▶ ICF-306 at Ebay: bit.ly/SonyICF306 (paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
Hi Todd, C"mon now, why would anyone buy this radio with a 2.5" speaker to listen to FM ? The 306 is the big brother of the P36 which I LOVE ,so it"s perfect for talk show junkies like me, who just want crisp , clear AM sound ! NOT the muffled AM you get with the 506 or 19 that have a 4" speaker but No tone controls ! So to those looking for a good, solid, small portable for AM broadcasts , get this ! I gladly paid 39.95 (plus tax) for the 306 ( with true analoge tuning) !
Had this for a few months now. Great sound, and reception is decent enough considering the noisy signal environment I'm in. Battery life is no joke - 2 months of 2-3 hour/day use on Eneloops, and I just recharged them for the hell of it. And the handle has enough resistance to function as a prop stand.
toddlerbert- it is November, 2019. I just watched your video yesterday, and was impressed enough that last night I ordered a Sony ICF-306 radio for my desk at work. Usually, I was using a Sont ICF-SW7600GW SW radio, but, I was worried about it getting stolen. So, the ICF-306 is the right radio for me, it will keep me company during the workday. Thanks for doing such a wonderful job of reviewing this radio. Thanks.
You were wise to worry about it being stolen. I had one less than a week before my nephew walked out of my apartment with it, sold it, and I never saw it again. Sadly, they quickly became too expensive for me to replace it.
I think the designers of this radio had a sense of humor. Even though it's from the 21st century it pretends to be from the 60s. I like that! I see a lot of complaints that it only goes up to 16, but I think it's great! It's a nice way to advertise that it has authentic oldskool analog tuning. They also turned the tuning knob into a volume control. That's pretty funny. But you know, it's kind of efficient depending on how you use your radio. If you mostly listen to one station, and mom is always storming into your bedroom screaming, "Turn that thing down!" having a conveniently placed volume control is nice. I might get one of these just because I think they are cool. Thanks for the nice review!
I like all the radios you review. It makes me want to buy one. I probably will, but mostly for emergencies. Radio is barely enjoyable anymore since it’s like 90% ads these days. They’ve ruined it.
Wax the plastic with some good car wax.( about 4-5 light coats). As a professional auto detail technician, I would recommend “Mothers Cal.Gold Or Maguire’s (yellow). Use a very thin coat applied with your finger, and you can do the speaker grill too. A few very thin coats. This will help prevent finger prints and make it easier to wipe them off. Helps to protect the plastic and looks better too. (I do all my radios like this). Nice radio. I have the ICF-P26. It’s nice but doesn’t impress me.
Every single time I pick up my 306, I wished they had put a second speaker under that huge grill. Perhaps they could have used a bypass filter and put one speaker tuned low and another high for better sound? Would have helped with volume too. The other thing is, that I wish they had reversed the tuning and volume knobs. Once I have a station I am listening to, I set the radio down and the only thing I need to do is to turn the volume up and down. And that is easier from the top. Every time I go to turn down an annoying commercial, I change the station. Sony, knobs are for tuning and wheels are for volume!
Hi sir.. I love the way you explain things about the Radios. If possible can you please make a teardown video this Radio.. You said that it performs very good in receiving AM band. So, I want to know the length of Ferrite Rod & no of IFT stages.
Love almost everything about this radio. So sad, the P26 and P36 performed better on AM and FM reception. Did I receive a bad 306? $35 is a bit steep for this radio and had it matched or beat the two smaller units I'd keep it. So good-looking!
Nice radio but I don't know what Sony were on with the volume and tuning controls. That knob on the side is ideal for tuning and the scrolling wheel on top should be used for volume. I'm all for quirks and different ideas but that just looks awkward and not much fun to tune. These radios are all about the tuning experience. Sony have really made some nice AM/FM radios over the past couple of years.
This was actually a good feature for me. I listen to a single radio station, and will either turn it up or down depending on my level of concentration.
The radio uses an internally wound coil of fine wire on a ferrite core to receive the long wavelengths the AM band uses. So most AM and FM radio have two antenna systems. One for AM (internal) and FM (external). Sometimes you will see people move or raise their FM antenna if they experience interference from it when collapsed. If you search my videos of AM only radios you will see they have no external antennas.
