Sony SRF-59 AM/FM Walkman Radio, AM/FM Tuner, Local/Distant DX Switch, Headphones and Belt Clip - Silver

2014-08-18T20:00:00

The radio is good, works well and is easy to tune and adjust the volume, nice for carrying around when I walk my dog, but I had to replace the headphones because they picked up so much static and kept going in and out.

mppr

Originally posted at

2014-07-15T20:00:00

Recently had a Heart attack.Use everyday for my 4 a day walks.Up to 18mins. 4 times a day now and great to hear music while walking.Great value for making my walk easier everyday.Even Lost 17 pounds so far.

jerrystringer

Originally posted at

2014-05-03T20:00:00

Works beautifully and a real bargain. Only criticism is that on-off switch will sometimes activate in pocket or suitcase draining battery. I now keep battery separate. Great sensitivity and tone through included headphones. Highly recommended.

JasB

Originally posted at

2014-05-03T20:00:00

I use the radio daily as I walk my Greyhound. I mostly listen to local AM stations. The radio does not get good reception in this area --- at times I can hardly hear the radio over the static. This is the 3rd or 4th. Sony I have used on my walks; the others all got good reception in this area. However, they have all worked well for 2 to 3 years then they just died --- I hope this is not planned obsolesence as I have also bought two Sony flat screen TV's in the past 18 months.

Don1122

Originally posted at

2013-04-12T20:00:00

This little radio is my "go to" radio for extended listening sessions to radio stations. In Seattle we have an oldies station (880 KIXI) that plays radio dramas several nights a week. The little Sony SRF-59 has a very big, comfortable sound, even in comparison to my expensive specialized ham radio and a general coverage receiver. The unique Sony on a chip design, low IF and very quiet circuity make for a quality listening experience. The radio has outstanding selectivity and sensitiviity. This design wins contests all over the world, pulling in transcontinental stations on a good dawn morning sometimes. I run audio through my TUBE headphone amplifier and studio monitor headphones for an amazing listening experience. The sound is warm, liquid and lively without the annoying chuff of digital tuning or other artefacts found in almost all other radios. Battery life is phenomenal.

NWLORAX

Originally posted at

2012-11-27T19:00:00

I ordered the radio on a Sunday afternoon and it was delivered two days later. The radio is extremely lightweight but the sound quality is excellent. This radio replaced my old Walkman, and although this one does not have the buttons to store station settings, etc., it cost a lot less than my old Walkman. Maybe the next generation will have a wireless headset (at a vastly increased cost).

1paul

Originally posted at

2012-07-22T21:00:00

This product is for my autistic daughter who loves music. It suits her needs exactly as it is only a radio. It is easy for her to use and the headphones are comfortable for her. I have had great difficulty in finding this of late and was so happy that you made the extra effort to get it to me.

LESLIE W.

2012-03-09T19:00:00

I buy walkmans for my daughter and have spent a lot of money and many years paying top dollar for 2nd rate products. I came across this little beauty and have buying these ever since. I will buy these as long as they sell them, which I hope is a very long time!! Don't hesitate....GET ONE & try it..you will love it! Takes one battery and as the title said....the stations come in crystal clear..I am amazed and grateful to SONY for this great radio!! Thanks!

