I chose this radio over the Sangean U3 based on size, weight, and price. The U3 is larger, weighs about 12 lbs (I don't want to carry that extra 5 lbs up a ladder if I don't have to), and is about $30 more expensive (at the time of this writing). Everything about this radio is great except...the antennas. I'll explain. You'll see lots of reviews complaining about the sound distorting above about 75% max volume. It doesn't. This is the 2nd of these radios I've had. I returned the first one immediately when my favorite, and one of the hottest (meaning strongest signal) AM talk stations crackled on low volume. I thought the speaker was bad. It sounded blown. My replacement TB-100 sounded exactly the same. Doubtful I'd get 2 factory duds in a row so I spent some time playing with the radio. I tuned the radio to a hot FM station that I know comes in 5x5. I heard NO crackles or pops whatsoever. Still, I was getting distortion above 50% to 75% max volume while I was on battery power. When I plugged the radio into AC power, I was able to crank the volume 100% full blast with NO distortion. So with a 5 watt speaker it's a bit of a power hog for C batteries. Sangean probably should have designed this to run on D batteries or a big 6 volt battery (but then the radio would be heavier). That aside, what people have been perceiving as a bad speaker or mismatched speaker/amp combo is really the fact that the antennas in this radio are too small which causes less than perfect reception. The external FM antenna is ALMOST 6 inches tall?! Ridiculous! The antenna is flexible and rubber coated and the unit is about 12 inches wide. So there's no reason Sangean couldn't fit a flexible 12 inch antenna in the box! My cheap Sony pocket radio had a 17 inch (telescopic) antenna. This should have come with a 12 inch FM antenna--period. The internal ferrite AM antenna is only 3 inches. THREE inches?! Seriously?! Come on, Sangean! As a general rule of thumb, when building a radio, you should try to put the longest ferrite antenna in it that will fit in the cabinet. Have you heard of the legendary GE Superradio III? It's renown for amazing AM reception. The ferrite antenna in it is nearly 8 inches long! Size matters with antennas. Sangean should have put in a longer ferrite. As long as possible, in my opinion. Please take into account that I'm a former professional radio DJ, former CB'er, and an overall radio enthusiast so I'm pretty critical and picky about my radio gear. To its credit, even with the 3 inch ferrite, this radio picked up AM stations 141 miles away while indoors, under a 150 watt halogen light, during the DAYTIME (AM reception is usually better at night on all AM radios).
This radio is about 7 lbs and made of very thick, sturdy plastic. You can knock the antlers off a moose with it while still hearing your favorite song. The display is large and easy to read and backlit for a few seconds. You can adjust the tuning steps to adhere to either USA or European increments (instructions are included with the radio).
Some have complained about the tone. Personally, I like the tone. I've tested this on many genres. Talk, jazz, contemporary Christian, alternative rock, bluegrass, 80's pop, country. It sounds good with all of them. It's not too bass-heavy for Talk. Sound full and rich but clear. Using the Aux input, I tested my iTunes library. Using the iPhone Settings for Music, I was able to select any of the EQ presets and control the tone. As a general rule, I found Acoustic and Jazz to be two settings that worked well with most stuff. The factory tuning for this cabinet is a bit prominent is the low-mid range so it sounds better if you use an EQ that pulls those frequencies down a bit. I do recommend this radio and I'm happy with it for the most part, by I'm disappointed in the antennas Sangean included. They could have done better. I may decide after the warranty expires to crack it open and put a longer ferrite antenna in it. Any increase in size will help. If one were industrious and handy with tools, one could get ahold of a whip antenna (from a car or old CB radio set), cut it to a reasonable length, affix it to a threaded male end of the appropriate fit for the antenna port, and make yourself a longer FM antenna for this. Boy! A 2 or 3 foot whip on this would pull in the FM very well, I'd think! I whine about the antennas and the reception but many customers seem happy with them, so they aren't bad enough to that the radio doesn't work. It works well. I'm just very picky about my radios.