So how do you find the FM recpetion on this compared to the Sony P27? I would think that the right knob was the tuning knob too, and to me, it doesn't makes sense aestheticlaly at all, as the tuning dial on top is what I would think a volume control would look like! It's a wonderful looking radio. I new to re-introducting myself to radio, but I gotta say, I'm really digging this Sony line.
I've had one of these by my bedside for the last... 1.5 to 2 years or so. Just tuned to 1 station that plays classical music through the night. Blues and jazz on the weekends. I use it for background music while I sleep. So it's almost always at low volume, so the batteries last friggin' FOREVER it seems like. I also like having that massive volume control on the side where I can just reach out and adjust it in the middle of the night only 5% awake and without my glasses. :P
todderbert might as well since its so cheap lol. They're Pocket radio is also like $16 or so, but from what I understand they have an older discontinued model which used Sony's chip and apparently there's a newer model using a DSP chip which tunes in steps like Sangean SR-35 radio.
i bought 15 years ago a used ITT schaub lorenz touring international 104. two speaker (mono, 2 way). Pleasent bass, but its not a newborn. I try to find its successor at least in the higher range. This sony meet not my expectation. I know the ITT is powered with 8 cell (12V), but can you recommend me something with 2 way speaker mono? I don't want to spend money for bluetooth, nfc, Li-battery. Just a clear, powerfull sound. Is there any new radios with 6-8 cells (9-12Volt)?
That sound comparison with the other 2 smaller sony's seemed to be more mellow and not as shrill on the 306. A smaller radio that's at least listenable.
Which radio do you think is better? (Sound wise and reception wise)? The Sony ICF-P26 or the Sony ICF-306? The 26 is 19.75 dollars and the 306 is 18 dollars now.
The Sangean PR-D6 is a very similar type of radio, both analog, and the same size, you should do a radio shootout between the D6,and the icf306, Radio Jay Allen gave a good review of the PR-D6
I like the radio aesthetic of the 1960’s & 1970’s. Unfortunately, it seems the big name makers, like Sony don’t do that anymore. The best LOOKING radios today are cheap Chinese knockoffs.
My thoughts exactly !! 🤣🤣👍 Panasonic does make a reliable, long running model that looks retro (90s ish) that you're looking for. We have a lot of random brand Chinese ones too. But if you're interested in shortwave radio and willing to spend up to $200, eton makes some nice looking radios that look like they are from the 80s.
Heya. You clearly know what you’re talking about and I’m very inexperienced in all of this. Is this, in your opinion, the best radio that reaches the furthest while sounding great for up to $60? Thanks!
Depends on what size of a radio you want. Currently there is a great deal on the Sangean PR-D5 that has amazing reception for the money. It is the model before the Sangean PR-D15, but still has the 200mm long internal ferrite antenna. amzn.to/2QP36JI . My video of the D15 th-cam.com/video/CgxiKPW4ELc/w-d-xo.html . Great radio. Another radio to consider is the Sangean PR-D4W amzn.to/2QRcpc2 My Video: th-cam.com/video/kNBGlaaPqHY/w-d-xo.html. These would be my top picks for your price range.
QUESTION - are headphones mono or stereo fm? Anyone tried? Instructions concerning headphones were odd to me, seemed to me it can dou stereo, but Todderbert says jt's mono. Can anybody answer?
Hi Todd. How would you compare the 306 and the 506 or p-19 (soundwise and receptionwise) for a working desk, background music radio? I listen to fm mostly. It would sit on my desk and won't be carried around as much.
@@todderbert no, I meant ICF-19. With no P. Just bought it and it's awesome. It sounds rounder, pleasant to the ears, compared to my old Panasonic RF-2750. This sounds a little 'harsher' to my ears. Thanks again, Todd!
Looks like it according to Robert NES. Figured it had to be based on the same chip and board, because of the great run times and use of the same batteries.
Same run times on batteries. The 306 has better audio, and slightly better reception. The P36 is very similar in reception to the P26, just a table top format like the 306. The P26 is the most portable.