Dineen

Originally posted at

2012-01-14T19:00:00

A Lush Musical Soundscape. A Classical String Quartet. Effortless Acoustic Reproduction. A Yankee Game. News Broadcasts. The Sony SRF-59SILVER Walkman is just a fantastic portable radio that offers superb reception of all types of contemporary music, classical music, live sporting events, stock market updates, weather forecasts, public affairs, auto repair, public health programs, sports author interviews, and news information from the AM/FM broadcast bands. The Sony Walkman is an exceptional compact personal radio to take on the bus or train when traveling to or from work, to go on vacation or a business trip with, to enjoy tunes during the morning exercise routine, and for any other portable audio task that you can think of. This Sony portable radio features excellent sensitivity and selectivity with respect to its analog broadcast AM/FM reception capabilities. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman is well-suited for my diverse musical and talk radio interests. I admire the quality and inherent economical value that this Sony Walkman represents in the portable audio product category. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman radio is a small and lightweight unit that fits easily in your hand or on your belt with the supplied clip. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman is a take anyplace radio that performs well under difficult seasonal conditions such as a very hot summer day, a cold winter day, or a minor rainy weather event. I use the Sony SRF-59 Walkman frequently when sitting poolside, at home for private listening sessions, on the boardwalk, the ferry, the library, the local café, or when I walk in my neighborhood. The supplied Sony MDR-023 open-air stereo headphones fit comfortably over my ears for a stress-free listening experience for an extended time period. AM news, weather updates, traffic reports, sporting contests, and political talk show programs are a joy to listen to on this portable radio. My AM listening preference is for sports talk radio. Whether it's this afternoon's game day broadcast, analysis of last night's game, or the latest score, this Sony SRF-59 Walkman portable radio is always there to satisfy my sports talk and information needs perfectly. Talk radio programs and up-to-the-minute news broadcasts come in accurately and effortlessly. Voice tonality is pleasantly warm, natural, balanced, and transparent. AM DX reception of out-of-market stations offers strong performance during the overnight hours on most clear winter nights. Weak signal AM reception is of good quality during the daytime hours. Adjacent channel interference from competing radio frequencies on either broadcast band does not exist, in my experience. The Sony Walkman's FM stereo reception and reproduction of my favorite light rock, classic rock, folk rock, jazz, oldies, rhythm & blues, country, and classical music stations are absolutely vibrant, nuanced, and very detailed. The music sounds magnificent, replete with booming vocals that extracts robust audio reproduction across the FM dial. The Sony Walkman's broadcast reception is free of static and other distracting noise anomalies that often plague lesser performing portable audio products in this price range. This Sony Walkman offers drift-free, classic analog tuning performance on demand. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman requires only one AA battery to operate that never seems to run out. There is no definitive answer as to the actual length of time that the battery will last. The battery specifications provided by Sony in the user manual are only approximate, are only offered under perfect factory operating conditions, and are only accurate if you use a Sony branded (LR6 or R6) AA alkaline or zinc chloride battery. Your Sony Walkman will have different battery life results because it is not likely to be used exclusively at the Sony factory. Battery life longevity will also vary by battery manufacturer and battery chemistry. Of course, the longer the duration the Sony Walkman is powered on and as the volume level increases during a playback session, battery life will be shortened accordingly. Proceed with caution. Personally, I recommend a Duracell Coppertop, Duracell Ultra, Energizer Max alkaline battery, or an Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA cell battery for maximum audio performance and battery life of this Sony SRF-59 Walkman. Stay away from cheap no name label alkaline or carbon zinc batteries. In my experience, these unknown brand batteries are of inferior quality, last a very short time span, and have a tendency to leak in the battery compartment. Remove the single-use alkaline battery from the Sony Walkman if the portable radio is not going to be used for an extended period of time. The battery should be replaced with a new one when the Sony Walkman consistently outputs subpar sound or no sound at all. The Sony Walkman is compatible with the following AA 1.5V battery types: carbon zinc battery, alkaline battery, lithium battery, and a NiMH rechargeable battery (1.2 V). When purchasing a battery for this unit, it is a good idea to check the date on the package. A fresh set of batteries should have a best if used by date of at least 6 or 7 years ahead of the date of purchase. In the case of lithium batteries, the package date may be up to 15 years ahead of the current date of purchase. Battery life is determined by many factors and that is why individual results vary. Such factors include the type of music being played, the volume level being used, and ambient room or outdoor temperature. Battery performance will be decreased if this unit is powered by an alkaline battery in extremely cold temperatures. You should always have a spare battery nearby in case audio performance deteriorates in the middle of your favorite song. Please note that a lithium AA battery is approximately 33% lighter in weight when compared to an alkaline AA battery. As a result, the total system weight of the Sony Walkman will be affected by the type of battery used in the battery compartment. