Customer Reviews

Sony SRFM32 Walkman Digital AM/FM Stereo Radio

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

 

 

I bought this radio thinking it was a small, compact, lightweight, digital radio receiver with a phase locked loop tuner. Well, that it is. What the "editorial review" doesn't tell you is that it also has constant static on all channels, no matter how strong the radio signal is. I live in Chicago, and even the strongest radio signal in the country (WLS!) has a strong static in the background. If you like Rock & Roll + static, or news + static, or Country & Western + static, buy this radio because it's definitely for you. I, however, am returning mine. Even my 1980s era analog walkman gets better reception than this piece of junk. Yes, I tried calling Sony tech support, and they were absolutely no help whatsoever.

This is a small compact and useful, high quality radio good for many applications. The small size and clip fastener makes it the best of the lot; small snags: the headphones may be too bulky compared with smaller versions available; I substituted a light weight top of the line AIWA radio headphone set; also the volume control isn't digital but the old style turn wheel type. Still an excellent buy.

Thia little guy works great!! The only problem I have is when the LX/DX switch gets knocked....then I loose reception. The unit hold signals great otherwise. I use it when I ride my motorcycle.

I really like this little radio. I use this unit primarily in the house, while I am doing dishes, scrubbing floors, going up and down the stairs. I find the lock function helpful, since I am moving around a lot it gets bumped ~ but stays right on the station. I have great reception with this little puppy, which is great, since I live in a rural area in the woods. I did replace my headset with a smaller set, as I do not like the bulky one it came with. On occasion, I have to move the headset cord (its antennae)to eliminate static~but this is minor. My battery life has been good~just do not let the teen use it! Mine was a gift and I love it. Now I can listen to NPR without my family complaining of its boredom point!

this radio has a real hard time getting reception without static. i don't know the reason because other radios i've had work fine in the same locations. in addition this thing sucks batteries. i get about 12 hrs of use before it is kapoot.

Given the short lifespan of digital goods these days, I was amazed to find this antique still listed on Amazon. I don't remember how long I have had mine, but I know it has been at least 10 years if not 15. Being of average clumsiness, I have accidentally dropped (even drop-kicked) it more times than I care to remember, yet the durn thing still works. The FM, that is; the AM went out on it several years ago (that must be what I hear rattling around inside when I shake it...) but I hardly ever listen to AM, so no big loss.

The reception on the SRFM32 is decent, not superlative. I mainly listen to two NPR stations located within 6 miles of my neighborhood, so reception is not a huge concern for me, but that is the reason I only give it 4 stars. On the other hand, I bought a little portable Grundig pocket radio about 3-4 years ago, thinking the reception would be better (a Grundig, after all...), but my antique Sony actually works better. The Grundig sits on a shelf, while I use the Sony on my walks every day of every week, morning and afternoon.

Some other reviewers complain about short battery life. I use rechargeable NiMH batteries, and they last me about a week or two between charges (=14 to 28 hours). I just carry a spare pair of AAAs in my pocket; problem solved.

To sum up, on the plus side: very portable, incredibly durable, decent enough reception, decent battery life, super easy to program, and best of all, excellently designed rubberized buttons than can easily be distinguished by feel so that I can change stations (etc.) without taking it out of my pocket. On the down side: reception could be better, and no doubt battery life could be better as well. Altogether, a decent (and long-lasting) value.

I'm used to Sony having good quality, but this was an exception. It would not "lock" onto a station and tended to shut off frequently. Uses lots of battery power for some reason. I used it playing golf, which should not have caused damage or problems with the reception.

... which is be small, and receive radio signals. it does both of those things very well. if i get static while listening to an FM station, i flip the little city/rural switch, and most of the time, everything is better. the lock button is very handy, since it deactivates all buttons on the device to avoid accidental channel flipping or powering down. the small nub on the middle radio preset button is extremely helpful, since it allows me to find my favorite radio station if i'm fiddling around with the walkman in my pocket.

the only setback: i did notice that it sucks batteries quicker than it should. other than that, i love it.

I've had this radio for about two years and I'm still on my first set of batteries. It lasts forever. And the reception is awesome. I'm very glad I chose this one.