Customer Reviews

Sony ICF-M1000 Table Top Radio

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This radio from Sony is placed to compete with similar products from Tivoli (Henry Kloss Model One) and Boston Acoustics (Receptor Radio). All of these products are single speaker (mono) AM/FM radios that contain no CD or cassette players and have no remote control. If that is not what you are looking for in a radio, this product is not for you; however, if you are looking for a simple tabletop radio, continue on.

Sony hoped to cash in on the popularity of simple table radios, however their offering falls short of its competitors. The radio is gloss black with a black fabric front that hides the speaker. It is significantly larger than the other radios in this class, about double the size of either the Kloss or the Receptor. Despite the size of the cabinet, the speaker is roughly the same size as those found on the other radios. The LCD display is small and somewhat hard to read from certain angles (there is an acrylic prism sitting on top of the LCD that reflects the image forward and upward). There are three knobs on the front that control tuning, volume and tone. The radio is built well, but I think the black fabric makes it seem a bit cheap. Removing the fabric cover exposes the cheap wood interior and lowers the aesthetics even further.

By itself this radio has a decent sound, and the tone control allows for tweaking of the sound quality. However when I compare the sound quality to that of the Kloss and Receptor, this product again falls short. This radio lacked the bass response of its competitors, despite its much larger size. Midranges were decent, comparable to the others (talk radio sounds almost the same among the three radios). Trebles were decent, although slightly muddled unless the tone control was set to high. On the plus side, the tuning was accurate and the reception clear, probably the best of the three, although all are very good.

The Sony radio has line-out/line-in 1/8" jacks in the rear for connecting to an mp3 or CD player (as does the Kloss, but not the receptor). There are no alarm-clock functions on this radio, which further limits its usefulness.

In conclusion, this would be a very decent radio if it were fifty dollars. However, Sony has set the price so that it competes with radios that are far superior to it. If you are to spend this kind of money on a table radio, I suggest you look elsewhere (I recommend the Receptor Radio).

I'm a happy camper now that I have this Sony ICF-M1000 radio. For years, I've always sought out the best in table radios and this Sony is the top of the heap. As an employee of a radio station, I've long been fascinated with how good or how poorly particular radios work. My first foray into this world was an ancient (circa 1977) Sony AM/FM table radio with a tuned bass port. It was always quite the conversation piece in the office as fellow employees would marvel at the sound it produced. As digital tuning radios came along, I found myself a Sony Megabass clock radio that not only sounded good, but had stereo reception and sound reproduction as well. Sadly, that radio worked better in my home than in the office, since our station is located in an office building not too far from the transmission towers. The stereo receiver, the proximity to the towers, and the building itself contributed to a lot of "multipath" a phenomenon of terrestrial FM analog radio. I continued to experiment over the years with other radios I'd come across, finally settling on a Tivoli Model One in 2001. That radio has served me well in the five years since I purchased it. Monaural and simplistic, it was compact in size and performed well. Again, fellow employees commented on the sound it produced. While shopping recently, I happened upon this Sony ICF-M1000 radio in a store in a shopping mall. Attractive in design - it looked very much like my center channel speaker at home - and adorned with simplistic function knobs and display, I could tell right away, before I even heard it, that this would be a radio that I would just love. This particular radio was located in a store in the center of a mall and got virtually no reception, but I could even tell that the static it produced sounded like hi-fidelity! Later on, in the same day, I found this radio in another store, and was able to get reception since they were closer to the outside of the mall. I knew then and there that I had to have this unit, and began my search on the Internet. Prices varied widely, but I settled on a good price with no shipping charges. Today, I'm sitting in my office, writing this review, and listening to the marvelous sounds of the Sony ICF-M1000 radio. It's replaced my Tivoli Model One, as the reception is not only better on FM but AM as well - a difficult feat inside an office building. I'm quite impressed with this Sony radio. Highly recommended.

The Sony M1000 is currently being used on my desk at work as a radio I can listen too during the day at very low volumes and then at normal volume during after hours work. This environment is the basis for my review.

First, looks, this is entirely personal preference; I love the high gloss finish and the prism display. It looks high quality and everyone who has see it so far has commented on how sleek and high tech it looks.

Second, build quality, the radio is solid, the finish is flawless, the tuning dials are solid and very smooth. The cloth screen cover that you see in the pictures is a must. If you remove this, the finish underneath is simple plastic and will not impress anyone. With the cloth cover on the radio maintains it sleek look and makes everything seem more complete. The push buttons on top are smooth and do not feel cheap or brittle. Over all I think the construction of the radio is very good and very solid.