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman has all of the essential accoutrements that a traditional radio or outdoor enthusiast will appreciate. Those high-performance portable audio features include: AM/FM reception, FM monaural reception, FM stereo reception, AM frequency range: 530-1710 kHz, FM frequency range: 87.5-108 MHz, built-in ferrite bar AM antenna, headphone cord FM antenna, AM/FM dial scale, analog tuner, red tuning marker, thumbwheel-style tuning dial, rotary volume control, volume dial directional arrow indicator, local/dx sensitivity switch to optimize reception of both near and distant FM stations, AM/FM band selector switch, power on/off slide switch, clear-type headphone indicator, green color coded 3.5mm (1.8") stereo headphone output jack, Sony MDR-023 over-the-head stereo headphones, stereo headphones impedance rating of 32 ohms for consistently loud sound output when needed, 30mmm diameter speaker drivers for dynamic reproduction of club music tracks, foam ear pads, ferrite magnets, P.E.T. diaphragm for resonant bass response, 20Hz-20,000Hz headphone frequency response for full spectrum audio coverage, 100dB/mW sensitivity rating for excellent loudness output, slim adjustable headband for maximum comfort, L/R ear cup placement marks, dual-sided 3.3 ft. (1.0m) headphone connecting cord, nickel-plated 3.5mm (1/8")L-shaped stereo mini-plug connector for high quality signal transfer, hinged battery compartment cover, rear panel battery compartment, one AA battery operation, two rear panel case screws, FCC compliance certification sticker, serial number sticker in battery compartment, 1.5 V DC power operation rating, DC positive and negative battery terminals, 3.6mW + 3.6mW total system output power at 10% T.H.D., detachable belt clip, belt clip release directional arrow indicator, handsome silver finish, black and white front panel lettering, blue AM/FM dial scale panel, Sony logo, Walkman trademark logo, excellent build quality, and this item comes with operating instructions. The main unit product dimensions are as follows: Width: 2-5/8", Height: 3-¾", Depth: 1-1/16", (65 x 92.9 x 26.5mm w/h/d) without belt clip, Width: 2-5/8", Height: 3-3/4", Depth: 1-1/4" (65 x 92.9 x 30.5mm w/h/d) with belt clip attached, and Weight: 3 ounces (84 g) with battery and accessory belt clip installed. The Sony Walkman includes a one year parts and labor limited manufacturer warranty. Please note that that the Local/DX sensitivity switch must be set to the "DX" position in order to receive FM stereo broadcasts. Additionally, the manufacturer recommends that the headphone cord be extended as much as possible for best FM reception performance. AM reception can be improved upon by rotating the unit horizontally until clear reception is obtained, if needed. Accurate, clear, and drift-free radio reception for the Sony SRF-59 Walkman depends on a multitude of factors. Factors that affect reception include the time of day reception is being sought, the distance from the station's transmitter to your Sony Walkman, the altitude of the broadcast tower, the type of material that your office building or home is made of, signal strength the radio station emits, the location of the FM/AM receiver within the home, seasonal conditions, atmospheric storms, the types of structures in the neighborhood such as tall buildings, rolling hills, mountains, the quality of the radio receiver, and its antenna. FM signals are broadcast at a higher altitude than AM radio signals. As a result, FM band radio interference can be caused from multipath reflections of radio waves off tall buildings or nearby mountains in the neighborhood. AM radio stations periodically reduce power at night or perform maintenance operations on the transmitter that could adversely affect reception capability on the 530-1710 KHz medium wave frequency band. It should be noted that the transmission of AM radio broadcasts in general are much longer than FM broadcasts. Clear channel AM band broadcasts offer the longest range transmissions day or night. In the daytime, AM radio broadcasts via ground wave transmission may reach listeners within a several hundred mile radius. However, at night, AM signals traveling via sky wave may journey perhaps hundreds or even thousands of miles away from the intended radio market. Long distance or DX reception of remote AM radio stations is possible after sunset because of an AM broadcaster's ability to bounce signals off the outer reaches of the earth's atmosphere to radio receivers outside of the intended radio market. The reception area of most FM signals can range between forty to one hundred miles. FM signal coverage is much shorter than AM because FM signals travel in straight lines and they have reduced interaction with the earth's ionosphere. However, FM mono reception offers better sound quality when compared to its AM counterpart. FM mono signals are susceptible to much less interference than traditional AM radio broadcasts. FM stereo broadcasts provide high fidelity sound quality to the target radio audience and provide the shortest reception range in any particular market on the 87.5-108 MHz frequency band. An examination of the various sources of radio interference is an important subject as it pertains to the Sony SRF-59 Walkman's overall day-to-day performance. Typically, most sources of radio interference come from entertainment devices within the home that emit RF or radio frequency waves. In addition, radio interference may be caused by phenomenon occurring outside the home, in the