▶ The Retekess TR621 at Amazon: amzn.to/3bV3qQI (paid link) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
Thank you for this wonderfully thorough review. I am an avid fan and listener to old time radio shows either played on cassettes or mp3 cd . This has tremendously helped me decide on purchasing this unit to replace my cheaper player. I am looking forward to using this with all these bells and whistles!! Appreciate you sharing this with the public. By the way, I love Box 13 radio show and was delighted you decided to select this type of cd to demonstrate this product.
Great review. Thank you. I think is a blast from the past that will please people still using cassettes and CDs. But also people with CD music in MP3 format. Radio is moving towards online broadcasting and DB radio, so this device is also a retro type of radio. Which can be useful when there is no internet connection or a broadcasting DB Radio station nearby. One important point is that there are three models of this radio. One without remote control. And people from other countries have to be aware of what they buy from internet, as there is one model that take 220-240 Volts and 50. Hz. Which is the type of power you find in some countries like Australia y some in South America. So you need to be aware of the power/ model you specify to be able to use the cord, and not just the 6 D batteries.
You can use a Bluetooth cassette receiver adapter to gain Bluetooth functionality on this unit. A Bluetooth cassette receiver adapter is a device that allows you to add Bluetooth connectivity to any stereo system that has a cassette player or tape deck. This adapter enables you to wirelessly stream audio from your phone or computer or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the radio's speakers, enhancing the audio connectivity and playback capabilities. These adapters are usually used in older cars. But, they are a viable solution in this case as well. The functionality of a Bluetooth cassette adapter is relatively straightforward. The adapter unit functions like a regular cassette tape, similar to the mixtapes popular in the 1980s. However, instead of containing magnetic tape with audio recordings, the cassette adapter contains a Bluetooth receiver. The Bluetooth receiver within the cassette adapter pairs with your Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone, allowing it to transmit the audio signal wirelessly. The cassette adapter serves as a "container" for the Bluetooth receiver, utilizing the cassette player as a medium for playing back the audio through your stereo system or boombox. To power the Bluetooth functionality, the cassette adapter needs to be either plugged in or charged. Most Bluetooth cassette adapters can be charged using a micro-USB cable, which can be charged from devices like USB wall chargers or laptops. Depending on the model, the adapter can provide approximately 6-10 hours of playback on a single charge. It's important to remember to charge the adapter regularly to ensure uninterrupted functionality. In terms of comparing Bluetooth and wired cassette adapters, it is generally recommended to consider a wired cassette adapter initially. While Bluetooth adapters offer wireless convenience, they can sometimes have connectivity issues, and you need to keep them powered or charged. Sound quality-wise, both options can provide good audio, but a quality wired adapter may have a slight edge. It's important to note that the overall output quality of any adapter, whether wired or wireless, is limited by the capabilities and quality of your stereo system. However, Bluetooth adapters may offer additional features such as audio playback control and call handling via an attached control dongle. To limit any noise coming from the Bluetooth Cassette adapter, open The plastic cassette casing and remove all wheels except the ones that the capstan and the pinch roller fit into. if you can do this,the noise should be gone.
Nice review! Of the boomboxes in this size/price class available right now, I think the Sony CFDS70 is the pick of the litter. It has CD with MP3 format capability and nice programming options, a very sensitive and selective digital AM/FM tuner, and a tape deck that actually makes good tapes. Most of the time what you run into with the tape decks available today is if you make a tape on them, they sound as if the auto-level is too high and the audio is barely listenable. They also tend to run too fast, so if you ever play the tape on something else it sounds too slow. There is no USB/SD card player on the Sony but there are so many low-cost MP3 players out there that I don't see that as a problem, especially given that the Sony does have Aux-In, so you can plug in your phone, an MP3 player, or another audio source very easily.
