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Reviews For: SONY ICF-2010

Category: Receivers: General Coverage

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Review Summary For : SONY ICF-2010
Reviews: 70MSRP: 449.95
Description:
SW/AM/FM/AIR Portable Communications Receiver
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/home/radiowalkmanrtm/w
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00704.7
K8OSU Rating: 2002-12-15
Great radio! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This is an incredible radio, and is probably the best portable out there. It is the most sensitive portable I've ever seen, and I've made some really good catches with it. For travel, too, it is a good choice, since it's pretty sensitive off the whip antenna, but for use at home, I would add on an external antenna. The sync detector, one of the first on any radio, works well at reducing adjacent channel interference and fading.

The main problem with this radio is the audio quality. The speaker provides good, but not great, audio. This can be remedied with external speakers, but may not be practical, especially for portable applications. To compensate for this, the stock filters are far too wide. The wide filter, especially, is too wide, at about 10 kHz.

If you get this radio, I would strongly suggest investigating the modifications done by Kiwa Electronics (http://www.kiwa.com/). They offer some audio mods, and replacement filters. The Sony 2010 I purchased second-hand already had these mods done to it, and it works quite well.
LIONKING Rating: 2002-09-06
Great Receiver - - Best Portable Around! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I disagree with the previous reviewer about the Sony 2010. I just cannot see how anyone can rate this wonderful receiver as poor! this is one of the best , if not the best, portable receiver around. I have owned it for years and tried several other sonys and others brands. I have no doubt that the Sony 2010, despite some flaws is the best portable receiver ever made.
2TEETHDOWN Rating: 2002-09-02
Reliability is the Pits!!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I bought this radio about 6 years ago. It has broken down every year i have owned it. I also own the sony 7600 it has broken down quite a few times, too. I would pass on anything Sony unless your a technician. I recently bought a Sangean 909 and i am pleased. It picks up shortwave stations alot better than the sony. For dxing its about tied with the 2010.
K5AWI Rating: 2002-07-13
Excellent Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is the best portable receiver made, even still today, in this price range. If you are willing to spend a few extra bucks and get KIWA to put in their filters, audio circuit modifications, and memory backup capacitor, man, you REALLY got something. I have owned mine almost 2 years and have yet to find anything get close to beating its AM Sync mode.

If you can find one, buy it, you will not be dissappointed. It is a straight forward, no nonsense portable receiver. I take mine everywhere.
WF1L Rating: 2002-06-03
GReat receiver and superb value Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have owned this receiver since 1986 when purchased in Singapore (Have the 2001D "World Version" of 2010.

Unit has performed flawlessly in near daily use for many years. Clock radio function has been really convenient for everyday use and shortwave bands are there for "play-time".

Used when evaluating the worth of pursuing PSK31 digital mode before receiving my General Class License. Used a connector cord between the audio out of the radio and the sound card input of my laptop. Worked just fine!

If you can find one used, buy it! You'll not regret the purchase. If not "the" all around "Classic" portable SW receiver, then certainly one of the best ever.
N2JBP Rating: 2002-04-04
Still The best Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Although on the market for over 15 years, the Sony ICF-2010 is still the best portable reciever made. Excellent selectivity, even without an external antenna (although this helps immeasurably). Selectivity blows away all other portables, a disadvantage of using most other portables. Sound quality is OK, but not great. Was the first kid on its block to have AM SYNC, which improves the listening experience on shortwave greatly.
RATHRFSH Rating: 2002-03-27
Brand new to radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just bought my first SW radio (the sony 2010) through auction. I know nothing about SW, ham, electronics, etc...but LOVE listening. Can't wait to learn how to use this fine radio. Mine has lots of years on it, but is in near-mint condition. I am reading the instructions and grabbing every bit of info I can from internet and other beginner resources. The radio itself is solidly built, and, so far, the clarity amazes me. I intend to have filter(s) installed but have no way to utilize more than the radio anten itself.
KX4TT Rating: 2002-01-02
GREAT RIG!!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used my rig in the car with a simple whip and it is not affected by automotive noise. Also, I use my 2010 as a spotting receiver at times, as well as for general listening - fantastic radio. I would reccomend the KIWA filter mod for serious amateur use though!!!

73 de N4MVL

Lee
DS3FDV Rating: 2001-12-11
A Classic Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using this machine more than ten years, and one day, I found I am an owner of a classical masterpiece. For anyone who try to find a portable, reliable and dependable SW radio, I stronly recommend SONY ICF-2010, if he still can find it. the machine never fails to satisfy you.
KE5GK Rating: 2001-11-14
In Defense of a Great Radio Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I am submitting this second review of this outstanding radio in response to recent reviews suggesting some discounted Radio Shack SW receivers are just as good.

In my view, the 2010 is the all-time, undisputed, undefeated, champion, portable SW receiver.

Recently, I used mine to copy PSK 31 transmissions on 20M with just the built-in antenna. For SSB and CW it is a dream to operate.
BCB and SW signals jump out of the QSB and QRM with armchair clarity.

My only regret is that I spent hundreds of dollars on "not exactly" radios before I got the Sony 2010. Low value at any price is still low value.