockets just have hiss. Both are my 2 heaviest pocket radios. The Sangean is slightly heavier.
Fantastic comparison! Far far better than the compare specs videos I’ve seen before. I have the sangean. My only real complaint with it is actually the feet. It’s not super stable, but it’s alright. The on-indicator thing I actually didn’t know about. I’ve always assumed my light was broken. But I’ve never tried to do anything about it since I’ve never really had the need of a visual indicator of the radio’s on/off-status.
Hi there. I bought both of those radios too. I noticed though I prefer true analog over dsp. The Sangean with the dsp popping in and out? It suffers from those really weak signals on am win it comes to dx'ng. The auto muting I call it I am not a big fan of. But the fm is great on the other hand on the sangean. The Sony I liked better. Sangean does make great radios too. Good comparison video. Thanks for sharing. Happy Newyear! Take care. 😉
I have both and I prefer the Sangean. The Sony is a classic, but I like the Sangean better. Great for listening to my poor NY Mets play when I'm at the beach. Both good, Sangean a little better
Just purchased the Sony (to replace my Sony ICF-S22, which has the flush antenna-to-body - why did Sony change that? Shame.) Still, very happy with it! Amazing little pocket radio! I only listen to Radio 4 and Five Live chat shows and it really shines. The speaker on the Sangean is far superior for playing music, but that doesn't bother me. Superb review. Thank you!
I expected the SR-35 to be a great performing radio tuning wise. For me AM it is okay for some stations but I can't tune other stations that normally work on other radios for me. But the FM band is so tight and sensitive to movement that just a tapping with your finger on the tuning dial and the station will be tuned or not tuned. Trying to move the dial to find a station you have to really move it so so slow to fine tune the station and some stations just can't be tuned like on my other radios. Maybe I just got a dud I returned mine long ago!
How about considering ease of dial read for people with low vision? In your comparisonof the Sony ICF9P26 and the Sangean SR-35 I see that the dial on the Sangean has larger bold numbers. Much easier to see. Thanks
I did, just forgot to voice it in the video, but I did have a pop up and the winner was noted as Sangean...see this part of the video > ua-cam.com/video/eRfgaD0Wwig/v-deo.htmlm35s
Great vid! I have my little Sagean SR-35 which I really like. Awesome sound on the FM, great battery life...but...one wish I had for this radio was a simple kick stand in the back of some kind. Not sure if anyone has experienced this but every time I'm working on the yard or at the park, and have the radio in upward position with antenna fully extended, any gust of wind will knock the radio over. maybe its possible to somehow glue a piece of aftermarket stand to the back?
This sony seems like a good "work" radio. Throw it in the pocket and mow the lawn. What do you recommend for a house radio? One with perhaps better AM reception capabilities?
I tried the Sony. The speaker only handled about 70% of the volume. After 70% it sounded horrible. I was not impressed with the Sony's sound at all. The Horologue $10 (panasonic copy) is quite a bit better and clearer at half the price.
Do you known why the radio manufacturers produce digital radios with analog tuning methods. It seems if a radio was digitally based with a DSP chip they would incorporate a digital tuning system in that radio.
todderbert Yes that is the only thing that make sense to me, I remember when they made analog radios with a digital display. Maybe it has something to do with the economics of producing the display.
The Sangean SR-35 is most like the Panasonic P-50D for me. The SONY ICF-P26 and P27... I think than SONY can make it much better. Works fine, but this chunky design (antenna integration...) The best it, the battery efficiency... THE BEST. One thing I don't understand in present times: why this classic pocket receivers (with those mytic "quality" brands and good sound quality and equalizer) don't offer more quality and stereo-sound via micro jack? Will be poorest... like Panasonic P-50D... only mono audio and mono channel headphones! We call it "Vintage, vintage"(?) xD For all this, I find buyed the SONY ICF-P36 since a few weeks ago... The P26/P27 design for the P36, is fine. No it's the better receiver, but on this day, it's fine on SONY, and offer a good looking and feeling. The P26/P27 would needed a little different design most vertical format friendly.
Hola Alejandro. El P-27 también se ha apuntado al DSP. Lo hace similar al Panasonic y al Sangean. Últimamente estoy bastante defraudado con los receptores de ahora. Aún siendo reconocidas marcas lejos se quedan de la calidad que obtenían sus productos antaño. Una radio de los 80/90 analógica puede fácilmente ser superior.
