Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black)

by Sony

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.6 x 3.5 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0016OEV7C
• Item model number: ICF38
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (405 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #110 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #3 in Electronics > Portable Audio & Video > Radios

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Perfect for the garage, porch, or anywhere around the house, this handy portable radio delivers crisp sound and simplified controls. The built-in carrying handle makes it convenient to carry and the illuminated LED tuner makes finding the right station fast and easy--even in low light.

Product Description

Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black) Large built-in speaker

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

362 of 363 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Designed/Good Performance, October 16, 2009

By 

59er (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black) (Electronics)

I'm a big time radio guy, and have used many models over the years. There are two things that really make any radio stand out, and this one has both of them.
The ICF-38 is an excellent performer as far as reception of both AM and FM signals go. Weak signal pick up on both bands is markedly better here than with almost all small portable radios I've used, and even more importantly, selectivity (ability to seperate stations cleanly) is better as well. The tone switch (which some radios don't even have) cuts the treble when desired, if you want a less harsh sounding AM signal. The dial has no clock or light, but an LED for indicating if a station is tuned in. Battery life is excellent if alkalines are used (it takes 4 AA batteries). Output volume is listed as 4 watts, quite loud for a radio of this size, with little distortion at top level.
The other ingredient for a good radio is ease of use and a well thought out design. There are little things here which most people won't notice that actually make this radio a joy to use. Many radios today that run off both internal batteries and AC require a seperate wall-wart that plugs into the radio and the outlet, but the ICF-38 has the power cord built in so you won't have to search for it when needed. Also, the battery cover is hinged, which is great as battery covers can disappear as easily as wall-warts (and you can't just go to Wal-mart to buy a new battery cover). The carry handle flips up when needed, and there is an indentation in the cabinet which allows you to slip in a finger to raise it easily, and you'll find out how nice this is when your hands are full and you need to bring the radio with you as well. Both slide switches for band selection and power have a raised bump in the middle which makes it easier to change bands or turn it on. Finally, The shape makes it easy to place in most locations and it is very stable, making it unlikely to get knocked over.
If there were no markings on this radio to indicate the manufacturer, I would have easily guessed that it was a Sony product. It has the great performance and clever design that I associate with Sony.

137 of 140 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fine Little Radio, August 14, 2008

By 

J. Root (Underatree, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black) (Electronics)

This radio brings in distant stations, sounds good, and takes up little space. The controls are easy for me to use. These were the qualities I was looking for so I am pleased I made the choice to buy Sony ICF38.

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simple and functional, August 7, 2008

By 

Galt Chase - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black) (Electronics)

Just what I was looking for--a quality desktop radio with nothing fancy-- just a radio. The sound quality is very good and the reception is excellent with a telescoping adjustable attenna. Great value for the price.