immediate surrounding area of your home, deteriorating atmospheric conditions, electromagnetic solar activities i.e. solar flares, sunspot activity, and/or interference from adjacent broadcast frequencies on the AM/FM bands. Listeners typically experience interference from nearby electronic equipment in their homes from such items as computers, cordless telephones, microwave ovens, cellular telephones, televisions, stereo systems, compact disc players, electric power tools, and everyday household appliances such as a vacuum cleaner. RF interference can be caused by operational electrical motors, lighting equipment, metal objects, broadcasting equipment, or nearby power lines outside the home. A competing broadcast station that is adjacent to the station frequency that is being listened to will occasionally bleed into the currently tuned station to degrade reception opportunities as well. It is my opinion that moving a portable radio closer to a window dramatically improves AM/FM reception immediately. Lastly, the user can change the Sony SRF-59 Walkman's FM sensitivity switch from DX to Local to achieve monaural reception if a particular FM program is received with excessive static or noise. Unfortunately, the Sony Walkman does not feature an LED tuning/battery life indicator to alert the user that a station in locked in or battery power is exhausted. Moreover, the Sony Walkman doesn't offer a backlit tuning dial for expedient nighttime operation, NOAA Weather Band reception, shortwave, aircraft band, or TV band audio. This product can't be operated on AC power. The battery compartment lid can be reattached to the unit if it inadvertently becomes separated from the battery compartment. The headphone jack can be connected to an analog line input jack of a digital MP3 recorder to copy radio programs in the .mp3 format for personal archival purposes. The manufacturer recommends that this unit be cleaned with water or mild liquid detergent periodically as needed. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman is similar in many respects to two other Sony Walkman portable radio products on the market, the Sony SRF-M37W and Sony SRF-M85W. There are also significant differences between all three products that potential customers should be aware of as well. All three Sony radios offer AM and FM stereo reception. However, the Sony SRF-M37W and Sony SRF-M85W feature Weather Band reception in addition to the standard AM and FM broadcast bands. The Sony SRF-59 features an analog tuning dial for uncomplicated, yet effective radio station navigation. The other two Sony Walkman models offer phase locked loop digital tuning to locate stations across their broadcast bands. The Sony SRF-59 does not feature any memory station presets, whereas the other two Walkman radios do for all three broadcast bands. The Sony SRF-59 AM channel step tuning interval is fixed at 10 KHz. The 10 kHz tuning interval is suitable for medium wave reception in the U.S., Canada, and select South American radio markets. Nonetheless, the Sony SRF-M37W and Sony SRF-M85W AM band channel step tuning interval can be changed from the default 10 KHZ to 9 KHz for reception of medium wave stations when traveling abroad. The Sony SRF-59 does not feature any LCD display, LED battery life, or tuning lock indicators. Conversely, the Sony SRF-M37W and Sony SRF-M85W feature digital LCD displays with battery life indicators. The Sony SRF-59 does not offer any time measurement or time keeping functionality. On the contrary, the Sony SRF-M37W and Sony SRF-M85W both feature a clock for instant time of day information access. Additionally, the Sony SRF-M85W features a full stopwatch, split timer, and pitch timer feature set to record time measurement based sporting activities such as a track or a sailboat race on the lake. The Sony SRF-59 and Sony SRF-M37W are not classified as water-resistant by the manufacturer, but the Sony SRF-M85W features an impact absorbing water-resistant casing with the exception of the battery compartment. All three Sony Walkman radios are powered by either one AA (SRF-59) or one AAA battery (SRF-M37W, SRF-M85W), are supplied with over-the-ear or sports vertical in-the-ear type MDR stereo headphones, FM band local/dx sensitivity switches, analog volume controls, ferrite-bar AM antennas, headphone cord FM antennas, 3.5mm stereo headphone jacks, limited manufacturer warranty statements, and they come with operating instructions. The Sony SRF-59 and Sony SRF-M37W feature detachable belt clips, but the Sony SRF-M85W includes a detachable armband in addition to its stationary positioned belt clip for maximum convenience when wearing the unit outdoors. The Sony SRF-59 does not offer a hold function to prevent accidental operation or a low bass boost sound enhancement feature. However, both the Sony SRF-M37W and Sony SRF-M85W incorporate a hold function to prevent accidental button presses. Moreover, the Sony SRF-M85W adds a Mega Bass sound enhancement function to its feature set. All three Sony Walkman models present similar physical dimensions, rugged build quality, and an aesthetically pleasing appearance for their intended portable audio uses. A comparison and contrast of all three Sony Walkman portable radios confirms that the Sony SRF-59 Walkman is the best choice for customers that prefer a classic analog tuning style for high-performance local and long distance reception of AM/FM radio stations. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman's advanced tuning design, circuitry, analog tuning oscillator, variable capacitor, and included system AM/FM antennas easily surmount routine radio reception obstacles. With its flawless AM reception, precise FM stereo reproduction, and simple operation, this Sony SRF-59 Walkman is an outstanding performer for everyday portable audio use. Good Luck. Enjoy.