The Sangean SR-35 lock on the the FM tuning better then the sony...I have the the Sony and the Sangeon, I keep the sony inside my drawer after I bought the Sangean😅...I listen only FM in my country
I really wish you would do a live chat, and the reason is that I am not sure I could ever expect my question to get answered in this comments section. Nevertheless, here I go. So, I have a Sony just like the one in the video. I come back to your channel again and again because I'm interested in Sangean radios in general, especially if the reception quality is superior. Back to my Sony. It sits on my bedside. I just now had it on, and was changing my sheets. Working on the side with the radio is just fine, but when I move to the other side, static comes in. I have no idea why this is, maybe you do. But it's annoying, so I'm looking for a radio that I don't have to perform acrobatics to get good, nonchanging reception! HELP! (Secondarily and only secondarily, why does this happen?)
Our bodies can act as inductors with the FM Band, and will actually affect reception. Try clipping on a piece of wire to extend the antenna, and form a dipole, or t shape while on FM. Try placing the radio against an outside wall, or by a window. This will help.
Sir Toddelbert, I think the Sony does not have dsp. I consider that an asset. That Sangean is also very good for a pocket radio. I think you are to young to remember Sony 50 years ago. At that time they beat everything. Today they are average To me Sony will always have a special place in my heart. Sangean is another favourite of mine also.
Thanks for great channel Todd! I ended up buying the Sony p26 after watching most of your pocket radio reviews.I'm traveling to the sticks in central Ontario and wanted to stay connected to civilization. So, it would be great to see an AM DX shootout between a premium and a budget pocket radios.
Your Welcome Kerry, Some of the best pocket AM DXers are the inexpensive DSP units. The better units are the Sangean SR-35 and the Radio Shack 1200586. I own one of the good NIA RD-206SPs, and it is awesome. There are a lot of good analog portables too. I like the Tecsun R9710 and R9012 for SW and MW.
I've got the Sony radio (got it from Walmart) The Sony is very nice and performs really well. It also has excellent battery life. The only thing I don't like is the antenna. It sticks out and doesn't swivel, but overall the Sony is a strong buy.
You said SANGEAN has more FM Stations , But does both Radio's has the same Antenna Length and Angle of Antenna tilting to the relevant FM Station during the comparison ?
I try my best for a fair assessment of the radios. They were tested in the same location. DSP radios in general pick up more stations with their superior selectivity when done properly. This is for my area, it could be different for you.
Well,I owe you an apology.I watched the video by Sangean,andthey pronounce it as you.For years ,I heard it pronounced Sangee an,and pronounced it the same.I have and love the sony icf7600g.It replaced a sony ICF2003 that I boughtin 1985 or so on St. Martin.I was there on a 50’DeFever yacht that my mother had bought.She enjoyed buying,and riding in boats,but she didn’t have a clue how to run them,that was my job as I was the one with the Captain ‘s license.She wanted to know if we could run the boat from St. Croix to St. Martin.I said “sure,no problem,might get la little rough.It did.Nothing dangerous,but it was uncomfortable.We stayed about a week on St. Martin.It wasn’t until we were planning to move on that she announced she was not going offshore in the boat again.She flew on Winair to Nevis.My brother and I followed in the DeFever.We had a distant cousin living on Nevis who showed us around.Even though the boat had engines and not sails,he ooowed and aaawed over it appropriately.He was a cardiac surgeon,so if he had wanted it,he could have bought his own damn boat.
@@scottgibson6735 Better yet, don't publicly correct people because you think they don't pronounce words properly. There is often different correct ways to pronounce words. You merely look petty and silly.
SANGEAN SR-35 BATTERY DOOR COVER BREAKS EASILY. BROKE AFTER 5 MONTHS. TOO BAD SUCH A GOOD SOUNDING RADIO. I BOUGHT 2 OF THIS RADIOS. THE ONE THAT BROKE USED BY MY WIFE.
Wow! That Sony sounds like a broken wheelchair in comparison at the end of the review, there's not even a comparison there to talk about... and all that through all the recording encoding, blah-blah, al the way up to my viewer/listener ears.
▶ The Sony ICF-P26 at Ebay: bit.ly/SonyP26
(paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
▶ The Sangean SR-35 Radio at Ebay: bit.ly/SangeanSR35
▶ The Sangean SR-35 Radio at Amazon USA: amzn.to/2JvYuAH
(paid links) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
I have a major observation that is mentioned nowhere: The Sangean AM dial is compressed at the lower frequencies and expanded at the higher. The Sony is expanded at the lower and compressed at the higher. With a magnitude of 2 compared to each other !
If your stations of interest are mostly below 1000 kHz then use the Sony. If freq's of interest are mostly above 1000 kHz then use the Sangean.
