Sony ICF-M1000 "the radio" is, er, a radio
By Marc Perton 
posted Mar 17th 2006 9:47AM
posted Mar 17th 2006 9:47AM
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It does look a bit like a step, to be fair.
This is pretty sad. Maybe Sony is going back to their core competency of 50 years ago.
You have got to be kidding me.
Give this venture up now, Sony. Tivoli radios have this niche locked up!
Look folks, if you want a decent Tivoli knockoff that won't break the bank, look for the JWin JX-P202 table radio.
I got a couple at a Boscovs for 15 bucks each.
It works great, looks great and is inexpensive.
Hey I've got two of those in my living room...but they don't have the little knobs or the clock...(scratches head)
...seriously, what the hell is wrong with Sony these days??
Its hard to believe they made it with only Mono. Sometimes I wonder about Sony.
This retro ish is just not working for alot of companies. Just quit. Well maybe not, there are clowns out there that would pay $150 for some ish just cause it has SONY on it.
Oh Shoot! old school sony is back, next well all be walking around with walk-mans that use mp3 cassettes.
Then after that maybe the return of the Big boom boxes.
Am I missing something here? Why is this thing $150?
Sony: Where Mono is the new Stereo!
At least it's better than the iPod HiFi.
But you just know there are fools out there who believe anything with SONY slapped on it is worth buying.
Sorry #8 but I haven't heard either one yet. What makes the Sony better? Crisper high's a punchier low end? Does Sony's mono speaker sound better than Apple's stereo speakers?
#7 -- I think this is some sort of insignificant epidemic; I saw a tabletop radio - much like this Sony model - by Boston Acoustic at Best Buy the other day... the Boston was $152... and also had a single speaker & was very minimalistic. Apparently it's "The Recepter" model, and you can get an extra speaker for it... bringing the total to two speakers... why am I not excited... does not compute. Ooooh, and the Boston is "HD Radio."
My day is now over.
Henry Kloss redid this only a few years ago:
http://www.tivoliaudio.com/product.php?productid=165&cat=262&page=1
I have one of these and it's easily the best radio I have, other than the component system in my living room.
There is a market for these things. But it looks like Sony is just playing catch-up (again.)
What I don't understand is all the people who are surprised that this is mono and not stereo. Lots of companies have been selling mono table radios over the last couple of years. I really don't know who is buying them, but someone is.
(Of course, for many listening purposes, there probably isn't much difference between a high quality mono speaker and a "stereo" system of the same size, given the minimal separation possible at typical listening distances...)
half the price as the apple boombox, but twice as many complainers!!!
You pegged it, Philofaxer .
In some applications a simple monophonic table radio is quite ideal.
I have a Model One and I'm quite happy with it-- and it was only $99. I'm waiting for an affordable HD tabletop, this Sony is neither.
I grew up with a radio on our kitchen table - only one speaker there, and it worked like a champ. I suppose what baffles me about this is - in the case of the Boston that's like this Sony - Why the high cost? Is it because it's "retro?" If so, I'll go buy an actual retro table radio at the Salvation Army store and upgrade the speaker in it for less than $30.
Styling-wise, I do actually kinda dig the Sony... It's just a black rectangle with a few knobs... I'm okay with that.
BTW, the Tivoli Model One's design is very nice... and it comes in a bunch of nice colors with actual wood. Very cool and understated.
People still listen to radio?
I'm just waiting for Ken Kutaragi to make an official statement regarding The Radio!
"Our goal for The Radio is for consumers to think to themselves, 'I will work more hours to buy one,' "
"We want people to feel that they want The Radio, irrespective of anything else."
The stying reminds me of classic Marantz a little bit. Dial is a nice even blue.
http://www.audiobuys.net/thumbnails/pictures/dc17331.jpg
To be honest, I use my radios to tune in my Sirius Starmate Replay's FM Modulator around the house/yard.
-It's the only thing they're really good for anymore. :(
I have four sound systems in my house. Two home theatre setups, a 2-channel bedroom system and a Tivoli Model 1 in the kitchen. The Tivoli gets more use than the other three combined. It's kind of pricey for what it is, but I just love using it and it sounds quite nice.
There is one problem with it. You can't explicity set it to Aux. As soon as you plug something into the aux, it overrides the AM/FM setting. This prevents you from leaving something plugged into it all the time.