Hello, I decided to buy this unit based strongly on your review of it here to replace a Sony CDF-S70 boombox for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was surprised given Sony's long history of quality that the CDF-S70 is not up to their usual standard. The casing on the Sony CDF-S70 is quite plasticky, and the sound output is quite thin and tinny on the Sony. Additionally, the mega bass boost feature is so minimal as to be nonexistent. One similarity between the Sony CDF-S70 and this Retekess unit is that both do not have Bluetooth functionality built in. In contrast, the Retekess TR621, in my humble opinion, is the all-around better unit for similar money. As you state in your video review above, it offers a CD and cassette combo, supporting various disc formats and standard-sized tapes. The stereo MP3 player and home audio radio provide a stronger and richer stereo sound experience compared to the Sony. Moreover, the CD radio comes with a remote control for convenient playback control (excluding cassette and radio). The Sony does not. The telescopic antenna enhances radio reception, and the tape recording feature allows you to record your favorite music or external voice. The Retekess TR621 also offers some features that are not present at all on the Sony CDF-S70. For instance, the Sony unit does not allow for external voice recording or the use of a TF card or USB disk for MP3 playback. It is only through the CD player's capability to read MP3s from a disk that allows one to hear MP3 playback. Additionally, the TR621 offers two power supply options, allowing for both home and outdoor use. The dual high-powered speakers ensure excellent clarity and a pleasant listening experience. The LCD display allows for easy track selection and playback order customization. Furthermore, the portable carry handle makes it easy to move the unit from room to room or even outdoors, enabling enjoyment of great music anywhere. I am an avid viewer of your videos and sincerely appreciate your posting of this review. Thank you, very much, for providing such helpful insights.
Looks a nice radio cassette CD player. I have an old philips AZ1050 with all the features of this model apart from the mp3 usb and memory card reader and it looks similar to this model. I have also recently purchased a Grundig satelit 300 from eBay 2nd hand. This model was made between 1983-5 and I can recommend it. The only thing it doesn't have is SSB but sound quality is especially good on fm but only mono but it is a solid build radio.
Always love the reviews. Been a radio fan since childhood. Making radios from cats whiskers, single transistor amplified and moving up. Getting no longer wanted old tube style radios from the 40’s and 50’s some working some not. A single strand copper wire antenna in the attic and I would play for hours tuning in on world radio stations from Russia to Turkey etc. Great days when radios had personalities. But that was what seems like a hundred years ago. Now retired I’m looking to purchase a good multi band radio. So who better to ask than a person with a ridiculous amount of radios, experience and expertise than yourself Todderbert. So my question is if you could only purchase one radio that could cover all available bands what radio would you chose. Thank you.
@@todderbert Thank you for the quick reply. I had a chance to view you’re suggestions on UA-cam. The Sony has the nicer aesthetics. The realistic had the better reception. I doubt finding any of these will be like finding hens teeth today. I guess another option could be a SDR dongle and some computer software, but that takes away the pleasure of owning an actual radio. Reception may be good but it has zero personality and kinda pins you down to home or shop use not much transportability. Seems manufacturing radios today has changed from those bygone days, these mass produced radios have no soul. Oh well enough of the nostalgia. Thanks again for the advice, but I fear I will have to look for something more modern to allow me to begin listening in on world radio. Cheers 🍻 Todderbert keep these videos coming. God bless from Canada 🇨🇦
That's a very old school .mp3 logo, I remember Thomson/RCA using it on their boomboxes when they had acquired partial 'licensing rights' to the audio format.
I found a Retekess bundle on Amazon with the TR621 and the TR636 for about $85 (34.31 and 50.68) if anyone wants both. If the TR630 had BT it'd be gr8, but a BT cassette adapter or wired one that attaches to headphone jack on music player source might port music through even if it lacks aux in port.
I am disappointed that you left out the usage of the remote control. I have tried following the directions for the battery insertion, but I cannot get the door to slide open to save my life. So, I thought I was doing something wrong, hence the reason for tuning into your video. However, you didn't discuss the remote control or explain the battery insertion. However, with that being said, your demo was detailed, and I appreciated how you went over what you thought were the pros and cons. If you decide to do another review, consider demonstrating the remote control.
I looked at this one because I was wanting a radio for night use that had a remote control to control the volume as well as the station but unfortunately this one does not do that. I do like the brand. As you noted it would be better if it had Bluetooth but in addition it would be nice if the remote control controlled the radio too.
