Sony ICF-M1000 Table Top Radio

Sony ICF-M1000 Table Top Radio
by Sony

Our Price: $329.98
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $165.99 (click here)
Category: CE
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Customers in the UK, buy this product at amazon.co.uk for British Pounds

Digital Photo Product Details

Manufacturer: Sony
Model: ICMFM1000BLK
Color: Black
Product features:

High-fidelity AM FM Table Radio
Digital Tuning w/ Clock display
Built-in high quality Monaural Bass-Reflex Speaker
Stereo output via Headphone Jack
Line-in & Line-out jacks

Accessories:

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Sony ICF-M1000 Table Top Radio

Customer Review: Stylish Radio, Good Sound, Read on for details:
Summary: 5 Stars

The Sony M1000 is currently being used on my desk at work as a radio I can listen too during the day at very low volumes and then at normal volume during after hours work. This environment is the basis for my review.

First, looks, this is entirely personal preference; I love the high gloss finish and the prism display. It looks high quality and everyone who has see it so far has commented on how sleek and high tech it looks.

Second, build quality, the radio is solid, the finish is flawless, the tuning dials are solid and very smooth. The cloth screen cover that you see in the pictures is a must. If you remove this, the finish underneath is simple plastic and will not impress anyone. With the cloth cover on the radio maintains it sleek look and makes everything seem more complete. The push buttons on top are smooth and do not feel cheap or brittle. Over all I think the construction of the radio is very good and very solid.

Third, and most important, sound. This is really what everyone is looking for when they look at these tabletop radios (See comments on Tivoli Model One below). The Sony's sound is very good. I have heard the Receptor, the Tivoli Model One (again, see below), and the Sony all side by side. My opinion is that the Sony and the Tivoli are comparable in sound quality. The Receptor in fact may have a slightly better sound quality. This is of course my opinion.

Why I chose the Sony is for a couple of reasons. 1. The Line-In so I can connect my XM radio was crucial. The Receptor does not have Line-In and therefore was not an option for me. So my choice was Sony & Tivoli. 2. The Sony, unlike the others, has a Tone Knob. This allows a modification of the sound quality to your individual taste. While this is not critical it is important. If anyone has experienced XM radio, you may have realized that different channels have different sound quality/EQ. Thus, some music sounds clear and well balanced and others sound a bit flat. With the Sony I can make those flat channels sound a lot better. 3. I actually chose the Tivoli Model One first and this is the basis for my next comments.

The Tivoli Model 1, probably the most recommended radio when you read reviews anywhere. Here is my experience: I ordered the Model 1, Walnut case, and set it up on my desk at work. When I turned it on and tuned a station, at low volume, the background noise/static from the radio was annoyingly present. To the point where I kept trying to tune the stations better. However the tuner was spot on and the stations were as clear as could be. It was the radio itself creating noise. To make sure it wasn't something else I tried the radio at various other power outlets and locations, I added a `filtered power strip to eliminate electrical noise and still the radio buzzed slightly at low volume. To test the quality of the radio further I performed this test: I set the radio to AUX (Line In) with nothing connected, I turned the volume way up and the noise from the speaker was horrible. The internal amplifier of the Tivoli is total junk. The speaker and cabinet design is amazing and the potential is there for top quality sound. But the electronics are poor at best. I went to the local Target (which actually carries Sony, The Receptor, and Tivoli) and performed this test with all the radios available. The Sony made no noise at any volume level, every Tivoli (model 1, 2, and 3) made a lot of static noise, and the Receptor is hard to tell because there was no way to set it to a "line-In" to test with no input. After seeing this I immediately returned the Tivoli and bought the Sony. I have been very happy with my decision.

Lastly price, the price of the Sony is acceptable. I paid $140 here on Amazon with free shipping. The Tivoli (which everyone seems to recommend as better) is 120. For $20 more I feel I have the better radio. It makes no static, it has a digital tuner (not a dial with light), the line-in works great, and it looks more high tech and looks like better build quality then the other two.

So in summary, If you like the looks of the Sony and can fit the slightly larger size, then I recommend you go for it. The Tivoli is junk, and the Receptor does not have Line-In ability. For the price I think you are getting a very nice table radio that performs well from very low volume to normal listening volume.

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