Sangean K-200 Multi-Function Upright AM/FM Digital Radio (Pink)

• Voice Messages
• Egg Timer
• Night Light
• Digital AM/FM
• 5 Preset Stations

The operation of the Sangean K-200 is so easy, I didn't consult the manual for my initial test. I set the time, the presets, and connected the wire antenna and was good to go. I haven't yet read up on the "mood light" or what could be described as a night light.

What strikes me about the marketing and design of the K-200 is that it wants to be two things in one: a kitchen radio and a bedside clock radio. Does this hybrid compromise one function over the other? Largely, I'd say no. The functions don't conflict in any significant ways with the exception possibly of one: The presets at the top might not make for easy bedside toggling in the dark unless your bed is a few inches higher than the bedside radio. The manual explains how to press the light bulb icon to adjust light level of the display, which stays on at various shades, and the "scenario LED" or mood light for "your better listening experience."

Sound

Sangeans don't have bright sound. At best their speaker sound is warm. At worst, they are too bassy, to the point of being muddy, like on the Sangean PR-D5 and the LB-100 and the U3. I think they hit a nice balance with the K-200. It's not as bright as I'd like but it's warm and not as muffled as the LB-100 or the PR-D5.

FM Reception

Very sensitive so far. KPCC 89.3 comes in loud and clear, even without raising the wire antenna. The weakest station, 88.9, needed the wire antenna extended to get rid of static. All my other stations come in clearly: KCRW, KJAZZ, and KROQ.

AM Reception

Good news: No background noise on 640, 570, 710, and 790. Sadly, 830 is a basket case. Honestly, though, ALL of my radios have trouble with 830. The wide filter on the PR-D5 actually makes it noisier than the K-200. And my PR-D7, which I sold, was way too noisy on AM. Finally, my Sangean WR-2 makes too much background noise on AM. So for AM, the K-200 is the most pleasing.

Design and Functionality

Like I said, I opened out of the box (did an unboxing video but haven't been able to download the Sony Bloggie to my computer; may need software upload) and set it up without the manual.

The top is smooth like like those modern stove tops that don't have heating coils on the outside for easy cleaning.

There are some bells and whistles that I can't imagine using: egg timer, voice recorder. I just wanted a decent radio with a small footprint and no long telescopic antenna since my toddlers will gleefully snap such antennas in two.

So far the $79 Sangean K-200 seems like a keeper and appears worthy of recommendation. Of course, updates will be forthcoming.

Update:

After 6 weeks, I'm noticing distortion on the AM dial at any volume louder than low levels. I think this is a result of too much bass in the speaker. So I'd have to take away at least one star.

Buy Sangean K-200 Multi-Function Upright AM/FM Digital Radio (Pink) Now

We were trying to find a new digital AM/FM radio for our master bath and had no idea how hard it would be. The first one we got was digital, but had awful reception anyway. The second one would show the radio call numbers on the digital display whenever you had the radio on -it would cover up the time. So if you were getting ready for work while in the bathroom, the only way to see what time it was while listening to the radio was to push a button on the back to see the time for 5 seconds. It also didn't have A/M channels for some reason. So we ordered this Sangean as our third attempt and we couldn't be happier. The reception is great, the displays are clear, the presets work well, etc. It has a lot of other features, like a timer, that we didn't expect, but comes in handy when telling the kids how long their showers should be. The quality of the audio is "bassy" according to my husband, but I don't have a problem with it. Good price with great results.

Read Best Reviews of Sangean K-200 Multi-Function Upright AM/FM Digital Radio (Pink) Here

Bought this radio to replace a small shelf system we had in the kitchen and I didn't feel like mounting a radio under my cabinets. The Sangean has a small footprint and produces sounds that is definitely loud enough to fill any room in your house. Reception is not lacking, although I cannot say how strong it is as the stations here are all pretty strong. Yes it is a little bass heavy as others have commented, but talk radio and music sound fine. The auxiliary input can be used to connect anything with an 3.5mm port which is nice if you don't want to listen to the radio. Some other products only support the iPod, while this is more universal. Another plus is that is can run off batteries, which makes it an option in a power outage.

My only complaint is I wish it had a few more presets.

Want Sangean K-200 Multi-Function Upright AM/FM Digital Radio (Pink) Discount?

This radio has almost all the functions that one would want in a high-end radio. As others have mentioned, the display is very readable, and the brightness control is a welcome feature. Tuning is straightforward. Reception is very good. We appreciate the dual alarm.

It has two other features that I haven't seen mentioned in other reviews: RDS (Radio Data System) which displays information from the radio station (e.g. its call letters, the name of a song that's playing); and RDS CT (clock time) which automatically sets the clock using a time signal broadcast by many radio stations (usually public broadcasting stations) and changes the clock setting automatically for daylight saving time.

The one feature that I wish it has is a tone control. This radio is set to emphasize bass, which is fine for beat music, etc., but definitely a disadvantage if you are listening to talk radio or other genres (e.g. classical) music. This missing feature is the reason I rated it 4-star instead of 5-star. I consider it such a drawback that I'm seriously considering returning this radio, in spite of its other great features.

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Wanted something with a small footprint. This worked out fine and the sound/reception is very good which is why I gave it 5 stars I was worried about AM reception, but no issues.

Only wish there was a remote control since I have it placed on top of a shelf.

Reaching the controls, which are on top of the unit, is a little cumbersome.

The AC adapter is big (wall wart). But other than that, very very satisifed with product.

If you're searching for radios with small footprint and good sound quality.. this is it!