This is huge folks ! You might want to buy both for DXing.
I used to own the hoziontal version of the Sony called the ICFP36. Its the same radio but in a horizontal casing so it sits on its side rather than its end. I had it dor.about a year or so. It worked fine when I first got it. I kept it in the bathroom to listen to whilst getting ready in the morning. But one day it began to not hold its tuning anymore on FM and reception became somewhat crackly. Also the volume kept dropping. So I put new batteries in but no improvement. Also prior to this trouble beginning, I always found it difficult to tune into a weak signal sandwiched between two dominant ones. It just could not hold the weaker signal. So after all this trouble with it losing its tuning and temporamental volume I had enough and chucked it out the window. I then researched a good alternative which is when I found the Sangean SR 35. What a difference! Crystal clear FM tuning, it holds its tuning and can also keep hold of a weak radio station sandwiched between two more dominant ones. Also Ive had the radio in the bathroom for 3 years now, alot longer than the Sony (which was about 1 year), and its never gone wrong. This demonstrates the Sangean can handle a humid environment where the Sony clearly could not. So the Sangean for me, as an FM listener (I dont bother with AM) is by far the better quality and more robust radio. I would recommend it over the Sony anyday - worth the extra few quid (or dollars). Thanks for reading.
I agree, my mom´s sony icfp26 stoped working, not to mention horrible sound quality, it literally drills the ears
But I'm looking now online, and the Sangean SR-35 is quite cheaper than the Sony one, how come?
just a few points that you missed on the SR-35: #1 the stand up test, you can use the antenna as a kickstand to angle back the radio, and it works great! #2 sound, the back of the SR-35 is perforated, if the tone, or pitch, or hiss "from weak stations" is to high, just turn the radio around, and listen through the back, sounds good but at a lower pitch. So add two points to the SR-35, and it becomes "THE Clear Winner"
I bought that Sony radio a little while ago and I love it. I've been waiting to see what I can get in terms of FM DX on it. AM is great on it, and yes I am a millennial that listens to AM radio.
Maybe snap a Kaito T-1 wire or equivalent, I found some hidden stations by doing that...fun stuff!
After watching this video, I'm planning on getting one!
@@jonrk2 I bought four of the SONY radios!
You have no idea how much this video has helped me. No one is reviewing these types of devices other than EZvid, or those other videos that are 3 minute compute voices reading their Amazon pages. But this in-depth comparison was so helpful. Need an AM for my 86 year old, mostly-blind father, and it sounds like judging on that alone, either will be great. Thanks so much!
I own both radios. I also have the Sony ICF-P27 and the older Sony ICF-S10MK2. I have always found Sony radios to be exceptional AM radios but lacking in FM reception. The Sangean is far superior in FM but as a pocket AM radio is a little hinky. I carry my old ICF-S10MK2 in my cargo pocket at work listening almost exclusively to AM. I prefer my on/off to be on the volume control as opposed to the band selector switch. I use my Sangean exclusively at home listening to Fm.
I have both. The Sony is great but the Sangean sound is phenomenal --- the sound details/quality is so posh, also with its earphones. The Sony is so efficient in battery ,lasting about 5 days..
Hey, which one has more range/reception?
And which one has less static and would you recommend if i want to use it when hiking in the forest?
Great video Todderbert (like all of yours honestly!). One HUGE plus for the Sony in my book is, the power switch is an actual recessed sliding switch. I don't know how many times I've had dead batteries because the volume control was also the power switch and it somehow got rolled and turned on in my pack.
I bought the Sony ICF-P26 and was so impressed with the AM band that I just ordered the Sony ICF-P36 and 48 AA batteries so they`ll both run for years which isn`t really an exaggeration if you only use them a few hours a day. Crazy battery life!
If you wire in a 2 x D-cell batt pack on the side, you can get 10 times the life for about 5 times the cost. Just in case you really want to squeeze hours out! Of course, the life of AAs is super...
you can paint over the dial with clear nail varnish to protect the sangean's dial letters.
dear Sir,
I have been using a Sony ICF-S10MK2 for years ( I bought 4 to have spare radios in my wardrobe kkkk) then some weeks ago I bought this sony . I think the volume is low and the reception and selectiviy is not as good as the ICF-S10MK2 which is more suitable for use in the shirt pocket while I am cleaning my flat.
I love your reviews.