Small antennas aside, it's a good, durable, outdoor radio. Get it!
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Product description
Color:Red
Product Description
Rugged, High Performance AM/FM Radio w/2 aux-In, rain resistant, backlit LCD Display, newly designed audio system w/powerful amplifier
From the Manufacturer
Sangean's new Fatbox Rugged Industrial AM/FM Radio is the perfect way to bring tunes to the job site. This highly durable radio comes equipped with leading-edge features like digital PLL tuning for crystal-clear FM reception, two auxiliary input ports for your iPod or other audio player, a rain-resistant media storage compartment, and a large backlit LCD display to ensure excellent visibility. Sangean's Fatbox Radio offers high quality sound with six equalizer settings for those noisy environments. It's even equipped with a built-in battery charger for charging universal D-size Ni-MH batteries, and includes both a 12-Volt DC cable and an auxiliary audio cable.
 Water, dust and shock-resistant design |
The Sangean Fatbox Industrial Radio features an extremely durable protective roll-cage made of tough, heavy-duty ABS plastic. This rugged design can withstand a fall from six feet and can sustain over 250 pounds of weight.
What's more, the buttons, speakers and battery chamber are sealed to keep water, dust and other harmful elements from damaging its interior components. The firm, flexible rubber antenna boosts reception yet can still be folded to stay protected within the protective roll cage.
High-Quality Sound and Advanced Tuning
The Fatbox boasts two 6.5-inch waterproof speakers and a powerful internal amplifier that provides high-quality, full-range sound--even in noisy environments.
Advances in digital PLL tuning give the Fatbox advanced reception power, making it one of the best job site radios in the industry. The tuner can also store six FM and six AM station presets for easy access.
The Fatbox has multiple equalizer options that allow the user to cut or boost specific frequencies, making it easy to tailor the sound to your taste. There are also six different preset EQ modes for specific music genres and settings, including rock, pop and outdoor. The Fatbox also includes intelligent dynamic loudness compensation that adjusts low-pitched sounds for better bass tones.
 Protective media storage compartment with aux-in port safely houses your portable player |
Not only does the Fatbox bring you high-quality sound in an extremely durable package, it also boasts handy extras. The Fatbox is equipped with a built-in battery charger, allowing you to charge universal D-size Ni-MH batteries while the unit is plugged into AC power. This offers you the freedom to listen to your music anytime and anywhere.
The Fatbox is also equipped with two auxiliary input ports that allow you to use any external player, including iPods, CD players or even portable DVD players. One of the ports is hidden inside the media compartment. This water-resistant compartment has protective foam on the inner wall which prevents scratches on your iPod, iPhone or MP3 player.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2017
Color: GreenVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2017
Color: blueVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2018
Color: GreenVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2017
Color: blueVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Pat Z.
Nice sturdy unit
Reviewed in Canada on September 9, 2020Color: GreenVerified Purchase
Nice sturdy unit
Reviewed in Canada on September 9, 2020
Bought this to replace a disappointing purchase.Reviewed in Canada on September 9, 2020
This takes only 4 C batteries, and if they are rechargeable, you can switch to recharger mode so they charge while the radio is off and plugged in. The battery compartment door opens easily with a screw/knob, no tools required.
Volume and stations are adjusted using dials, so it is quick and easy to do. Sound quality is pretty good for what I need.
The unit is squat and stable with a good roll cage to take any impacts or falls, but it's unlikely to get tipped over. The handle has a couple of holes that could be used with a bungee cord to hang it at the campsite.
All in all...love it!
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David Bailey
Big Sangean fan because they never disappoint
Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2020Color: blueVerified Purchase
Daniel Morin
Great little radio
Reviewed in Canada on August 19, 2019Color: blueVerified Purchase
Mark
Amazing sound
Reviewed in Canada on July 19, 2021Color: blueVerified Purchase
Christian S.
Antenna in the way
Reviewed in Canada on January 7, 2019Color: GreenVerified Purchase
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