Hey, Todderbert! Why do so many of the Retekess tuners seem to cover the "old" AM band? The change did not happen, yesterday... Otherwise, I've been generally very happy with the Retekess products for giving a lot of bang for the buck.I own their TR618 AM/FM/SW/SD.
VWestlife and shango066 have both posted comprehensive videos about this radio, including disassembly, the radio uses a 'Sony chip', but also uses an analog tuning condenser with transistors populating the circuit board.
I have this same radio in a cheap chinese off brand! The FM stations come in strong, am is on the weak side, CD player is ok and the speakers are not so great! It was a gift. But recently the cd player no longer works.
▶ The Retekess TR621 at Amazon: amzn.to/3bV3qQI
(paid link) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are no additional costs to you.
I always have a soft spot for CD/cassette boomboxes like this, probably because I wanted one so bad as I child.
Same
My dream when i was young.
Techmoan is always looking for new boom boxes that are not junk
Umm but this isn't it lol
Thank you for this wonderfully thorough review. I am an avid fan and listener to old time radio shows either played on cassettes or mp3 cd .
This has tremendously helped me decide on purchasing this unit to replace my cheaper player. I am looking forward to using this with all these bells and whistles!! Appreciate you sharing this with the public. By the way, I love Box 13 radio show and was delighted you decided to select this type of cd to demonstrate this product.
This is a beautiful well made boombox. Retekess makes great radios, boomboxes etc. Good stuff man 😊
Great review. Thank you.
I think is a blast from the past that will please people still using cassettes and CDs. But also people with CD music in MP3 format.
Radio is moving towards online broadcasting and DB radio, so this device is also a retro type of radio.
Which can be useful when there is no internet connection or a broadcasting DB Radio station nearby.
One important point is that there are three models of this radio. One without remote control.
And people from other countries have to be aware of what they buy from internet, as there is one model that take 220-240 Volts and 50. Hz.
Which is the type of power you find in some countries like Australia y some in South America.
So you need to be aware of the power/ model you specify to be able to use the cord, and not just the 6 D batteries.
nice! Retekess PLEASE make a new 8 track player
Japanese FM band, Since it’s 110V, can be used anywhere in Japan to be plugged into 100V outlet. AM can be tuned up to 1650 kHz.
Retekess is Chinese. But they're highly respected in the radio community.
You can use a Bluetooth cassette receiver adapter to gain Bluetooth functionality on this unit. A Bluetooth cassette receiver adapter is a device that allows you to add Bluetooth connectivity to any stereo system that has a cassette player or tape deck. This adapter enables you to wirelessly stream audio from your phone or computer or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the radio's speakers, enhancing the audio connectivity and playback capabilities. These adapters are usually used in older cars. But, they are a viable solution in this case as well.
The functionality of a Bluetooth cassette adapter is relatively straightforward. The adapter unit functions like a regular cassette tape, similar to the mixtapes popular in the 1980s. However, instead of containing magnetic tape with audio recordings, the cassette adapter contains a Bluetooth receiver.
The Bluetooth receiver within the cassette adapter pairs with your Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a smartphone, allowing it to transmit the audio signal wirelessly. The cassette adapter serves as a "container" for the Bluetooth receiver, utilizing the cassette player as a medium for playing back the audio through your stereo system or boombox.
To power the Bluetooth functionality, the cassette adapter needs to be either plugged in or charged. Most Bluetooth cassette adapters can be charged using a micro-USB cable, which can be charged from devices like USB wall chargers or laptops. Depending on the model, the adapter can provide approximately 6-10 hours of playback on a single charge. It's important to remember to charge the adapter regularly to ensure uninterrupted functionality.
In terms of comparing Bluetooth and wired cassette adapters, it is generally recommended to consider a wired cassette adapter initially. While Bluetooth adapters offer wireless convenience, they can sometimes have connectivity issues, and you need to keep them powered or charged. Sound quality-wise, both options can provide good audio, but a quality wired adapter may have a slight edge. It's important to note that the overall output quality of any adapter, whether wired or wireless, is limited by the capabilities and quality of your stereo system. However, Bluetooth adapters may offer additional features such as audio playback control and call handling via an attached control dongle. To limit any noise coming from the Bluetooth Cassette adapter, open The plastic cassette casing and remove all wheels except the ones that the capstan and the pinch roller fit into. if you can do this,the noise should be gone.