Best regards from Brazil,
Mario.
i wished you had open the cover to compare the IC's inside
However the most different in such pocket radio's is the Quality of components , i meant the Variable capacitor and the smoothness of tuning , Plastic durability when it's exposed to Direct Summer Sun light , Antenna capability via Head Phone jack which quite useful if you jugging and you fold the Main Antenna , and the AM internal antenna quality , and Head Phones Stereo Output capability ...
I have had the SR-35 going onto 3 years, the only real problem that the radio has had, was with the volume control, it became "sketchy" on the low end, after one year of use, so I had to take the radio apart, and spray the volume control with contact cleaner, and that fixed that problem. the radio still looks good, and the dial numbers show no signs of wearing off
That's good information. When you see raised lettering printed on the surface, you have to wonder how long it will last when used heavily.
Hey, which one has more range/reception?
And which one has less static and would you recommend if i want to use it when hiking in the forest?
I picked the Prunus J-777 because it's a true pocket radio but still has a speaker. The whole radio is rounded which makes it even more compact. More comfortable in my motorcycle jacket pocket than the bigger square shaped Sony that digs into your ribs. I only care about talk radio stations and the Prunus has a pleasant voice quality. Just thought I would throw this out there in case you ride a motorcycle or bicycle where size and shape really matter.
Greetings from Lincolnshire UK Sir, and wow, I love both of those radios from what you have shown us, but that Sangean sounds great on FM. My heart says go for the Sony, but my head is tending to favour the Sangean! Great video as usual mate, very useful to us radio lovers out here!
comicmania2008 happy to know am not the one as radio lover, here from a Brazil and me as 61 age
Here's a sub-category for the dial. I'd give that to the Sangean. The dial pointer is in between the dial scales. That makes it easier to know where you are, on the dial. In the Sony's case, reading the FM is harder, because the pointer is below the AM scale.
I actually had that written down on my chart and forgot to mention it, but I added the win to Sangean with the popup in the video. ua-cam.com/video/eRfgaD0Wwig/v-deo.htmlm35s
Thank you again for so much interesting videos about radios, i love it! I have both radios, and i think the Sangean is clear the better choice. The sound quality of the Sangean is amazing, also the build quality is better than the sony portable in my eyes. I have also the Sangean SR-25, try it, it's also a fantastic little portable radio with great sound-quality and it's also very sensitiv on both bands. By the way, how many radios do you have? Hope my english is good enough, i've learned this language for about 40 years in school ;-)
I have the Sangean radio and I always wondered how it matched up against the Sony. Thanks a lot for this video, I found it very helpful.
Through you I have the Sony and I love it, and this has been a most difficult comparison for you, and a lot of effort. This is one of your finest videos, and the hits you will get on this comparison will attest to that, great job Sir 👍 Tam.
Your Welcome Tam! I enjoyed making this video. Means a lot to read your kind words.
I purchased my Sony at Walgreens for $17 and some change and love it. Am is great
The AM is fantastic. Great radio for the money.
You can get the Sony at Walmart and Walgreens in Roanoke VA
I bought the same one at the same price at Walmart. It’s great
i searched pocket radio with good sound quality with external speaker and i found the Sangean SR-35 has very good sound.
well.. my first pocket radio in 1991(when i was 12 years old) i bought sony icf radio(i can't remember the model number but a bit smaller than sr-35, works with 2 AAA batteries)
and it was very clear sound with external speaker. it was really good to listen with classical music.
time past.. the power switch has broken that i couldn't turn it on. well. this is about 20 years ago stories though..
i also had sony icf-sw10 which is short waves radio it also great and i still have it but the size is not pocket sized and i want
really pocket radio with a clear sound speaker but mostly i bought and listened radios sound like sony p26.
external speaker sound is ok but i always wanted the radio like i bought the sony one in 1991.
i looked up pocket radio reviews and i found the sangean sr-35 has really similar to sony that i used.
recently i've got sangean sr-35 and i really like the fm reception and external speaker sound.
thanks for this comparison video. :)
Thanks for your great reviews!
Got my SR-35 yesterday, and from the git go it picked up my favorite FM classical, which I have not been able to tune in on the Sony ICF-P26 - both of them (first one went back, second one exhibits the same non-result). Early in the morning, around 0000 pacific, I get a few more stations on the low end of the MW band with the Tecsun. I'm only now mapping / DX'ng the MW band and have gotten from 520 to 780 lol. Still ID'ng stations. Radio-locator helps me out a lot.
The Sony is great sounding though, and tuning with both are a joy. The Sony was great listening to the Dodger game the other day - which is to me intense listening, trying to visualize a complex game through descriptive commentary. Very nice sound. Early days with the Tecsun SR-35, but I like the sound of it too.
