23-05-2012, 12:32 PM
I've been using this for long enough now to feel able to comment on it.
I'd hesitate to say that it's the best-sounding radio I've got but it's certainly the best transistor one.
It does seem to be neither fish nor fowl though. It's too big and HEAVY to be practically portable but being battery only seems a bit odd in a set that isn't going to be moved. I'm surprised Hacker didn't fit a DC In socket so they could have made extra money by selling PSUs.
Ease of servicing is difficult for me to judge through lack of experience. Obviously it's better than tackling Mullard modules but I don't think that's fair as my understanding is that these were never meant to be repaired. The only real problem I had was getting the transistors out which was certainly harder than on a Roberts R200.
I don't think it would win a beauty contest but given the period it was made that's not surprising and there are certainly more emetic designs around.
So all told highly satisfactory but I remain un-convinced about the "Best ever" claims.
- Joe
I'd hesitate to say that it's the best-sounding radio I've got but it's certainly the best transistor one.
It does seem to be neither fish nor fowl though. It's too big and HEAVY to be practically portable but being battery only seems a bit odd in a set that isn't going to be moved. I'm surprised Hacker didn't fit a DC In socket so they could have made extra money by selling PSUs.
Ease of servicing is difficult for me to judge through lack of experience. Obviously it's better than tackling Mullard modules but I don't think that's fair as my understanding is that these were never meant to be repaired. The only real problem I had was getting the transistors out which was certainly harder than on a Roberts R200.
I don't think it would win a beauty contest but given the period it was made that's not surprising and there are certainly more emetic designs around.
So all told highly satisfactory but I remain un-convinced about the "Best ever" claims.
- Joe