In response to the tablespoon of sarcasm -> "People still listen to radio?"
Indeed. Did you know you can even listen to it for free, without having to pay or having to slap a UFO-like antenna on your car roof just to listen to Howard Stern bloviate?
I'll take my radio for free, thanks... but in this case, likely not for the asking price of $150 for a table radio... no matter how well it might be built.
DC-"
There is one problem with it. You can't explicity set it to Aux. As soon as you plug something into the aux, it overrides the AM/FM setting. This prevents you from leaving something plugged into it all the time."
do you have the slightly older model one without an aux position on the input selection knob? the newer ones allow you to choose fm>am>aux whereas the older ones were just fm>am
i have the model two and model subwoofer and have never enjoyed radio as much. they also sound great hooked up to my computer.
Well, to me , it looks like the prfect waiting room radio. Like the one they have in the dentist office. Thats the only place i can see it in...
Holy boring product batman!
I think this is a great idea. It's ugly and looks almost as much like a microwave as the Apple HiFi, but people need to turn off their TVs and chill with a book and the radio. It's stunting our imagination to not have to think anymore. I remember when I was little sitting on the couch reading a book while listening to Garrison Keilor. I still get all sentimental about his show. There are also other great shows like Echoes and the various news shows. I guarentee if even 30% of US citizens spent more time listening to NPR the country would be more intelligent, more productive, and happier as a whole.
From Sony's product description:
"Sporting an FM/AM digital tuner, monaural base reflex speaker, highly sensitive digital tuning control and tone control, "the radio" has both beauty and brains."
Apparently, Sony's copy writer can't even get the terminology correct. It's "bass reflex", not "base reflex".
Dod, not to defend this Sony box or anything, but it IS just a radio... do you want it to do backflips to entertain you?
It's a radio and center channel speaker hybrid.
Allow me to add a little more nutrition to my "tablespoon of sarcasm". I don't know how it is in the rest of the world, but in Connecticut there is no good radio anymore. The air waves are polluted with watered-down mix and top-40 garbage, with the bonus of 5-10 minute blocks of obnoxious commercials. I have more music selection in my right pocket than all of my state's stations combined. Also, it is impossible to find music on the air in the morning. It's just channel after channel of useless drivel. Free advertisements and moronic chatter? No thanks, I'll stick with my mp3 player.
The only stations that have any worth are those that are public radio.
WOW! finally, a radio that is capable of FM & AM.... I better hurry-up pre-order before it became out-of-stock again.
Well it'd definitely too bad radio stinks where you're at... Here in Texas, there's tons of good radio... Sure, there's commercials, but to me it's better than paying for something that should be free.
(Agreed, top 40 tday is all crap... jsut a bunch of bubblegum & "humps")
So, for those who actually have decent radio stations, a tabletop set like this Sony might be nice. I just wish it weren't so pricey.
What about shortwave? Come on Sony... ;)
I like the simple design, but it reminds me of the Muji radio - which also has a CD player for £99!
http://www.mujionline.co.uk/catalogue/catalogue.asp?Sec=2&Sub=7&PID=6
I'm looking for a decent radio for work, but one with presets. Why is it so hard to have presets? Can't find a decent radio with presets for under $50.
I’m encouraged by this device.
Notice how Sony is finally embracing open standards with it:
AM & FM - Not Sony’s proprietary SM signal.
AC power – It even fits into a non-Sony wall outlet!
Arabic numbers – They have finally shelved the idea of forcing you to lean Sony’s proprietary digit system (S.D.S. - patent pending).
Air! – That’s right, you don’t have to fill your house with Sony brand air. This baby pumps out sound waves that are fully compatible with the normal air found in the majority of user’s households. (Of course Sony still recommends the use of SonyAir for optimal results.
Well done Sony. Well done.
Love the TV's and the video games.... as for everything else... meh. I'm tired of Sony always trying to force me to buy their stuff. Can't use a camera with a Flash Card, gotta buy THEIR memory stick. Now they're trying to screw us with the new DVD format while figting with everyone else. The results? Depending on who released the movie it'll be on different formats. Sony can burn in hell as far as I'm concerned. BTW, if you want to listen to a smoking radio then go this route: http://www.bostonacoustics.com/home_product.aspx?category_id=34&product_id=213
It's called advertising dumbasses!