I love both and they are both keepers. Two eneloops and I'm good to go. The tuning light is a major plus!
Hey, which one has more range/reception?
And which one has less static and would you recommend if i want to use it when hiking in the forest?
Love the Sony. Bought one in 2020 and brought me back to my youth.
But no kidding, for it's price it's a great little performer.
I'm with you, todderbert, in that I prefer the Sony. If you want an analogue radio, get a proper analogue radio. If you want a DSP radio, get one with a digital frequency display. Seems straightforward to me.
Thank you for the comment. Totally correct. Though there are a lot of people who love their SR-35s. Not a bad radio at all. If Sony could use that speaker circuit..it would be heaven...and add a tone switch..I might be asking for too much :)
I could probably be classed as a Sony fanboy.I have bought a few Sangean radios over the years,and I am always impressed at their overall quality,and performance.I think you did a fair review.Thank you.
Your Welcome Scott.
todderbert I appreciate the comment,but the old middle school teacher in me,compels me to ask”did you mean ,you’re welcome Scott”?Minor grammar quibbles aside,I have liked,and subbed.
@@scottgibson6735 I will leave it a mystery :) I'll leave the grammar wizardry to others.
todderbert I am far from expert,but the state of Florida considered me adequate to iteach itto middle schoolers,also math and science,two of my long time favorite academic subjects.You do fine,I was just nitpicking .Looking forward to more videos.
I have the Sony.....want to get the Sangean, too. I like the differences...DX vs hifi, etc..
Great reviews I just bought the Sony because I was feeling nostalgic for radio instead of always streaming and AM radio I'm 38 .
Thanks Duke, The Sony is a great choice. I love mine, my Sangean went to a friend who wanted it.
Duke bro.. how's the Sony's fm reception..love from india..
i just bought Sangean SR-35 and it has really muddy AM sound, Also my Eneloop 2000mAh only last for 20hours or less. I don't know if it's defective but I've decided to return it. I have a Tecsun r909 and my Eneloop 2000mAh batteries last for a week or so i use it almost 12 hours a day. FM sound is the best in Sangean SR-35 but I am more on AM listening.
Great video! Just started getting into old school radios! Takes me back to when I was a kid! Great for power outages. Will be getting both lol!
I have watched your video and ordered a Sangean SR-35 for my grandma. She listens FM stations most of the time. Hope its gonna work fine.
FM shines on the Sangean.
I have a question. Do you have any experience with rechargable batteries in the Sangean? I would like to extend battery time for my grandma.
@@szusszanas expect around 48-60 hours from a set of high capacity rechargeables. I like EBL, and Tenergy Premiums.
Nice video
I watched all 23:52...
Everyone who want to buy a radio should watch this video
And maybe we can change sr35's speaker into sony's? :-)
Nice review. All the differences makes the difference. Do you use the wrist straps? I use the wrist straps, makes me feel safe. I know, Two Hands and a Radio hates them. No, but seriously, the AM/FM pocket radios you review, they are real gems.
I actually use the wrist strap when I'm walking and holding the radio.
I just bought a Sangean SR-35 pocket radio because the Sangean Australia website suggested that it has FM Stereo, turns out it doesn't and I want a pocket radio with FM Stereo. I'll be returning my SR-35 to the shop for a refund. It's sad really, because the SR-35 is a very fine radio, the sound quality is excellent, even through the built in loudspeaker, and the reception is very good too. I've written to Sangean Australia telling them of the error on their website, I hope they correct it. I'm thinking I might get a Sangean DT-800, I like Sanngean radios a great deal.
If you want to improve the tone and volume of the Sony try putting a paper towel tube over its speaker. You can temporarily tack the end of the tube over the speaker with hot glue and easily remove it later along with the dab of glue.
Tom Jones, A Master of Sound :) Nice information, thank you.
Used my Sony last night w/studio headphones…sounded really good!
Great review! I also have both. The Sony pulls in more distance stations in the daytime without the noise and hiss we often get. It is also one of my heaviest radios pocket radios! Both do have amazing sound.
Hey, which one has more range/reception?
And which one has less static and would you recommend if i want to use it when hiking in the forest?
Both have little static or hiss between stations. But the Sangean has slightly less hiss i noticed. My Sony gets a weak AM station hundred miles away during daytime. It also pulls in a 50w daytime station, same distance, that i can not get on the other radios. Most of my other pockets just have hiss. Both are my 2 heaviest pocket radios. The Sangean is slightly heavier.