Computerhobbyist

2011-09-07T20:00:00

I LOVE THE OLD SCHOOL HEADPHONES THIS MODEL COMES WITH. I HATE THE EARBUDS THAT COME WITH EVERY OTHER DEVICE AND HAVE FOUND THAT NORMAL LOOKING HEADPHONES ARE DIFFICULT TO FIND. SO WHENEVER I NEED HEADPHONES I BUY THIS RADIO SINCE IT COMES WITH THEM!

RadioboyINTJ

Originally posted at

2011-05-06T20:00:00

A lush musical soundscape, the effortless and detailed reproduction of a classical string quartet, and the latest news broadcast in one compact unit. The Sony SRF-59SILVER Walkman is just a fantastic radio that offers reception of all types of music and news information from the FM/AM bands. The Sony Walkman is also an ideal personal radio to take on the bus or train when travelling to or from work or for any other portable audio task. This Sony portable radio features excellent sensitivity and selectivity with respect to its broadcast FM/AM reception capabilities. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman is well suited for my diverse musical and talk radio interests. I admire the quality and inherent value that this Sony Walkman represents in the portable audio product category. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman radio is a small and lightweight unit that fits easily in your hand or on your belt with supplied clip. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman is a take anyplace radio that performs well under difficult seasonal conditions such as a very hot summer day. I use the Sony SRF-59 Walkman frequently when sitting poolside, at home for private listening sessions, or when I walk in my neighborhood. The supplied headphones fit comfortably over my ears for a stress-free listening experience for an extended period of time. The FM stereo reception of my favorite rock music stations sound magnificent. The Sony Walkman’s broadcast reception is free of static and other distracting noise anomalies that often plague lesser performing portables. It is without doubt, that this Sony Walkman offers drift-free classic analog tuning performance. Listening to AM broadcasts is a joy on this portable. My listening preference is for sports talk radio. Whether it’s today’s game broadcast or analysis of yesterday’s game, this Sony SRF-59 Walkman portable radio is always there to satisfy my sports talk needs perfectly. Talk radio programs and news broadcasts come in accurately and with great clarity as well. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman requires only one AA battery to operate and it never seems to run out. The Sony SRF-59 Walkman has the essential features that a traditional radio or outdoor aficionado would appreciate. Those high performance features include: FM/AM reception, headphone cord FM antenna, built-in AM antenna, analog tuner, thumbwheel style tuning dial, FM local/distance sensitivity switch, FM/AM band slide switch, power on/off switch, 3.5 mm headphone output jack, volume control, and belt clip. With its trouble-free AM reception and precise FM stereo reproduction, this Sony SRF-59 Walkman is an outstanding performer. Good Luck. Enjoy.