Please Todd, actually I am very confuse between icf 306 and icf 19, my priority for good reception and sound quality (especially AM), Can you answer my question
The ICF-19 is a larger radio and has excellent sound and reception. It is a DSP radio and the 306 is an analog radio. They both are good. The 19 takes D cells, while the 306 takes AAs. The 306 is very portable. Here is a video showing the 19 with the 306 to give you an idea: th-cam.com/video/kya0U9q_Tac/w-d-xo.html
I like your reviews. I love talk radio on AM & so prefer a bright crisp sound for speech recognition. I bought this radio after your review. Thank you & keep up the good work.
▶ ICF-306 at Ebay: bit.ly/SonyICF306
(paid link) As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. There are no additional costs to you.
I am now a proud owner of this cute radio.😄 Lucky me.
Looks like a great radio 📻. I’ve been an AM radio fan for 40 years now. Love to hear DX stations outside the Twin Cities
Hi Todd, C"mon now, why would anyone buy this radio with a 2.5" speaker to listen to FM ? The 306 is the big brother of the P36 which I LOVE ,so it"s perfect for talk show junkies like me, who just want crisp , clear AM sound ! NOT the muffled AM you get with the 506 or 19 that have a 4" speaker but No tone controls ! So to those looking for a good, solid, small portable for AM broadcasts , get this ! I gladly paid 39.95 (plus tax) for the 306 ( with true analoge tuning) !
Had this for a few months now. Great sound, and reception is decent enough considering the noisy signal environment I'm in. Battery life is no joke - 2 months of 2-3 hour/day use on Eneloops, and I just recharged them for the hell of it. And the handle has enough resistance to function as a prop stand.
I appreciate your review. Love from India 🇮🇳. Perfect way to suggest all.
Nice looking and sounding radio. Thank you for the review. And for the WBBM listening tip, the old time radio programme.
toddlerbert- it is November, 2019. I just watched your video yesterday, and was impressed enough that last night I ordered a Sony ICF-306 radio for my desk at work. Usually, I was using a Sont ICF-SW7600GW SW radio, but, I was worried about it getting stolen. So, the ICF-306 is the right radio for me, it will keep me company during the workday. Thanks for doing such a wonderful job of reviewing this radio. Thanks.
Excellent. This makes a great table top portable.
You were wise to worry about it being stolen. I had one less than a week before my nephew walked out of my apartment with it, sold it, and I never saw it again. Sadly, they quickly became too expensive for me to replace it.
Your reviews keep making me by the Sony radios great reviews keep it up!
Thank you El Barto! I enjoy making these.
I think the designers of this radio had a sense of humor. Even though it's from the 21st century it pretends to be from the 60s. I like that! I see a lot of complaints that it only goes up to 16, but I think it's great! It's a nice way to advertise that it has authentic oldskool analog tuning. They also turned the tuning knob into a volume control. That's pretty funny. But you know, it's kind of efficient depending on how you use your radio. If you mostly listen to one station, and mom is always storming into your bedroom screaming, "Turn that thing down!" having a conveniently placed volume control is nice. I might get one of these just because I think they are cool. Thanks for the nice review!
Your Welcome Mr. Saeger. I really like the audio from this radio.
Man! That 306 sounds pretty good. It seemed to draw in the AM station better than the P26 and the speaker sounds better. Very nice.
Fairly new to the channel.....Been enjoying your reviews. Big thanks! Just purchased 2 Retekess based on your reviews.
I like all the radios you review. It makes me want to buy one. I probably will, but mostly for emergencies. Radio is barely enjoyable anymore since it’s like 90% ads these days. They’ve ruined it.
I find NPR stations, and enjoy them. There are some that are fantastic, but mostly Classical Music Programming.
Got one today! really nice radio
Wax the plastic with some good car wax.( about 4-5 light coats).
As a professional auto detail technician, I would recommend “Mothers Cal.Gold Or Maguire’s (yellow).
Use a very thin coat applied with your finger, and you can do the speaker grill too.
A few very thin coats. This will help prevent finger prints and make it easier to wipe them off. Helps to protect the plastic and looks better too. (I do all my radios like this).
Nice radio.
I have the ICF-P26.
It’s nice but doesn’t impress me.
The P26 is ok, I would take a Sangean SR-35 over it any day.