Nice review! Of the boomboxes in this size/price class available right now, I think the Sony CFDS70 is the pick of the litter. It has CD with MP3 format capability and nice programming options, a very sensitive and selective digital AM/FM tuner, and a tape deck that actually makes good tapes. Most of the time what you run into with the tape decks available today is if you make a tape on them, they sound as if the auto-level is too high and the audio is barely listenable. They also tend to run too fast, so if you ever play the tape on something else it sounds too slow. There is no USB/SD card player on the Sony but there are so many low-cost MP3 players out there that I don't see that as a problem, especially given that the Sony does have Aux-In, so you can plug in your phone, an MP3 player, or another audio source very easily.
Buy one from Japan and it’s 100V. FM: 76 - 108 MHz, AM: 531 - 1629 kHz
The voltage wouldn't bother me because I always use rechargeable batteries rather than plugging in. What is the model number of the Japanese model?
All in one, good!! Also you can récord your oun casette.Gretings from Quilpue , Chile.
Hello, I decided to buy this unit based strongly on your review of it here to replace a Sony CDF-S70 boombox for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was surprised given Sony's long history of quality that the CDF-S70 is not up to their usual standard. The casing on the Sony CDF-S70 is quite plasticky, and the sound output is quite thin and tinny on the Sony. Additionally, the mega bass boost feature is so minimal as to be nonexistent. One similarity between the Sony CDF-S70 and this Retekess unit is that both do not have Bluetooth functionality built in.
In contrast, the Retekess TR621, in my humble opinion, is the all-around better unit for similar money. As you state in your video review above, it offers a CD and cassette combo, supporting various disc formats and standard-sized tapes. The stereo MP3 player and home audio radio provide a stronger and richer stereo sound experience compared to the Sony. Moreover, the CD radio comes with a remote control for convenient playback control (excluding cassette and radio). The Sony does not.
The telescopic antenna enhances radio reception, and the tape recording feature allows you to record your favorite music or external voice.
The Retekess TR621 also offers some features that are not present at all on the Sony CDF-S70. For instance, the Sony unit does not allow for external voice recording or the use of a TF card or USB disk for MP3 playback. It is only through the CD player's capability to read MP3s from a disk that allows one to hear MP3 playback.
Additionally, the TR621 offers two power supply options, allowing for both home and outdoor use. The dual high-powered speakers ensure excellent clarity and a pleasant listening experience. The LCD display allows for easy track selection and playback order customization. Furthermore, the portable carry handle makes it easy to move the unit from room to room or even outdoors, enabling enjoyment of great music anywhere.
I am an avid viewer of your videos and sincerely appreciate your posting of this review. Thank you, very much, for providing such helpful insights.
Looks a nice radio cassette CD player. I have an old philips AZ1050 with all the features of this model apart from the mp3 usb and memory card reader and it looks similar to this model.
I have also recently purchased a Grundig satelit 300 from eBay 2nd hand. This model was made between 1983-5 and I can recommend it. The only thing it doesn't have is SSB but sound quality is especially good on fm but only mono but it is a solid build radio.
Always love the reviews. Been a radio fan since childhood. Making radios from cats whiskers, single transistor amplified and moving up. Getting no longer wanted old tube style radios from the 40’s and 50’s some working some not. A single strand copper wire antenna in the attic and I would play for hours tuning in on world radio stations from Russia to Turkey etc. Great days when radios had personalities. But that was what seems like a hundred years ago. Now retired I’m looking to purchase a good multi band radio. So who better to ask than a person with a ridiculous amount of radios, experience and expertise than yourself Todderbert. So my question is if you could only purchase one radio that could cover all available bands what radio would you chose. Thank you.