Third, and most important, sound. This is really what everyone is looking for when they look at these tabletop radios (See comments on Tivoli Model One below). The Sony's sound is very good. I have heard the Receptor, the Tivoli Model One (again, see below), and the Sony all side by side. My opinion is that the Sony and the Tivoli are comparable in sound quality. The Receptor in fact may have a slightly better sound quality. This is of course my opinion.

Why I chose the Sony is for a couple of reasons. 1. The Line-In so I can connect my XM radio was crucial. The Receptor does not have Line-In and therefore was not an option for me. So my choice was Sony & Tivoli. 2. The Sony, unlike the others, has a Tone Knob. This allows a modification of the sound quality to your individual taste. While this is not critical it is important. If anyone has experienced XM radio, you may have realized that different channels have different sound quality/EQ. Thus, some music sounds clear and well balanced and others sound a bit flat. With the Sony I can make those flat channels sound a lot better. 3. I actually chose the Tivoli Model One first and this is the basis for my next comments.

The Tivoli Model 1, probably the most recommended radio when you read reviews anywhere. Here is my experience: I ordered the Model 1, Walnut case, and set it up on my desk at work. When I turned it on and tuned a station, at low volume, the background noise/static from the radio was annoyingly present. To the point where I kept trying to tune the stations better. However the tuner was spot on and the stations were as clear as could be. It was the radio itself creating noise. To make sure it wasn't something else I tried the radio at various other power outlets and locations, I added a `filtered power strip to eliminate electrical noise and still the radio buzzed slightly at low volume. To test the quality of the radio further I performed this test: I set the radio to AUX (Line In) with nothing connected, I turned the volume way up and the noise from the speaker was horrible. The internal amplifier of the Tivoli is total junk. The speaker and cabinet design is amazing and the potential is there for top quality sound. But the electronics are poor at best. I went to the local Target (which actually carries Sony, The Receptor, and Tivoli) and performed this test with all the radios available. The Sony made no noise at any volume level, every Tivoli (model 1, 2, and 3) made a lot of static noise, and the Receptor is hard to tell because there was no way to set it to a "line-In" to test with no input. After seeing this I immediately returned the Tivoli and bought the Sony. I have been very happy with my decision.

Lastly price, the price of the Sony is acceptable. I paid $140 here on Amazon with free shipping. The Tivoli (which everyone seems to recommend as better) is 120. For $20 more I feel I have the better radio. It makes no static, it has a digital tuner (not a dial with light), the line-in works great, and it looks more high tech and looks like better build quality then the other two.

So in summary, If you like the looks of the Sony and can fit the slightly larger size, then I recommend you go for it. The Tivoli is junk, and the Receptor does not have Line-In ability. For the price I think you are getting a very nice table radio that performs well from very low volume to normal listening volume.

I just read N. Schweitzer's review of this radio and I feel he is a little to harsh and missed the mark on his review. After having owned this radio for about 6 weeks I feel qualified to review it.

For the record I also own a Tivoli Model Two with Sub and CD Player. The Tivoli does sound much better in stereo mode but unplug the sub and right speaker and I feel that it is no better than the Sony.

About the Sony, It has a very high gloss finish with a deep shine. It reminds me of the finish on a fine piano. I personally feel that the cloth speaker grill gives it a classy look as compared to the look of the Tivoli.

The knobs have a silky smooth feel to them and the display is very easy to read. The Tuner is easy to operate and locks onto weak stations with ease. It is easier to find your station on Sony's digital tuner than it is with the Tivoli's analog tuner. One nice feature of this radio that the Tivoli lacks is the tone control. It allows you to fine tune the audio to your personal taste.

I feel that Sony fell short on a few things though. They could have included some presets for the tuner. It also would have been nice to have the option to add a stereo speaker and a sub woofer similar to the Tivoli Model Two. The Sony does have a stereo headphone jack but who wants to listen with headphones on? If you keep this radio in your bedroom be warned, the display is bright and cannot be dimmed.

True the cabinate is not made of cherry wood like the Tivoli but with the type of finish on this radio it doesn't matter. One thing the sony is better at is the way the electronic PC boards are constructed. The Sony uses Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and is a much cleaner and better assembled than the Tivoli.

Bottom line, if you want a modern looking Mono Table Radio and have the money to spend, you will be very happy with the Sony.

Judging from the price drop this little piece of retro from Sony will soon disappear and that is a shame.

It's a radio. It's not an alarm clock. It doesn't make coffee or even grind the beans. It doesn't have a small screen with Wifi or Bluetooth. It doesn't buzz, tick, or chime. Sure you can plug your mp3 player into it via the headphone connection but there is no dock, no external screen, and not even a place to rest your player.

It has three beautiful knobs that turn like diamonds on glass. Tuning, Volume, and Bass/Treble. And two buttons Power, and Band or Line selector.

It is simplicity. It is elegance. It is a fine radio. Wax nostalgic or just listen to a sound richer than it has a right to be. It is pleasure recaptured.