Every single time I pick up my 306, I wished they had put a second speaker under that huge grill. Perhaps they could have used a bypass filter and put one speaker tuned low and another high for better sound? Would have helped with volume too. The other thing is, that I wish they had reversed the tuning and volume knobs. Once I have a station I am listening to, I set the radio down and the only thing I need to do is to turn the volume up and down. And that is easier from the top. Every time I go to turn down an annoying commercial, I change the station.
Sony, knobs are for tuning and wheels are for volume!
Can you imagine a large oval speaker in there? It would have sounded massive.
This video makes me want to buy that radio 📻
Hi sir..
I love the way you explain things about the Radios.
If possible can you please make a teardown video this Radio..
You said that it performs very good in receiving AM band. So, I want to know the length of Ferrite Rod & no of IFT stages.
Is it pure analog?
It's weird how volume knob and tuning knob are backwards
yeah its confusing
Hola cual es mejor entre el 306 o el P36
Love almost everything about this radio. So sad, the P26 and P36 performed better on AM and FM reception. Did I receive a bad 306? $35 is a bit steep for this radio and had it matched or beat the two smaller units I'd keep it. So good-looking!
The P26 is actually pretty awesome, IMO. I have one and the much more expensive ICF-38, and the P26 blows it away on reception.
Nice radio but I don't know what Sony were on with the volume and tuning controls. That knob on the side is ideal for tuning and the scrolling wheel on top should be used for volume. I'm all for quirks and different ideas but that just looks awkward and not much fun to tune. These radios are all about the tuning experience. Sony have really made some nice AM/FM radios over the past couple of years.
This was actually a good feature for me. I listen to a single radio station, and will either turn it up or down depending on my level of concentration.
Nice radio. It looks like the volume and tuning knobs are backwards. It just looks odd.
I kept getting confused during the video on which was which :)
Sony radios rocks!
please make a Sony ICF-SW11 review
Great reviews sir. Excuse if it’s a stupid question, but I always see you raise the antenna for other bands but not AM... any particular reason?
The radio uses an internally wound coil of fine wire on a ferrite core to receive the long wavelengths the AM band uses. So most AM and FM radio have two antenna systems. One for AM (internal) and FM (external). Sometimes you will see people move or raise their FM antenna if they experience interference from it when collapsed. If you search my videos of AM only radios you will see they have no external antennas.
So how do you find the FM recpetion on this compared to the Sony P27? I would think that the right knob was the tuning knob too, and to me, it doesn't makes sense aestheticlaly at all, as the tuning dial on top is what I would think a volume control would look like! It's a wonderful looking radio. I new to re-introducting myself to radio, but I gotta say, I'm really digging this Sony line.
I've had one of these by my bedside for the last... 1.5 to 2 years or so. Just tuned to 1 station that plays classical music through the night. Blues and jazz on the weekends. I use it for background music while I sleep.
So it's almost always at low volume, so the batteries last friggin' FOREVER it seems like. I also like having that massive volume control on the side where I can just reach out and adjust it in the middle of the night only 5% awake and without my glasses. :P
My 306 just arrived. Great radio!
Hi from Turkey..Which is your best am fm radio? According to price and performance? If you say only one or two radios which will be they?
Ne..demiş bunlar hele bi anlatıver
I touch to 1K likes congrats man
Oh and the Panasonic RF-2400 uses the CXA1019S as well but it uses a higher voltage and also uses a nice sized 2.5 watt speaker.
That is another radio on my Amazon wishlist. I'm wishing...wishing...:)
todderbert might as well since its so cheap lol. They're Pocket radio is also like $16 or so, but from what I understand they have an older discontinued model which used Sony's chip and apparently there's a newer model using a DSP chip which tunes in steps like Sangean SR-35 radio.
But can it keep up with my $7 NIA? :) I'll look into these, I'm a sucker for an analog dial.
Have you looked at the board if it has IF transformer cans
please help which one to choose between ICF 19 VS 306 My Main focus is on Sodun Quality.
19.
Hello and thank you very much for sharing you impressions on this radio.. What sony with a digital tunning would you recommend? Much obliged.
