Customer Reviews

Sony ICF-CD513 Under-Cabinet CD Clock Radio

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

 

 

I installed this product in my kitchen last night. It looks good and also sounds very good. Both AM and FM reception is great on all my favorite stations. It is simple to install, program and operate. I highly recommend it!

I gave one of these to my wife six months ago, after being less than impressed by reviews of the equivalent GE product. Basically, I wanted something that would pull in her 3 public radio stations and offer me incentive to feed the cats. Trouble is, the darn thing requires installation--which took me 4-5 hours not counting the five months I simply thought about doing it.

The pluses: It seems very solid and durable, is a no-brainer to operate, and produces relatively high-frequency (if a bit hollow-sounding) fidelity.

Minuses: It's deeper than I'd bargained for. The only under-the-cabinet space that would accommodate it was in a corner. Curiously, Sony's instructions warn against installing it near florescent lighting. (What are you supposed to do--rewire your kitchen?) This may explain why radio reception, while decent, is hardly startling. Only by fiddling with the electrical cord (which does double duty as an antenna) can I get acceptable sound on most of the fringe (40-70 miles out) stations. If only manufacturers would scrap some of the automatic features and station memory banks in favor of more sensitive and selective tuners. And, true, the unit has a "mega-bass" switch with a single setting--but does anyone remember the days when radios came with a handy little knob called a "tone control"?

All in all, a well-made product offering solid performance and value. An excellent gift for the handyman in the family.

I bought this player about a month ago after installing one for a friend. I liked the way it looked and sounded in her kitchen and decided that I wanted one for me. Its a nice unit that is easy to use and has 15 pre-sets for the radio.The slot for the cd holds one cd. The sound is good, not great. I especially liked the instructions and template for installation. It made it very easy to look like a professional install. Especially for a guy who is all thumbs.

I put aside my qualms about Sony sound products (my experience is that Sony is great for pictures, but their sound always goes) and bought this machine. For about two months, I revelled in finally being able to play my favorite music while trapped in the kitchen. I liked it so much I didn't even begrudge the money I spent having a handiman install it (no way could I have done this myself). So I was really crushed when one evening, the CD simply stopped working. I tried all the remedies described in the operating instructions, but eventually was forced to take it down (no small feat in itself). Though the machine is still under warranty, Sony's online repair service told me that it will be replaced with a factory refurbished model--not a new replacement. And of course, I have to pay to ship the thing to Texas to get my refurbished model. I am not happy at all.

How many times have you cursed the almost ubiquitous little volume "up" and "down" arrows on most new electronics? They are hard to press and they take forever to adjust. Here's your chance to get a decent under-cabinet clock/radio with a large, simple, functional volume knob located conveniently on the side. That alone is reason to give this unit serious consideration. I actually purchased this for my garage to go under the cabinets above my workbench (I have the Salton "ICEbox" in the kitchen, but that's over 2 grand). Its only weak point is the speaker output is not quite powerful enough - at higher volumes, distortion becomes evident. However, at most normal listening volumes, it sounds fine.

I wanted one of these so bad and my husband got me one for xmas 3 yrs ago.....I LOVE IT!!! my hibby installed it no problems and I Literally have it on almost all day long, while I cook, clean, etc. My cd player works just fine and so does the radio (unless of course I have the microwave running, which is right next to it then it gets a little staticy but I think thats normal)...basically I love this and would recommend this esp for the great price!!!

This is a great item! No trouble with installation. Great sound from the radio and also the cd player. Very easy to use! The price just can't be beat. I am very happy with this product and would highly recommend it!

If I were buying this item strictly for the radio, I'd be very satisfied. However, I bought it with the idea of playing CDs in my kitchen while I cook. An excellent idea - if the CD player actually worked! We also tried all of the suggestions in the manual to no avail. It rarely works; I'm very disappointed.

For a white kitchen, I debated between this and the ICF-CD523.

The 513 won out with larger controls centered on the unit and a larger display. The inevitiable finger drips, too, won't dribble into a nice, white grille as they would on the 523. They'll dribble on to a smooth, easily cleaned surface.

As for sound, for this purpose, it's perfect. No, it's not a high end unit. But if you've used Sony audio before, you'll appreciate the solid quality, almost intuitive controls - especially the CD section - and Mega Bass sound.

FM reception's just fine, even with the antenna embedded in the power cord. I just ran it under the cabinet like you would...an antenna! <doh!> No problem getting my "Morning Edition" fix or late nite jazz.

Finally, you'll thank yourself for taking your time with the installation - measure twice, drill once.

This radio and cd play is just what is needed under the counter. The clock is easily set and it performs well in the heat of the kitchen.