Nice low cost alternative to Tivoli or Boston Acoustics
Pros:
Very good quality AM Section, Exceptional FM sound quality, looks, reasonable price.
Cons:
AM performance below other Sangean offerings. No remote,
No clock radio function.
The Bottom Line:
Nice alternative to the Bose, Boston Acoustics, and Tivoli models. Very good AM section. Beautifully sounding FM section. Reasonable price, nice retro design.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Until the introduction of this table radio, there were basically three strong contenders in this category. Bose, Boston Acoustics Receptor, and the Tivoli. I have owned both the Tivoli and Bose radios previously, and auditioned the Boston Acoustics Receptor, and the Boston model easily outclasssed the other two in both sound quality, and operational feel. However, most of my listening is AM in a city 130 miles to my north (New York), so I wanted something with strong AM capability. Based on past experience with Sangean products including the famed CC radio, and a professional review comparing the Boston Acoustic, Tivoli, and Sangean offerings, I concluded this new Sangean WR-1 was just what I was looking for. When I received the radio, I immediately noticed that FM performance was much better then advertised. In fact, it was at least as good, if not better then the Boston Acoustics Receptor, my previous favorite. However, the AM performance did not seem to match that of some of Sangean's portable models. In order to correct this, I purchased a one of C Crane Radio's great AM antenna's, the Justice model, and this really helped to improve things. However, it only matched the performance of
Sangean's portable models and did not exceed it in any way. Anyway, I just thought I would mention that fact before you go out and buy this radio. Now on to some of the operating features. The tuning on this model is analog, and the tuning dial is illuminated in green at night for a nice old time radio effect. The on off switch is combined with the band indicator. You turn the switch to the right once for on, and further right for the bands. There is provision in the back for an AM antenna, FM Antenna, one auxiliary input and microphone. The aux and microphone inputs are mini plugs, not RCA. There is also a headphone jack. This model does not have a clock or remote control. The cabinet itself is nicely finished in a wood veneer. I have the Walnut model and it looks very nice. The street price for this radio is approximately $100, which is reasonable for what you get. At this price you can get a Tivoli model one, but the Sangean will get you better AM reception, and a nicer sounding FM. The Tivoli however, can be upgraded to Stereo with an extension speaker, and bass can be improved with an add-on subwoofer. If you spend about $50 more you can get a Boston Acoustics Receptor, which is probably worth
the extra money if you can swing it. The bose wave radio is not worth paying the extra money for. They have a huge marketing budget, and that is really what your hard earned dollars are financing. Better to go with the Sangean (If you don't need the clock radio function and remote).
