Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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?

I like this radio a lot. It's a perfect size and built like a tank. The tuner is excellent and best of all, it's analog. I've had radios with digital tuners in the past and when you unplug them to move them, they reset and you have to find your station all over again. When you're on a job site, that can happen a lot. Like others have said, the sound is a little bass heavy but I don't think most people will have a problem with it. Even classical music sounds great on it. For general use, I find just wrapping the cord around the top easier than using the hide-away thing in the back.

I highly recommend this radio, especially to fellow contractors. It's simple, tough and sounds great.

While the construction of the radio seems to be OK, its the radio itself that is dissapointing. After turning the radio on and selecting the channel to listen to, aprox 10 minutes later I have to retune the dial. Drift seems to be a big issue with this radio. In the world of electronics there should be a better lock on the station than this. I have to adjust for drift throughout the day using this radio. Its not just once but several times a day.

Got this radio for my boat its great sound is deep and clear and the kids love it.Amazon is the best look around and you'll see.Great radio.

Initially most impressive. Heavy- looks indestructible. Invested in charger, rechareable d cells when I purchased, intending to carry out to farm, woods. But cover of electrical cord niche flopped open as I lifted out of box. Latch makes term "rugged" laughable. Thin, flimsy plastic. Tried- simply cannot be reglued- plastic too thin. What now- load up with batteries, carry with cord hanging behind, plastic lid flopping? Poor execution of details ruins otherwise good design, because it plays from aux input well and radio seems to have good sensitivity. Sound is very full for a battery powered speaker. A shame, really.

i've been buying radio's for my handicapped son for over 40 years and can say this is the best. the ease of operation, just two controls one for stations and one for on/off volume. the quality of sound is very good. this rugged radio will be tested by my son and by the looks of this radio it should hold up very well. thank you for a great product!!!