@@roekozlov2176 why cant i hear AM radio during the day. I can hear it when its late in the evening but not during the day
Fantastic comparison! Far far better than the compare specs videos I’ve seen before.
I have the sangean. My only real complaint with it is actually the feet. It’s not super stable, but it’s alright.
The on-indicator thing I actually didn’t know about. I’ve always assumed my light was broken. But I’ve never tried to do anything about it since I’ve never really had the need of a visual indicator of the radio’s on/off-status.
Hey, which one has more range/reception?
And which one has less static and would you recommend if i want to use it when hiking in the forest?
@@yfdz6959 I don't know. I only have one of them. It has good reception in the forest as far as I've noticed.
@@ersia87 thanks, i will buy the sangean sr35 for sure then. Also does the sangean have downsides too?
@@yfdz6959 As mentioned, the feet are a little unstable. Otherwise great.
Hi there. I bought both of those radios too. I noticed though I prefer true analog over dsp. The Sangean with the dsp popping in and out? It suffers from those really weak signals on am win it comes to dx'ng. The auto muting I call it I am not a big fan of. But the fm is great on the other hand on the sangean. The Sony I liked better. Sangean does make great radios too. Good comparison video. Thanks for sharing. Happy Newyear! Take care. 😉
Your Welcome Gary, Happy New Year!
I have both and I prefer the Sangean. The Sony is a classic, but I like the Sangean better. Great for listening to my poor NY Mets play when I'm at the beach. Both good, Sangean a little better
Hey, which one has more range/reception?
And which one has less static and would you recommend if i want to use it when hiking in the forest?
Just purchased the Sony and I’m impressed as I already own more than I would ever use!
Enjoying the small things in life.
Nice detailed comparison. 👍
Analog vs DSP. I would have guessed it would have been the other way around.
I have a planned revisit for the Sangean SR-35, it still isn't pretty on MW.
Just purchased the Sony (to replace my Sony ICF-S22, which has the flush antenna-to-body - why did Sony change that? Shame.) Still, very happy with it! Amazing little pocket radio! I only listen to Radio 4 and Five Live chat shows and it really shines. The speaker on the Sangean is far superior for playing music, but that doesn't bother me. Superb review. Thank you!
nice radio for 20.00 am music use to listen to might go back to it could have come with ear phones though
I expected the SR-35 to be a great performing radio tuning wise. For me AM it is okay for some stations but I can't tune other stations that normally work on other radios for me. But the FM band is so tight and sensitive to movement that just a tapping with your finger on the tuning dial and the station will be tuned or not tuned. Trying to move the dial to find a station you have to really move it so so slow to fine tune the station and some stations just can't be tuned like on my other radios. Maybe I just got a dud I returned mine long ago!
Where do you hear peaceful music like that anymore??
How about considering ease of dial read for people with low vision? In your comparisonof the Sony ICF9P26 and the Sangean SR-35 I see that the dial on the Sangean has larger bold numbers. Much easier to see. Thanks
I did, just forgot to voice it in the video, but I did have a pop up and the winner was noted as Sangean...see this part of the video > ua-cam.com/video/eRfgaD0Wwig/v-deo.htmlm35s
LOL I think the wrist strap tipped the scales!! Been thinking about the Sony for an analog radio buy.
I love a good analog radio. It stands well too :)
Sony have been manufacturing radios since 1955 must have leaned something ❤
Todderbert that sony radio did not work too well for me and I don't know why
Great vid! I have my little Sagean SR-35 which I really like. Awesome sound on the FM, great battery life...but...one wish I had for this radio was a simple kick stand in the back of some kind. Not sure if anyone has experienced this but every time I'm working on the yard or at the park, and have the radio in upward position with antenna fully extended, any gust of wind will knock the radio over. maybe its possible to somehow glue a piece of aftermarket stand to the back?
I tend to find something to hang mine off of. I'm sure you could epoxy some type of fold out phone stand on it :)
@@todderbert thinking of doing just that. Thanks!
This sony seems like a good "work" radio. Throw it in the pocket and mow the lawn. What do you recommend for a house radio? One with perhaps better AM reception capabilities?
Sony 506, AC/DC powered. Decent Audio, and a DSP tuner for better selectivity.
Thanks for comparison video. I purchased Sony small radio transmitter, the build is pretty solid , it’s bad I always have red light below batt green ?
no the red light is the tuning light.
Just wondered what you think of DAB radios ?
I think it is cool technology using the Upper VHF band you can send a better signal for higher quality audio.
Bro? Sony ICF-P26 vs. HRD-104? Which is better when it comes to AM signal reception and which has good sound quality output? Thank you.