I like my ICF-SW7600GR Shortwave Radio.
i bought 15 years ago a used ITT schaub lorenz touring international 104. two speaker (mono, 2 way). Pleasent bass, but its not a newborn. I try to find its successor at least in the higher range. This sony meet not my expectation. I know the ITT is powered with 8 cell (12V), but can you recommend me something with 2 way speaker mono? I don't want to spend money for bluetooth, nfc, Li-battery. Just a clear, powerfull sound. Is there any new radios with 6-8 cells (9-12Volt)?
That sound comparison with the other 2 smaller sony's seemed to be more mellow and not as shrill on the 306. A smaller radio that's at least listenable.
which radio do you prefer between the Sony Icf-306 and Sony Icf 19?
Sony icf 19
It's very beautiful, I love it and immediately buy this sony icf 306. thanks for review brother.
Which radio do you think is better? (Sound wise and reception wise)? The Sony ICF-P26 or the Sony ICF-306? The 26 is 19.75 dollars and the 306 is 18 dollars now.
The 306! wow that is cheap.
Icf 19 great & big sound
How can I get this radio from Bangladesh? Where to buy this radio? Please help me
India te ale peye jabe 9775462690 messenger koro
The Sangean PR-D6 is a very similar type of radio, both analog, and the same size, you should do a radio shootout between the D6,and the icf306, Radio Jay Allen gave a good review of the PR-D6
This radio is on my Amazon wish list.....wishing. It would be a cool shoot-out Dennis!
can you mention its physical weight? thank you
about a pound with batteries.. I don't have a small scale to weigh it.
Muito bom , Sony uma das melhores
I love Sony, but all the radios today are flat, glossy plastic and awful design
I like the radio aesthetic of the 1960’s & 1970’s. Unfortunately, it seems the big name makers, like Sony don’t do that anymore. The best LOOKING radios today are cheap Chinese knockoffs.
My thoughts exactly !! 🤣🤣👍
Panasonic does make a reliable, long running model that looks retro (90s ish) that you're looking for. We have a lot of random brand Chinese ones too. But if you're interested in shortwave radio and willing to spend up to $200, eton makes some nice looking radios that look like they are from the 80s.
Does AM band go to 1700 ???
Heya. You clearly know what you’re talking about and I’m very inexperienced in all of this.
Is this, in your opinion, the best radio that reaches the furthest while sounding great for up to $60? Thanks!
Depends on what size of a radio you want. Currently there is a great deal on the Sangean PR-D5 that has amazing reception for the money. It is the model before the Sangean PR-D15, but still has the 200mm long internal ferrite antenna. amzn.to/2QP36JI . My video of the D15 th-cam.com/video/CgxiKPW4ELc/w-d-xo.html . Great radio. Another radio to consider is the Sangean PR-D4W amzn.to/2QRcpc2 My Video: th-cam.com/video/kNBGlaaPqHY/w-d-xo.html. These would be my top picks for your price range.
You can contact me through my youtube approved website www.radiowavesbytodderbert.com
I think it looks like a larger ICF-P26 on its side.
QUESTION - are headphones mono or stereo fm? Anyone tried? Instructions concerning headphones were odd to me, seemed to me it can dou stereo, but Todderbert says jt's mono. Can anybody answer?
I listen to AM and FM stereo
Hi Todd. How would you compare the 306 and the 506 or p-19 (soundwise and receptionwise) for a working desk, background music radio? I listen to fm mostly. It would sit on my desk and won't be carried around as much.
Go with the 506. You get the AC input. If you don't need AC input then the 19. The 19 has slightly better acoustics because of it's deeper cabinet.
@@todderbert great thanks for your advice. Will order p-19 right away!
ok, I just noticed the P...I assume you were talking about the ICF-19 > amzn.to/2Mw4aPC
@@todderbert no, I meant ICF-19. With no P. Just bought it and it's awesome. It sounds rounder, pleasant to the ears, compared to my old Panasonic RF-2750. This sounds a little 'harsher' to my ears. Thanks again, Todd!
How can I purchased this
Amazon or Ebay sells this radio I think.
I wonder if they are the same radio,in different configurations?
Looks like it according to Robert NES. Figured it had to be based on the same chip and board, because of the great run times and use of the same batteries.
