Interesting video. I had BOTH of these same radios. I bought the RF 1150 new in 1976 when I was 18. I was a medium wave dx'er and this radio SHINES on AM! At the time I was living in North Kingstown Rhode Island and used to listen to WCBS 880 out of New York city. It would come in nearly FULL SCALE and sound almost like a local station! I was able to dx many AM stations. The rotatable AM antenna was a nifty idea but I never used it much. I would just turn the radio, but there were times that rotating it would be better considering how the radio was oriented at the time. Like if it was on a table and I wanted to leave it in position, I would just turn the AM antenna. I don't remember FM reception much cause I was mostly into AM and shortwave. Unfortunately, many of these portable radios, even the high end ones were very susceptible to overload if connected to external antenna. I am a ham, by the way, W1AV. Now I was VERY disappointed by the RF 2600 which I bought new around 1983-84. The fluorescent display created more interference internally. It was nowhere as sensitive as the RF 1150. And not made as well......you can see the build quality of the 70's decline by the 80's. I didn't keep the 2600 for long. I just didn't like it. Not a true dx radio. I still live in RI. I used to live in Danielson, CT for a few years.
I agree the 1150 the better of the two radios for several reasons. The 2600 has its place but if I could only own one, I'd chose the 1150. I am in north-central CT so we aren't that far away from one another. In fact, I bought these radios as a pair at the Mansfield flea market. Since you lived sort of in the area maybe you have heard of it or have even been to it.
Well, it's 53 years old and could use a cap job and transistor replacement and an alignment. I just cleaned up mine from 1980, give or take a year. no external serial number. Still glad I bought it out of the dozen or so radios at the Thunderbird Swap Shop on Ft Lauderdale. And by the way, it plays very loudly, yours is in need of service.
Thanks! I like the 2600 for "serious" operating. The RF-1150 is great for using outside or in the garage. These radios were a bargain find at a local flea market last fall and have quickly become my favorite portables.
Nice video. I have both these radios. I have found the Panasonic RF-2600 is my " go to " radio for FM broadcast reception. In terms of the AM broadcast, I think the Sony 1150 is better. The rotating Gyro antenna works very well. Best to do a comparison of the AM broadcast during the day. Pick out a weak station, and I think you will find the 1150 is a little better. For SW, I think the Panasonic is better. Just my opinion. HH
I have both of these fine radios as well, and absolutely feel the same way. The 2600 is superior on FM (my own go-to for FM with its great selectivity), and the 1150 shines on MW with that awesome Panasonic gyroantenna (it's implementation on the classic RF2200 is second to none). I think the 2600 is the better SW receiver too, but the 1150 is no slouch. It's just not quiiiite as sensitive or selective. In any event they are both excellent receivers that fully deserve their classic status and every ounce of praise given them over the decades. I'm a Panasonic nut, so I'm biased, but I sure think they made some fine radios.
Hi great video, well done! I have the GE version of the RF2600, the GE Model 7-2990A. Mine has an unusual fault in that there's a 40 khz discrepancy between the tuned frequency and the digital display. I'm sure there should be an adjustment to sort it out but I don't have a service manual. I'd say it would be the same as the 2600. Any thoughts? Cheers...... Phil vk2gjf
Thanks Phil. I didn't know there was a re-branded GE version of the 2600. based on a quick internet search I'd guess they both use the same board more or less. Having said that, i'd probably live with it the way it is. The digital display is kind of a battery hog and I usually run with mine off anyway.
Interesting video. I had BOTH of these same radios. I bought the RF 1150 new in 1976 when I was 18. I was a medium wave dx'er and this radio SHINES on AM! At the time I was living in North Kingstown Rhode Island and used to listen to WCBS 880 out of New York city. It would come in nearly FULL SCALE and sound almost like a local station! I was able to dx many AM stations. The rotatable AM antenna was a nifty idea but I never used it much. I would just turn the radio, but there were times that rotating it would be better considering how the radio was oriented at the time. Like if it was on a table and I wanted to leave it in position, I would just turn the AM antenna.
I don't remember FM reception much cause I was mostly into AM and shortwave. Unfortunately, many of these portable radios, even the high end ones were very susceptible to overload if connected to external antenna. I am a ham, by the way, W1AV. Now I was VERY disappointed by the RF 2600 which I bought new around 1983-84. The fluorescent display created more interference internally. It was nowhere as sensitive as the RF 1150. And not made as well......you can see the build quality of the 70's decline by the 80's. I didn't keep the 2600 for long. I just didn't like it. Not a true dx radio. I still live in RI. I used to live in Danielson, CT for a few years.
I agree the 1150 the better of the two radios for several reasons. The 2600 has its place but if I could only own one, I'd chose the 1150. I am in north-central CT so we aren't that far away from one another. In fact, I bought these radios as a pair at the Mansfield flea market. Since you lived sort of in the area maybe you have heard of it or have even been to it.
Well, it's 53 years old and could use a cap job and transistor replacement and an alignment. I just cleaned up mine from 1980, give or take a year. no external serial number. Still glad I bought it out of the dozen or so radios at the Thunderbird Swap Shop on Ft Lauderdale. And by the way, it plays very loudly, yours is in need of service.
Excellent review. Thumbs up and shared.
Nice demonstration thanks.
Very nice radios! I like the 2600. It has a very nice layout and is just a good looking radio. Looking forward to more videos on both of them.
Thanks! I like the 2600 for "serious" operating. The RF-1150 is great for using outside or in the garage. These radios were a bargain find at a local flea market last fall and have quickly become my favorite portables.
Nahh....Just you are just getting WISER ;-)
SevenFortyOne
Nice video. Thanks for sharing. BUT...... I like the audio better on the Panasonic. The other radio has too much base for my liking.
Barry
Nice video. I have both these radios. I have found the Panasonic RF-2600 is my " go to " radio for FM broadcast reception. In terms of the AM broadcast, I think the Sony 1150 is better. The rotating Gyro antenna works very well. Best to do a comparison of the AM broadcast during the day. Pick out a weak station, and I think you will find the 1150 is a little better. For SW, I think the Panasonic is better. Just my opinion. HH
I have both of these fine radios as well, and absolutely feel the same way. The 2600 is superior on FM (my own go-to for FM with its great selectivity), and the 1150 shines on MW with that awesome Panasonic gyroantenna (it's implementation on the classic RF2200 is second to none). I think the 2600 is the better SW receiver too, but the 1150 is no slouch. It's just not quiiiite as sensitive or selective. In any event they are both excellent receivers that fully deserve their classic status and every ounce of praise given them over the decades. I'm a Panasonic nut, so I'm biased, but I sure think they made some fine radios.
the smaller radio is actually worse. I am a audio engineer and find the smaller one sound is muffled. The 2600 is more clear and fuller.
Any info on Bulb replacement on the Panasonic RF-2600? Mine are out. Where to order from. Thanks for any Info.
Hi great video, well done! I have the GE version of the RF2600, the GE Model 7-2990A. Mine has an unusual fault in that there's a 40 khz discrepancy between the tuned frequency and the digital display. I'm sure there should be an adjustment to sort it out but I don't have a service manual. I'd say it would be the same as the 2600. Any thoughts?
Cheers...... Phil vk2gjf
Thanks Phil. I didn't know there was a re-branded GE version of the 2600. based on a quick internet search I'd guess they both use the same board more or less. Having said that, i'd probably live with it the way it is. The digital display is kind of a battery hog and I usually run with mine off anyway.
Nice Compared
Masha Allah
Lovely Radio
Donde se consigue el radio Panasonic RF 2600
Perdón RF 2600
Got a rf 2600 flea market 30 dollars