Computerhobbyist

Originally posted at

2011-03-24T20:00:00

I have gone thru 2 of these in 20 years, wearing them when I walk out a route at work or do yard work at home. I love this radio, and was glad to find it on the web, since I can't find one in the stores anymore. The channel selector wears out after years of work, since my "favs" are at opposite ends of the spectrum.

meterreader

Originally posted at

2011-01-19T19:00:00

Listening to my walkman while waiting in the lobby for someone, helps the time go by. Listen mostly to talk radio and news stations.

Miah

2010-12-05T19:00:00

this radio takes only one aa battery and it lasts FOREVER

zbusdriver

2010-10-28T20:00:00

I had brought this radio two years ago.I had used my koss pro 35 titanium stereo headphones.The radio stations that broadcast in HD sound Provided surround sound from this small inexpensive radio.About a month ago the radio started producing unwanted static on am and fm.

tdse

Originally posted at

2010-08-12T20:00:00

This is at least my 6th radio, all exactly the same. Obviously, I love it but it loses AM after about a year and I end up having to buy a new one. I now have 5 nonfunctioning radios sitting in my drawer.

caitlin

Originally posted at

2009-04-02T20:00:00

THIS LITTLE RADIO IS A WONDER! CHEAP, LIGHT,SENSITIVE, TOUGH. ONE AA BATT. LASTS A LONG TIME! WILL RUN ON NIMH RECHARGEABLE. THE PHONES PROVIDED ARE SO-SO. GET A MONO EAR PIECE FROM CCRANE (THE KIND THAT HOOKS TO YOUR EAR) FOR A PERFECT RADIO! ONLY DOWN SIDE IS THE STIFF TUNING. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS WAS INTENTIONAL OR NOT. MAKES IT A LITTLE HARDER TO BUMP OFF STATION I GUESS BUT MAKES HARD TO TUNE TOO. SMALL. IT TUCKS INTO THE SMALL BAG I USE WHEN I TRAVEL. THE BATTERY LASTS THE WHOLE TIME I'M GONE! RUNS ALL NIGHT FOR SEVEN DAYS AND SOME MORE WHEN I GET BACK! I HOPE THEY KEEP MAKING IT...IT'S ANALOG BUT ANALOG IS GOOD TOO.

JOBLESSINUSA

Originally posted at

2009-02-12T19:00:00

The price and appearance of this little radio belie the incredible AM performance hiding inside. This radio is absolutely smoking on AM. It's truly hard to believe what it can do. The internal antenna is highly directional, allowing you to often null out interfering co-channel stations. It is highly selective, eliminating interference from adjacent channels for all but the strongest of local channels. I've not spent as much time using it on FM, but I have to say the sound when using good ear buds (not the included headphones) is very impressive. If you didn't know better you'd never believe such sound could come from such a small and unimpressive looking radio. On the downside, the tuning is purely analog. There is no digital readout and the tight scale used on the tuning dial makes it virtually impossible to determine what frequency you're on without hearing a station ID. The tuning dial is also very stiff and extremely sensitive. The tiniest movement of the dial will move you one or two stations on the dial. Tuning requires a steady, accurate hand. Reports from a number of friends indicate this radio is very voltage sensitive. Use an alkaline battery. The rechargeable batteries just don't provide enough voltage to let this little gem shine like it should.

Patch

Originally posted at