أنا معجب بشركة ناشيونال بنسونك
I like National panasonic ❤❤🇮🇶❤❤
hi , is this 306 true analog radio??
Yes.
@@todderbert thanks Tod, trying to buy new one. Hope this is the best portable analog I can buy brand new currently in the market.
Pls can you review sony icf sw 11 and if there is a significant difference in reception with the 7600GR
difference of p306 from p26or p36?
Same run times on batteries. The 306 has better audio, and slightly better reception. The P36 is very similar in reception to the P26, just a table top format like the 306. The P26 is the most portable.
Now iam using this cute radio..from india
seems odd that AM only goes to 1600, is this a import, met for a overseas market?
Possibly. I still enjoy it though.
So many channels woah
How would you say that the speaker in this compare to the P26?
A bit more low and mid range, less tinny, but still bright sounding. Overall a better audio experience.
todderbert thank you very much for your help!
Then it seems like a better fit for a small bedroom radio than the p26 it’s a bit to tinny
Hello Todd! Regarding AM sound quality (AM is my main use for radios) Haw do you compare this Sony ICF-306 versus the Sangean PR_D6? Thanks!
The Sangean is very good, and I would pick that radio over the 306 for AM.
Thanks for your response. And especially thanks for your work. I really enjoy watching your reviews as much as you enjoy doing them.
Your Welcome Beatriz.
Is it analogue or dsp tunner?
analogue.
My thoughts on the speaker grill - put a bigger speaker in it and fill the front of that radio! :-)
An oval speaker would have been awesome. Imagine the bass you could have gotten out of a 6" x2" speaker!
This radio have 02 speaker ?
Just one speaker set to the left side.
What is the cost of above set please
Analog or dsp radio sir?
Analog.
I want to buy one
Sony radioed are best but here in India it is mostly not available in market.
Yeh radio Flipkart or Amazon in pe mil jayega sir
It works without battery??
Needs batteries, not DC input.
Nice radio
Lovely
Please give a review with Philips RL4250/94 USB Radio, i am from India...
Philips radio aager moto r bhalo noi dada Sony ba panasonic niye nen
@@sknayeemuddin3108 yes, i have already a Sony icf 19 model
@@anandabanerjee5824 how is it?
@@danieldavid1678 it's Sound is very realistic with nice bass, it's sound is fine tune by sony, but it has problem with tuner.
@@anandabanerjee5824 what is the problem?
Nice Radio
What was that station on 08:30 ?
Probably CFZM “Zoomer” 740AM out of Toronto.
Please Todd, actually I am very confuse between icf 306 and icf 19, my priority for good reception and sound quality (especially AM), Can you answer my question
The ICF-19 is a larger radio and has excellent sound and reception. It is a DSP radio and the 306 is an analog radio. They both are good. The 19 takes D cells, while the 306 takes AAs. The 306 is very portable. Here is a video showing the 19 with the 306 to give you an idea: th-cam.com/video/kya0U9q_Tac/w-d-xo.html
Icf 19
I want sony icf 12s radio
awesome
ac-dc input?
No Sir, I wish it had it also.
@@todderbert thank you
Your Welcome.
Sir direct to current
Sentence
You should try the Panasonic gx 500
Cuanto costara esre radio sony icf 305
Good! i like👍
FM is not real great in Mercer County NJ. I'm getting jersey 101.5 in numerous places throughout the dial.
Radio looks better then it works. But you only get what you pay for.
I have sony icf 12s radio
هل يوجد منة بالعراق وكم سعرة ارجو احد يجيبني ..وشكرا ..
I like your reviews. I love talk radio on AM & so prefer a bright crisp sound for speech recognition. I bought this radio after your review. Thank you & keep up the good work.
Thank you Scouter Duff, I enjoy this radio because of the acoustics that small speaker provides.
This radio has no sw,unfortunately.
👍
Were Made
* _Even Sony is much better. Am I right?*_
0ssom radio
取っ手とアンテナが思いっきり干渉、出力0.1W、FMでLED点きっぱなし、ソニーも堕ちたもんだ。
Nocomment
Philips radio is better than this 🤔🤔
Very bad radio...
Iron Man lol
good