Sangean U-1 AM/FM Analog Utility Radio (Yellow)

by Sangean

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 10.2 x 15 inches ; 9.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000CFYNP
• Item model number: U-1
• Batteries: 6 D batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,307 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 16, 2004

Product Description

Ultra Rugged and Water Resistant (JIS 4)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the Jobsite Radios, June 16, 2010

By 

Jonathan Treibick - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sangean U-1 AM/FM Analog Utility Radio (Yellow) (Electronics)

I am a professional audio installer. I work construction sites have used several jobsite radios and this one is my favorite and its NOT because of the sound. Here's why.

#1 -- Power

-AC adapter is integrated
-Power cord is durable and stores away inside unit
o I have lost countless boom boxes to faulty AC adapters and power cords
-TAKES REGULAR D CELL BATTERIES.
o Tool batteries end up being uncharged
o have disappointing life
o are needed for tools
o are deceptively expensive over their lifespan
o tether you to a brand.

#2 -- Sound

- Gets loud enough for a job site environment or a large BBQ without distorting
o I have tried many similar sized radios and many DO NOT put out the necessary decibels without distortion.
- Mono speaker is FINE for portable background music.
o Stereo speakers need separation between them to really shine.
o Mono amplifier is more efficient and will distort less at volume for its weight. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT IN A PORTABLE RADIO
- AM/FM tuner is precise and sensitive

#3 -- Simple Operation

- Three simple knobs: Power, Volume, Tuning
- Heavy damped controls.
o As an audio gear head, I LOVE this mark of quality
o Easy to operate with gloves
** I tried the controls of the more expensive U-3 Digital Radio and do NOT have this same quality feel.
- Bright tuning light on top of radio lets you know when you are locking onto a station.
- Manual tuner is less prone to breaking and can be fine tuned.
- Easy to read text
- LED night light is very useful when camping at night

#4 -- Durability (Obviously)

-Water Resistance
o This radio fell off my dock into the water, I grabbed it quickly and it still worked!
-Roll cage can take heavy objects sitting on top.
-Antenna is rubberized and can be pulverized and wont break like every other boom box.
-Nice rubber handle

CONS

- As one other reviewer mentioned, the radio can sound a bit 'boomy' at times. I don't fault the radio for this, but the bass-heavy EQ and compression that more stations and record producers are now using. The U-3 digital model has a 'tone' control and I do wish this had that option.

- Not a con exactly, but I wish this would charge NiMH D cell batteries, the more expensive 'FatBox' has this option, but this was likely kept out for weight and cost.

- Although it has the necessary AUX jack, this radio (and every other job site radio I have seen) isn't optimal for MP3 players. There isn't much real estate to place or control an MP3 player on this unit. When placed on the top I am concerned my iPod will fall and I don't like leaving it on the ground where it can be kicked or stepped on.
o A non-slip surface on top or a 'cup' to place an MP3 player would be nice.
o A USB power charging port for iPod/MP3 would be very nice.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One year out, still going strong, August 2, 2006

By 

K. Aultman (Alabama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sangean U-1 AM/FM Analog Utility Radio (Yellow) (Electronics)

We've been using this radio while working on our turn of the century remodel for the past year. It has taken pleanty of saw dust and paint splatters, yet it still sounds just as good as the day we bought it. We live in a small town many miles from the nearest public radio station, but it picks up very well. It even has an aux input for playing an ipod. The only thing I don't understand is why it has a built in flash light. Sofar, this has beem completely useless.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too boomy., February 12, 2007

By 

Douglas Baty (Sacramento California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sangean U-1 AM/FM Analog Utility Radio (Yellow) (Electronics)

Well made, very sturdy shop radio has a bass boost that you cannot turn off. Everything but classical music booms out with so much bass that I cannot hear lyrics. Talk radio is hopeless. The results are loud but unsatisfactory - sure to disturb all your neighbors.

Radio would be SO much better if it had a bass-boost off switch. It's a shame. Hey guys, how about adding tone control knobs?