Sometimes Sony gets it right.

My guess is that this is Sony's "upgrade" to their classic table radio they have carried for years. I ended up with this radio as a gift from my ex-wife (guilt gift, parting gift who knows(rolling eyes)). It does have a nice sound and is very cool looking. However, it is more like a $100 dollar radio, not a $150 radio. I also own a Sangean WR-1. It is downstairs the Sony up. Personally, I like the Sangean better for sound. It has a tuned port and good bass. The Sony has a port in front but it does not move the air the Sangean does. The Sony however has a more balanced sound and a tone control that actually does affect the tone, it is not just for looks. It also has line in/out jacks for satellitte, MP3 etc. I like the Sangean better because I am partial to slide rule tuning. The Sony does tune in well and picks up stations very well. In my review of the Sangean, I am excited. As for the Sony, it is a very good radio but not a great one. Again overpriced. The Sangean WR-1 radio toasts the other 2 competitors (rhymes with ravioli and the Mass. capitol) brand radios as well for sound and quality IMHO. I have heard all 4. You decide. In the future, when you see the Sony ICF-M1000 selling on E-Bay for less than $100, (and you will) then it will be a fair exchange.

If you're a hard core audiophile you may want to look at the pricier alternatives. Nonetheless the Sony is a much less expensive option that is very pleasing to all but perhaps the most discriminating ear. It's a great table top radio.

It's so simple I have yet to open the manual. Three buttons and three dials are clearly labeled and easy to operate. The digital tuner locks the station and eliminates drift. The speaker has a decent bass sound, and AM radio sounds great. I also like using the line-in feature with my MP3 player.

Bottom line-if you want to pay a lot more to get one of the similar models you sure can. But if the difference is marginal, why would you?

This is an excellent AM/FM radio which is now available at a very favorable price point (under $70) so that if you'd like a slick looking, black, minimalist style, great sounding radio for the kitchen, bedroom or indeed anywhere in the house, you won't be disappointed.

The built-in speaker is monophonic but the output to earphones or to line out to another amplifier/speaker system is stereophonic. The tuner is pretty good just with the power cord as the default antenna. If you use the external antenna input with a decent external or inside auxillary antenna, the reception gets quite good.

But the stations you get in most metro areas will sound fine. The controls are silky smooth. The unit exudes quality. At its current price, I think it is a great buy for those of us who love FM radio. Until the newer digital FM receivers come down a lot more in price, this is a good choice. I'm buying another for the kitchen. They're cheap enough and stylish enough.

Now that I've used this radio for a few weeks, I'd say I like it even more. No automation - such as preset butons - you'll actually have to turn the silky smooth knob yourself to get another station and you'll even have to remember the frequency of the other station. Good exercise for baby boomers seeking to keep their cerebral cortex in shape.

This gets my enthusiastic recommendation - I now have two of them - might just get another for another room of my home, hmmmm ....

Addendum: On another purchase from Etronics (the current listed supplier) they tried to oblige me to call them by phone to confirm the order. I don't approve of that in e-commerce. The reason I buy from Amazon is NOT to have to make phone calls or go to stores. They held onto my payment, refused to ship, and finally I had to call PayPal to force them to refund my payment. Not a pretty scene. I do not recommend Etronics for purchases. When I bought my Sony radio it was shipped from BH camera in New York - a dependable shipper.

When you take this radio out of the box, the word that comes to mind is
"Elegant"! Note that this is a radio with a clock; it is not an alarm
clock radio. It does not have a remote, and there is no way to store
station frequencies. When you turn it off, it remembers only the station
you last listened to. If the a.c. power fails, you have to reenter the
time and station frequency. This radio is ideal if you listen to only
one station and do not need to change stations frequently.

The tone control is not active for signals entering the "Line In" jack.
I measured the frequency response from the Line In jack to the speakers,
as picked up with a calibrated microphone 20 inches in front of the
speaker, on axis. Here are the results (Freq/dB): 80/-7; 100/+3;
200/+4; 1,000/0; 1,500//-2; 2,000/+4; 3,000/0; 4,000/+3; 8,000/-2; and
10,000/+1. Thus, there are humps at 1,500, 2,000, and 4,000. I was not
able to measure the effect of the tone control.

It actually sounds quite good if you are not on axis; there is something
incongruous about large musical instruments coming out of a small 3-inch
hole (the size of the speaker port). This radio is dead quiet when there
is no audio being transmitted (as during speech pauses). The display
shows the time when the radio is turned off, and the station frequency
otherwise.

Sony ICF-M1000 Table Top Radio

The cabinet design is four- or five-star superb. But unless you would like to hold the powercord antenna in a narrowly fixed position to get even alocal FM station, this radio would be essentially useless.