Kaito KA200 Pocket AM/FM Radio, Black

SUMMARYIt is a terrific "transistor" radio. Turn it on, dial in your station, enjoy memories of a simpler time---particularly these days when you can't set the time on a typical wristwatch without the manual which you lost three years ago. Good manual tuning---the radio won't "forget" your station when you change batteries. There is even a little green diode which helps tuning in exactly on your station. Two AAA batteries have a long lifeSHORTCOMINGNeeds an attachment point for a small split-ring or neckcord on the back center. A split-ring would allow it to be carred on a belt-loop etc. with a small carabiner, or hung at a convenient place. Carabiner Keychain (6 pack)TUNING AND RECEPTIONThe manual tuning is straightforward and easy, albeit sometimes it is hard to exactly tune in a weak station near a strong one. The dial is fairly stiff---a good thing, it isn't easly bumped. Reception is usually very good, even without the telescoping antenna (just leave it collapsed), but it is very much appreciated when you need it. The antenna does NOT rotate.VOLUMEThis is a personal radio, which you need close, not a room radio. The volume may fill a small room without too much distortion if there is no competing noise, but you will usually want it within about 3--5'.SOUND QUALITYThe sound qualtiy is good, not great. This is a radio for listening to news, talk radio, or ball games, not classical music. Music is acceptable, particularly at modest volume.USING HEADPHONESThe radio is mono, so the headphone connection is also mono, but to both ears. Unlike many portable radios, the volume can be turned down to an appropriate level even for very efficicent headphones (such as J-buds). JBuds Hi-Fi Noise-Reducing Ear Buds (Black)CARRYING IT AROUNDTiny, fits easily in a shirt pocket. However there is no neckstrap, and no attachment point for a strap or split-ring. My solution was to loop a strap around a battery, and shut the battery compartment---the radio hangs upside down from my neck---but that is actually ideal. 5 pcs Black Neck Strap Band Lanyard For USB Flash/Pen Drives, Cell phone, mp3, mp4 and other Lightweight (under 50 grams) Electronic Devices When that proved to be a good solution, (using my pocket knife) I cut a tiny notch in the center of the lip of the battery compartment lid to accommodate the cord easier.Compared to Coby CX50---a tiny desk radioThe Coby is only a little larger, and a little louder, and features a rotatable antenna, a wrist strap, and has time and alarm functions. The Coby is not rounded and has a lower center of gravity, so it sits more securely on surfaces, making it a better desk or bathroom radio. The minimum volume of the Coby is so loud that it is can be hard to use with efficient headphones. COBY CX50 COMPACT AM/FM DIGITAL RADIO - CX50Compared to the Panasonic RF-P50--an oversize "shirt pocket" radio, with plenty of volumeThe Panasonic is more than twice the size of the Kaito, but similar in design. However the Panasonic has a wrist strap and rotating antenna. The Panasonic is much louder, and can be used as a small room or "shop" radio--but being tall with a rounded bottom (like the Kaito), it is not as stable as the Coby on a desk. The AA batteries in the Panasonic last much longer. The earphone of the Panasonic is monophonic to only one ear, and it is almost impossible to dial down the volume to a low enough level for efficient headphones. A Sony ICF38 (which I bought for my Dad) is a better inexpensive small room radio than the Kaito, Coby, or Panasonic. Panasonic RF-P50 Pocket AM/FM Radio, SilverCompared to Sony ICF-S10MK2The Sony is the same size, shape, and has the same features (and shortcomings) as the Panasonic RF-P50. Sony ICF-S10MK2 Pocket AM/FM Radio, SilverCompared to Sony ICF38--an inexpensive AC/DC table radioThe Sony ICF38 is MUCH larger, but runs either AC (cord stows inside) or battery, and is more suitable as a room radio. Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black)> Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.

Recieved the KA200 radio bought from Electronnix a day earlier than expected. I popped some cheap AAA batteries in it and went down the dial on both bands and was quite surprised at at the reception on slide dial a little longer than 1 inch. The tuning dial is nice and firm most likely to prevent drift. The volume dial is a little less firm, and may be OK that way since it is located on top of the radio. The telescopic antenna is only about 7 inches long but seems adequate to pull in local FM stations. The ferrite antenna for AM seems quite good to pull in stations. Even though it states it in the description, this radio does not include the extended AM; mine won't tune past 1610 kHz. The tuning light is a bonus and works well on both bands.The sound from the small speaker sounds good at a relatively close distance; tested in a 15x15 room at medium volume and it was more than adequate. Plugged in some headphones and receive sound from both left and right, albeit mono. Reception via headphone cord seemed as good or better than using the antenna extended and sound coming from the radio's speaker.Please note my test was at approximately 1pm indoors and received all local stations on both bands. I expect night reception to be better especially on the AM band, but it may not be what you would call a good distance listening radio. I will update at a later time.The radio seems to be built well and should last years. The only quibble I have is the telescopic antenna has a small divot which may prove to be a failure point in the future (bending). Also, as reviewed previously the base of the radio will permit the radio to stand upright, but any little wobble of the surface it's sitting on or the slightest breeze will make it fall.I chose this instead of the newer KA210 because I needed a tiny AM/FM to use at work to catch evening ballgames. I have other radios with Weather Band (two of which are Kaito) and it wasn't needed for my intended use. From reading reviews on the KA210, I believe the KA210 is bigger and through Amazon it is more expensive.All said I think this a great purchase, and the price was right.