Sony.
I tried the Sony. The speaker only handled about 70% of the volume. After 70% it sounded horrible. I was not impressed with the Sony's sound at all.
The Horologue $10 (panasonic copy) is quite a bit better and clearer at half the price.
Unfortunately sangean SR35 is not available in india amazon
Do you known why the radio manufacturers produce digital radios with analog tuning methods. It seems if a radio was digitally based with a DSP chip they would incorporate a digital tuning system in that radio.
You would think, they are doing it to save some cost possibly..less components.
todderbert
Yes that is the only thing that make sense to me, I remember when they made analog radios with a digital display. Maybe it has something to do with the economics of producing the display.
Thank you well done I needed help as it is a gift
In my area, Mountains, hills, desert, city, Sony has the better reception...📻SONY🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Really
The Sangean SR-35 is most like the Panasonic P-50D for me.
The SONY ICF-P26 and P27... I think than SONY can make it much better. Works fine, but this chunky design (antenna integration...) The best it, the battery efficiency... THE BEST.
One thing I don't understand in present times: why this classic pocket receivers (with those mytic "quality" brands and good sound quality and equalizer) don't offer more quality and stereo-sound via micro jack?
Will be poorest... like Panasonic P-50D... only mono audio and mono channel headphones! We call it "Vintage, vintage"(?) xD
For all this, I find buyed the SONY ICF-P36 since a few weeks ago... The P26/P27 design for the P36, is fine. No it's the better receiver, but on this day, it's fine on SONY, and offer a good looking and feeling. The P26/P27 would needed a little different design most vertical format friendly.
Hola Alejandro. El P-27 también se ha apuntado al DSP. Lo hace similar al Panasonic y al Sangean. Últimamente estoy bastante defraudado con los receptores de ahora. Aún siendo reconocidas marcas lejos se quedan de la calidad que obtenían sus productos antaño. Una radio de los 80/90 analógica puede fácilmente ser superior.
The Sangean SR-35 lock on the the FM tuning better then the sony...I have the the Sony and the Sangeon, I keep the sony inside my drawer after I bought the Sangean😅...I listen only FM in my country
From where I can purchase these radios in India.How much it costs
How does this Sony compare to an SRF-49 or 59?
those headset radios are good, but the SR-35 will trump them on FM Sensitivity...but no Stereo.
The tinny sound from the Sony puts me off.
I got the Sony and love it. An am dx machine.
I really wish you would do a live chat, and the reason is that I am not sure I could ever expect my question to get answered in this comments section. Nevertheless, here I go. So, I have a Sony just like the one in the video. I come back to your channel again and again because I'm interested in Sangean radios in general, especially if the reception quality is superior. Back to my Sony. It sits on my bedside. I just now had it on, and was changing my sheets. Working on the side with the radio is just fine, but when I move to the other side, static comes in. I have no idea why this is, maybe you do. But it's annoying, so I'm looking for a radio that I don't have to perform acrobatics to get good, nonchanging reception! HELP! (Secondarily and only secondarily, why does this happen?)
Our bodies can act as inductors with the FM Band, and will actually affect reception. Try clipping on a piece of wire to extend the antenna, and form a dipole, or t shape while on FM. Try placing the radio against an outside wall, or by a window. This will help.
@@todderbert You answered!! :) Thank you. So the same thing would happen (potentially) with a Sangean?
@@patriciahoke4722 Yes, though radios with longer antennas seem to handle the signals better.
the sangean sound wins-and that is the most important thing on each radio so small
For people with hearing problems with high frequencies the crisp clear audio from the Sony wins hands down!
Sir Toddelbert,
I think the Sony does not have dsp. I consider that an asset. That Sangean is also very good for a pocket radio. I think you are to young to remember Sony 50 years ago. At that time they beat everything. Today they are average To me Sony will always have a special place in my heart. Sangean is another favourite of mine also.
These are close to $40 in Canada...:(
If you listen with headphones, does the pair sounds or only one?
Both ears, but no stereo.
@@todderbert Thank you. I had have a dilemma with these radios, now I will buy the Sony.
I have heard they do, it was one of the changes Sony made from previous models.
Many thanks,, farmer from Jordan
Good job on the review.
I want Sony ICF-P26 but it is ridiculously priced at US $27 in the Philippines!
saan ba na store mo nakita si Sony, mahal kasi sa Lazada, pero may nakita akong Sangean sa Lazada na mga 1400 lang ata.
@@markcanaya4071 Sa shopee.
