Sony ICF-CD533 AM/FM CD Under-Counter Kitchen Clock Radio

• Quartz-synthesized AM/FM stereo tuner
• Built-in 3-D stereo speaker system with Mega Bass sound
• Built-in CD player
• Self-powered back-up system
• Up to 24-hour countdown timer

I have been impressed by every Sony product I have purchased until this one. While the CD player was great, the installation easy, and the controls easy to understand; the radio reception was laughable. They tell you that the power cord serves as the antenna, so:

1) Extend the power cord fully, BUT

2) Don't plug into an extension cord, AND

3) Don't run the cord behind a refrigerator AND

4) Don't run the cord near flourescent lights AND

5) There is no connection for an external antenna.

So, just for the heck of it, I thought I would uninstall the radio and move it around the kitchen until we could get our local traffic and weather station. Too bad, the radio would have to be installed in the middle of the kitchen hanging in mid-air. Back to the drawing board!!

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I would have given this radio zero stars except that was not a choice. I, like the other reviewer, thinks this is the worst radio you could possibly buy. Every feature on the radio works great except the radio itself, which by the way is the main feature I bought it for. I even called Sony customer service, but all they said was to return it if dissatified. If there was at least an option to add an external antenna, that might help, but there is not, and no way to even hook one up if you had one. Please don't waste your money!!!

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My contractor who rebuilt my kitchen recommended this under-counter radio for its appearance and "space-saving" appeal, but without a telescopic antenna or even a pig tail (I assume the power chord is the feeble "antenna") in the back the radio is essentially worthless. The CD works fine but since this comes with a radio feature it has to be dismissed. For your kitchen, I recommend the sleek, attractive Tivoli Songbook, which comes in several colors. That's what I ended up replacing the Sony ICF-CD533 with and the Tivoli, with excellent reception and a rich monoaural speaker, fills my kitchen just fine.

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I bought this for my mom for christmas two years ago...we've had no problems w/ it at all...of course we live in a suburb of Chicago..so radio reception is rarely an issue..but if you do too, feel free...

it's got pretty good sound and controls too!

Have had the unit for several years. Radio reception is poor and varies as you move about the kitchen. Added an extension wire to the antenna with limited success. Mine is installed near a microwave oven which causes serious problems when in use. Very disappointed stay away