It would be a Classic, possibly the Sony Earth Orbiter, Zenith Trans-Oceanic Royal 7000, or a Realistic Patrolman-9/10.
@@todderbert Thank you for the quick reply. I had a chance to view you’re suggestions on UA-cam. The Sony has the nicer aesthetics. The realistic had the better reception. I doubt finding any of these will be like finding hens teeth today. I guess another option could be a SDR dongle and some computer software, but that takes away the pleasure of owning an actual radio. Reception may be good but it has zero personality and kinda pins you down to home or shop use not much transportability. Seems manufacturing radios today has changed from those bygone days, these mass produced radios have no soul. Oh well enough of the nostalgia. Thanks again for the advice, but I fear I will have to look for something more modern to allow me to begin listening in on world radio. Cheers 🍻 Todderbert keep these videos coming. God bless from Canada 🇨🇦
Curious as to how the CD player is holding up? Thanks!
That's a very old school .mp3 logo, I remember Thomson/RCA using it on their boomboxes when they had acquired partial 'licensing rights' to the audio format.
A very useful review, thank you very much.
I found a Retekess bundle on Amazon with the TR621 and the TR636 for about $85 (34.31 and 50.68) if anyone wants both. If the TR630 had BT it'd be gr8, but a BT cassette adapter or wired one that attaches to headphone jack on music player source might port music through even if it lacks aux in port.
I am disappointed that you left out the usage of the remote control. I have tried following the directions for the battery insertion, but I cannot get the door to slide open to save my life. So, I thought I was doing something wrong, hence the reason for tuning into your video. However, you didn't discuss the remote control or explain the battery insertion. However, with that being said, your demo was detailed, and I appreciated how you went over what you thought were the pros and cons. If you decide to do another review, consider demonstrating the remote control.
I looked at this one because I was wanting a radio for night use that had a remote control to control the volume as well as the station but unfortunately this one does not do that. I do like the brand. As you noted it would be better if it had Bluetooth but in addition it would be nice if the remote control controlled the radio too.
Retekess needs one with CD, Tape, Mini Disc, AM/ FM /SW, Recording to Micro SD
What are the classical songs playing starting at 9:50?
Not certain, but I believe that the cassette deck plays and records in mono only ...... as many of these new retro units seem to be.
Yup it is in MONO alright..
Will you arrange one Motherboard.? 30:25
Hey, Todderbert! Why do so many of the Retekess tuners seem to cover the "old" AM band? The change did not happen, yesterday... Otherwise, I've been generally very happy with the Retekess products for giving a lot of bang for the buck.I own their TR618 AM/FM/SW/SD.
My boombox TR621's motherboard has been burnt out due to the power supply.I need one Mother board to replace it. How can I get it.
How many Watts Is it 20 w or 10 w sounds good
Lost the cord. Anybody know of a compatible replacement?
Hi can you set the bass and treble low or high ?
Awesome.. do you know if 5 core t-291 am fm radio is a true transistor radio ??
not sure, I almost bought that radio, but after looking at it closely thought it looked rather junky.
@@todderbert thanks, but are there any companies still making them??
VWestlife and shango066 have both posted comprehensive videos about this radio, including disassembly, the radio uses a 'Sony chip', but also uses an analog tuning condenser with transistors populating the circuit board.
@@TattiePeeler awesome thanks..
I have this same radio in a cheap chinese off brand! The FM stations come in strong, am is on the weak side, CD player is ok and the speakers are not so great! It was a gift. But recently the cd player no longer works.
It is a MONO cd radio cassette player! How on earth you get stereo????
does the tape record audio from the cd well?
That I could not test, but you can check out their newest model, which I find better for my needs: ua-cam.com/video/TFqew57BOec/v-deo.html
Is there a bluetooth function???
No Buetooth
Buy Cassette Bluetooth adapter
Is in stereo or mono a lot of these new radios are mono just because it has two speakers doesn't mean it stereo beware
It has Stereo on CD/MP3 playback. No FM Stereo. Not sure of the Cassette Player.
Boombox is certainly a stretch for this one. There's nothing about this radio that booms. Nice review though.
I’m first to comment
Wassup