What?, you brilliant folks expect a Sony to say, "hey folks, its just a plain radio", in their press release and sell you something. Tivoli calls themselves the best radios on the market. A deli down my street calls their subs and coffee the "best in the world". Taco Bell sells you dog-food grade meat and tells you the "crunch wrap supreme" is revolutionary.
I know Engadet has gone down the shitter recently, but I'm amazed that they can't read through a ad without getting all worked up.
mono? monoooo? MONOOOOO?????
who's gonna dish out $150 for a mono radio!!!????
oh well.. maybe it's 'live' and has '4D' sound.
Heh. The funny thing is that a lot of people on here would be all over this if it were white, made by Apple and cost $400.
#44....exactly...and the arguements would be based around the fact that we don't NEED a second speaker and that's why Apple didn't include one on the unit.
I couldn't believe this post had 44 comments!
Dear Sirs,
There's plenty of market for mono radios this size and price. But they better look good (Tivoli) for that. This sony doesn't.
And Lee, you idiot, the Boston Acoustic radio is expensive BECAUSE it is HD radio. That's not just marketing BS. That's the marketing name for the new terrestrial digital broadcasting format just coming online in the large US markets. Educate yourself, fool.
http://www.hdradio.com
Is it just me or has Engadget gotten more and more pessimistic and sarcastic with each of their posts? Everything now is a snide "hey, nice try..." and "better luck next time..." comment.
I don't even think that bazooka clock radio fits on my night table. Looks real heavy too.
I like the design. It looks nice.
It probably sounds quite good enough.. I'd like to hear it before I make any judgements.
Walkman HIFI?
Mono = no thanks
what'd make this product good is if the speaker were a virtual surround speaker. Now that'd be nice :)
WTF?
The system in my 1963 BUG is better than that. And it only cost me $100.
C'mon, Sony!
They also unveiled another one, a red one.
Here
http://www.devicetodevice.com
Tivoli radios are "Made in China" crap. The Sony looks good, if it's manufactured by Sony in Japan I'll buy one.
There's no such thing as a decent radio station. If it has DJs, advertisements, and music approved by committee, it's got to be on the radio.
I'll take my iPod Shuffle, thanks.
Who cares about sony. Henry Kloss was a true innovator. I own one of the KLH model model 21 radios that he designed in the 1960s, and it sounds great. Theres nothing better than the acoustic suspension speaker. The model 21 was the predecesor to the tivoi radio of today.
pretty one
The sound on these is supposed to be good and they're only $50 on Ebay and elsewhere.
I heard this thing. The Tivoli and Recepter have more sensitive tuners. The display is hard to see unless you're at a level higher than the radio. And the sound is boomy and doesn't come close to the Tivoli Model 1.
Also, a true high-fidelity product does not need a "tone" control. None of the Tivoli products, nor the Recepter, has one. And if anything, separate bass and treble controls are in order here to make the darned things useful.
I took off the front grille. No way is that speaker 3", as claimed. It's miniscule.
This thing isn't worth anything near what Sony is charging. Just another marketing ploy from a company that, in my opinion, is a shadow of its former self.
Maybe Sony has a certain customer base in mind for this radio.
First, there's this one: "W—The President".
And Sony follows with "SONY—The Radio".
And it's black, the very color of the house of darkness.
Finally, a radio for the ultra-right.
For those seeking a table radio, check out Sony's older table radios from the 60s-90s on Ebay, such as the ICF-9740W. They have a great speaker, good reception, and have an antenna input on the back (but not Aux input). Great for talk radio, NPR and most music (most have tone controls and loundness switches). Should go about thirty bucks shipped.
just a note TARGET is selling the m 1000 at $99.99
at that price it cant be beat.
remenber SONY LIKE NO OTHER.
I OWN ONE AND I AM PLEASED WITH IT'.
I bought a "The Radio" yesterday, that I enjoyed reading everybody slam here. It's great though. It has a kick butt sound. Its cool looking, it sounds much better than any plastic boom box. I use the line in connected to a laptop playing BBC Radio One webcast. It rocks. I'm sure the Tivoli models sound great, if you like the postmodern look. But I prefer the sony style and the warm and clear butt kicking sound of this radio. I happily give props to the Klosses and the Protons that pioneered this type of box. And props to all the rest of you as well.
This is a nice radio. It soundsgood, hasnice styling and if bought for under $70.00 has a place in a kitchen or bedroom when decour is important. It is what is.
Lets not over react