Puro refurbished yung binibenta na P26 sa online stores.
@@wilfredatienza8946 WTF!
Thanks for great channel Todd! I ended up buying the Sony p26 after watching most of your pocket radio reviews.I'm traveling to the sticks in central Ontario and wanted to stay connected to civilization. So, it would be great to see an AM DX shootout between a premium and a budget pocket radios.
Your Welcome Kerry, Some of the best pocket AM DXers are the inexpensive DSP units. The better units are the Sangean SR-35 and the Radio Shack 1200586. I own one of the good NIA RD-206SPs, and it is awesome. There are a lot of good analog portables too. I like the Tecsun R9710 and R9012 for SW and MW.
Really enjoying your reviews! Would you recommend the RS 1200586 or Sony P26 for the best AM reception?
@@gerryb8879 Hi Gerry. I'm not sure Todd can see your question since it was posted as a reply to my question.
Thanks Kerry!
I want a piece....what is the price in indian currency...
I've got the Sony radio (got it from Walmart)
The Sony is very nice and performs really well. It also has excellent battery life.
The only thing I don't like is the antenna. It sticks out and doesn't swivel, but overall the Sony is a strong buy.
i bought three sony I kept dropping the first two and it cackle and hiss , so I make sure I do not drop it. I love Sony radio brand
Own both raidos both are very good.
You said SANGEAN has more FM Stations , But does both Radio's has the same Antenna Length and Angle of Antenna tilting to the relevant FM Station during the comparison ?
I try my best for a fair assessment of the radios. They were tested in the same location. DSP radios in general pick up more stations with their superior selectivity when done properly. This is for my area, it could be different for you.
thank U
The Sony is $40 in Canada.
As seen on creator fundamentals, cool channel here
Thank you! welcome aboard.
Excellente review ... ok i go buy sonyyyyyy yaaaaa 20€ to night on Worten ... Portugal 😆
Using Euros in Portugal?
@@Mikey-ym6ok Yes of course, it belongs to the EU.
Hate belt clips??? I luvvv me sum belt clips! :)
Thank you
The sonys display is cleaner and easier to read
Sony is my choice thanks to you.
What is DSP
Digital Signal Processing.
Nice video,Thank you for that.I think you need to work on your pronunciation of “Sangean “.
yes, i even watched the video by Sangean...I can do it a few times then my lazy American English takes over.
Well,I owe you an apology.I watched the video by Sangean,andthey pronounce it as you.For years ,I heard it pronounced Sangee an,and pronounced it the same.I have and love the sony icf7600g.It replaced a sony ICF2003 that I boughtin 1985 or so on St. Martin.I was there on a 50’DeFever yacht that my mother had bought.She enjoyed buying,and riding in boats,but she didn’t have a clue how to run them,that was my job as I was the one with the Captain ‘s license.She wanted to know if we could run the boat from St. Croix to St. Martin.I said “sure,no problem,might get la little rough.It did.Nothing dangerous,but it was uncomfortable.We stayed about a week on St. Martin.It wasn’t until we were planning to move on that she announced she was not going offshore in the boat again.She flew on Winair to Nevis.My brother and I followed in the DeFever.We had a distant cousin living on Nevis who showed us around.Even though the boat had engines and not sails,he ooowed and aaawed over it appropriately.He was a cardiac surgeon,so if he had wanted it,he could have bought his own damn boat.
@@scottgibson6735 Better yet, don't publicly correct people because you think they don't pronounce words properly. There is often different correct ways to pronounce words. You merely look petty and silly.
I just bought Sony ICF-P26. I really like its performance, but its antenna place makes me sick.
Is it a wrist strap or is it a thong? Oh wait... It's only the GE radios that have that. Nice job!
lol, "carry thong" best advertisement ever on a radio box.
SANGEAN SR-35 BATTERY DOOR COVER BREAKS EASILY. BROKE AFTER 5 MONTHS.
TOO BAD SUCH A GOOD SOUNDING RADIO. I BOUGHT 2 OF THIS RADIOS. THE ONE THAT BROKE USED BY MY WIFE.
PORQ NO TIENE LA SW?
Wow! That Sony sounds like a broken wheelchair in comparison at the end of the review, there's not even a comparison there to talk about... and all that through all the recording encoding, blah-blah, al the way up to my viewer/listener ears.
Two great radios. 😄😍😍
Sangean for the Win!!!
I love this music. 😍😘😗😙😚
Just subscribed you ;)
Sono rimasto molto deluso della sony,nelle cuffie,auricolari non si sente un cazzo