HIGH QUALITY SONY BOOMBOX Grace, style, power, performance and elegant looks. Sony CFD-S350SILVER boombox has it all. Whether you wish to provide high quality background music at childs birthday party, dinner party, beach, on sailboat at local marina, garage, backyard barbecue, family picnic, listen to ballgame, listen to audiobook, relax to soothing comfort of Beethoven symphony or just want to rock out to your favorite bands tunes after stressful day at work, Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo is perfect for music playback. Boombox produces remarkably large sound from small enclosure. Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo is old-school boombox featuring four high quality products. Stellar items include drift-free digital FM/AM tuner, CD player, cassette deck and two full-range speakers sporting premium Mega Bass sound. Sony CFD-S350 boombox features Headphone Jack for private listening. Sony CFD-S350 boombox comes with 26-Key full-function IR remote control, model: RMT-CS350A, for convenient control from short distance away. Remote control has numerous features to improve portability and functionality of Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo. Remote powers portable stereo on in AC power mode and turns it off in battery and AC power modes by pressing Power button. There is 0-120 minute sleep timer which powers radio off at six selectable intervals of time (60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, OFF, 10 minutes, 20 minutes and 30 minutes). Sleep timer is cancelled by pressing Power button on boombox or remote commander. Function button permits switching back and forth between FM/AM Tuner, CD Player and Tape Player. There is 10-Key (0/10, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) numeric keypad for controlling direct tuner preset station selection and direct track access for CD playback. Preset stations and CD tracks greater than position 10 in memory are accessed directly by pressing >10 button on remote commander and entering exact preset station or track number respectively. Tune + and Tune - buttons to navigate FM/AM station frequencies in ascending or descending order. Press and hold either Tune button and tuner automatically finds next available clear signal station in descending or ascending station frequency order on FM or AM bands. Press Tune -/+ buttons on remote one key press at a time to locate specific FM or AM frequency. For FM Band, tuner proceeds up or down frequency spectrum .1 MHz channel steps. On AM Band, channel step tuning proceeds up or down frequency spectrum at 10 kHz spacing intervals. Remote directly selects 20 FM Band Stereo Presets as well as 10 AM Band Memory Presets. FM/AM preset stations can’t be navigated in ascending or descending order from remote. Preset tuning buttons on boombox must be used to achieve that function. Remote commander presets stations manually into memory by tuning in desired FM/AM frequency and pressing number button of choice on keypad for two seconds. Remote commander raises or lowers volume to desired listening level. Sony CFD-S350 boomboxs Volume -/+ Controls are located on remote commander and top panel. Volume is decreased or increased in 3-segment increments on 0-10 digital volume scale. Line segment volume display is depicted on LCD. Pressing or holding Volume button decreases or increases volume rapidly as needed. Press either Volume Control one key press at a time and volume is adjusted up or down one incremental segment. Band button switches back and forth between FM and AM. Mode button changes FM stereo mode to monaural reception if FM station is received with static. Remote activates or shuts off Mega Bass sound by pressing Mega Bass button. Remote commander contains CD playback transport functions including: Play, Stop, Pause, Forward/Reverse Search and Forward/Reverse Track Skip buttons. Remote commander cant control tape transport functions. Tuner performance is exceptional. FM music stations are received with vibrant fidelity. FM stations feature excellent stereo channel separation between vocals and musical instruments. FM Band offers static-free reception. I dont extend telescopic antenna to achieve satisfactory FM reception. Strong signal AM Band stations are received with great clarity, superb voice reproduction and smooth tonal characteristics. I dont reorient boombox too much to receive sports, news, weather forecasts and talk radio programs clearly. Sony CFD-S350 boombox offers skip-free CD playback with powerful vocals, harmonious midrange and well-defined bass once Mega Bass Sound is activated. Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo does not offer MP3 CD Playback, resume play, DVD media playback, Dual Disc Playback, 3.5mm Microphone Jack, condenser microphone or 3.5mm AUX Line Input Jack. Boombox was not designed with these features in mind. Cassette playback and recording is transparent, dependable and effortless. Cassette players audio performance and mechanical operation are on par with component stereo counterpart. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is non-upgradeable model designed for customers that do not own or have no desire to own iPod, iPhone, Zune or MP3 Player. Sony CFD-S350SILVER boombox’s operating instructions and marketing specifications indicate it comes with detachable, AC power cord. Factory AC power cord is approximately 66-inches (5.5 ft., 1676.4 mm or 167.64 cm) in length. Extended power cord length provides ergonomic placement of Sony CFD-S350 boombox on desk, nightstand, table or indoor stable flat surface. If AC power cord is lost, purchase replacement AC power cord for Sony CFD-S350SILVER boombox from Sony Parts and Accessories Sales Department or Best Buy Part Store. Contact manufacturer directly or Best Buy Part Store for replacement AC power cord (Sony Part #157408511) accessory request, if needed. Sony CFD-S350 boombox operates on D batteries. Remote control operates on 2 AAA batteries. D/AAA batteries are not included with Sony CFD-S350 boombox and must be purchased separately. Optional D batteries, if installed, are automatically disengaged as direct current power source when AC power is used. However, I would not plug Sony CFD-S350 boombox directly to wall outlet. As with any piece of consumer electronic equipment, Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo should be plugged into surge protector to avoid damage from electrical spikes in power line. For maximum product safety, unplug unit during electrical storm. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is compatible with the following D cell 1.5V or equivalent battery types: carbon-zinc, alkaline and NiMH rechargeable batteries (1.2V 10,000 mAh capacity recommended). Remote commander is compatible with the following AAA 1.5V or equivalent battery types: carbon-zinc, alkaline, lithium and NiMH rechargeable batteries (1.2V 800-1,000 mAh capacity recommended). I recommend Duracell Coppertop DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology D, Duracell QUANTUM DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology D, Rayovac Ready Power D, Enercell D, RadioShack D or Energizer Max Power Seal Technology D alkaline batteries for Sony CFD-S350 boombox main unit battery compartment. Energizer, Duracell, Enercell, RadioShack or Rayovac D alkaline batteries provide maximum audio performance and battery life for Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo. With respect to remote commander, I recommend Duracell Coppertop DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Duracell QUANTUM DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Duracell Ultra Power DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Rayovac Ready Power, Enercell, RadioShack, Energizer Max Power Seal Technology AAA alkaline batteries, Energizer Advanced Lithium or Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA batteries for maximum infrared transmission and reliable control of portable stereo from short distance away. Stay away from cheap no name label alkaline, carbon-zinc or rechargeable D/AAA batteries. Unknown brand D/AAA batteries are inferior, last very short time and leak in battery compartment. Never mix old and new batteries, different battery types, different battery voltages and different battery brands. Remove D batteries from boombox and AAA batteries from remote commander if Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo is not going to be used for 30 days or more to avoid damage from battery acid leakage. Lithium AAA batteries feature leak-resistant construction and are suitable for storage inside remote commander’s battery compartment in extreme temperatures compared to AAA alkaline batteries. Sony CFD-S350 boombox’s D batteries should be replaced once Red LED OPR/BATT indicator dims consistently, portable stereo outputs subpar sound quality or no sound. Remote control’s AAA batteries should be replaced because it no longer reliably operates portable stereo from short distance away. When purchasing D/AAA batteries for Sony CFD-S350 boombox, it is good idea to check date on package. Fresh set of D alkaline batteries should have best if used by date of at least 10 years ahead of date of purchase. Duracell Coppertop DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Duracell QUANTUM DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Rayovac Ready Power, Enercell, RadioShack or Energizer Max Power Seal Technology D cell alkaline batteries are guaranteed by manufacturer to stay fresh in product packaging for up to 10 years from date of purchase. Duracell Coppertop DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Duracell Ultra Power DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Duracell QUANTUM DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology, Rayovac Ready Power, Enercell, RadioShack and Energizer Max Power Seal Technology AAA alkaline batteries are guaranteed by manufacturer to hold power in product packaging for up to 10 years from date of purchase. Package expiration date for Energizer Advanced Lithium AAA batteries is up to 10 years ahead of date of purchase. Package expiration date for Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA batteries is up to 20 years ahead of date of purchase. There is no definitive answer as to actual time D or AAA batteries last for Sony CFD-S350 boombox and remote commander. Battery life specifications provided by Sony in user manual are approximate, offered under factory operating conditions and correct if Sony D cell (main unit) or AAA cell (remote commander) alkaline or zinc-chloride batteries manufactured in Japan are used. Battery longevity varies by battery manufacturer and battery chemistry. Your Sony CFD-S350 boombox has different battery life because it is not likely to be used exclusively at Sony factory. Longer the duration Sony CFD-S350 boombox is powered on and as volume level increases during playback battery life is shortened accordingly. Proceed with caution. Battery life is determined by several factors and is why individual results vary. Such factors include genre of music being played, volume level being used, ambient room or outdoor temperature and amount of time cassette recording takes place off D batteries. Battery performance is decreased if Sony CFD-S350 boombox is powered by D alkaline batteries in extremely cold temperatures. Have spare set of D batteries nearby in case audio performance deteriorates in middle of favorite song. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is powered by AC current (120V, 60Hz) via AC power cord. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is furnished with 2-Pin double-insulated power cord. Sony CFD-S350 boombox’s AC power cord features C8 inlet connector. C8 power cord connector connects to AC Input Jack on rear panel of Sony CFD-S350 boombox. Factory power cord features polarized plug that is inserted into wall outlet or power surge protector. C8 power connector is used by consumer electronics manufacturers to power portable audio equipment such as radio or cassette player from 120V, 60Hz AC power. C8 AC power cord is double-insulated power supply for electrical safety protection. Sony CFD-S350 boombox’s operating instructions do not indicate it is compatible with 220V AC power. Additional equipment is required for overseas use. Sony CFD-S350SILVER boombox is intended for sale and use in U.S. and Canadian markets. Use of Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo outside of intended retail sales markets may work but can’t be supported by manufacturer. Operating instructions indicate boombox requires the following power supply, “AC 120 V, 60 Hz” Sony CFD-S350 boombox does work outside of U.S. and Canada through Step Up/Down Voltage Converter/Transformer. Voltage transformer converts voltages from 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts so electronic devices intended for U.S. market are powered abroad. AM Band or Medium Wave reception may be impaired in intended overseas geographical destination because there is no way to change AM tuning interval from 10 kHz to 9 kHz. Sony CFD-S350 boombox’s operating instructions indicate under section “Specifications” total power output of portable stereo is 2.3 watts +2.3 watts at 3.2 ohms @ 10%T.H.D. Total power output was measured at 3.2 ohm loads both left and right stereo channels driven from 150Hz-6,300Hz. “Audio Power Specifications” section of manual states boombox is rated at 1.8 watts (RMS) per channel at very minimum at 10% Total Harmonic Distortion in AC power mode. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is powered from direct current cigarette lighter power jack with DC-to-AC power inverter. Power inverter converts DC battery power into AC current to power laptops, gaming systems, TVs, VCRs, Sony portable audio electronics and small appliances. Sony does not provide technical specifications regarding compatible power inverters for Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo. Power inverter incorporates surge protection, allows for safe engine startup, overload protection, low battery shutdown and compatible with car that has 12V battery. Only supplied detachable AC power cord or factory equivalent AC power cord can be plugged into AC receptacle. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is UL Listed and features UL Mark on bottom panel. Sony CFD-S350 boombox feature set seems quite simple on surface but I find it to be incredibly complete and sophisticated for new and experienced portable audio users. Portable audio boombox features include: Digital FM/AM Tuner, Phase Locked Loop Synthesized (PLL) Tuner, 30 Total FM/AM Station Presets (20 FM Band Stereo Presets, 10 AM Band Mono Presets) auto preset station scan, manual preset station input, manual seek tuning, auto tuning storage system, FM Band Channel Step Tuning: .1 MHz, AM Band Channel Step Tuning: 10 kHz, FM Band Monaural Reception, FM Band Stereo Decoder Circuit, FM Band Stereo Reception, AM Band Mono Reception, preset station retention after loss of battery or AC power, nonvolatile memory, telescopic FM whip antenna, ferrite bar AM Band antenna, FM Band Frequency Range: 87.5-108 MHz, AM Band Frequency Range: 530-1710 kHz, FM/AM Band Selector control, Mode button, multifunction digital LCD, large format easy-to-read LCD, LCD information includes: RADIO Input indicator, CD Input indicator, TAPE Input indicator, FM/AM Band indicator, FM/AM Station Frequency, FM Stereo “ST” indicator, MEGA BASS indicator, FM/AM Preset Station Number, total track number, total CD playing time, program play indicator, program play track number, No Disc indicator and Battery Error indicator, CD Player, 1-bit D/A converter for outstanding Sony sound, digital signal processor, digital signal processing, 8X oversampling digital filter, top-loading CD compartment, push open/close CD compartment lid, CD pivot placement holder, CD transport controls on portable stereo include: Reverse Skip, Forward Skip, Play/Pause, Stop, Reverse Search and Forward Search buttons, 20 Track RMS CD Programming, program, shuffle, repeat and program repeat CD Playback modes, CD-R/RW Playback, 4 Track, 2-Channel Stereo Cassette Recorder, CD/Cassette synchronized dubbing, cassette recording off FM/AM Tuner, cassette recording of CD program play selections, mechanical cassette transport controls including: Pause, Stop/Eject, Rewind, Fast Forward, Play and Record buttons, fast cassette winding system, soft-eject cassette door, front-loading cassette compartment, push close cassette door, Type I normal bias cassette playback and recording, magnetic erase head, cassette erasure, auto record level control, 80-10,000 Hz Cassette Player Frequency Response, adjustable sleep timer, Sleep button, recessed fold-down carry handle, Power button, Display/Enter/Memory button, digital Volume Controls, 30-Step volume control, electronic volume controls, CD button, Radio/Band button and Tape button direct input source selection controls, manual and preset tuning controls, IR remote sensor, IR remote commander, 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack, Mega Bass Sound System, Mega Bass ON/OFF button, wide directional convex 2-way 4-inch stereo speaker system, two speaker guard grills, 4.6 Watts RMS total system output power at 10% T.H.D., 120V, 60Hz AC Power Rating, 14 Watts AC Power Consumption, 9V DC Power Rating for main unit, 3V DC Power Rating for remote commander, direct Power-On function, detachable battery cover, bottom panel battery compartment, spring-loaded positive/negative D battery contact terminals, 6 D battery operation, 2 AAA battery remote commander operation, rear panel AC IN Jack, detachable AC power cord, Red LED OPR/BATT indicator, D battery tester circuit, D battery removal factory reset procedure, silver finish, 4 bottom panel rubber feet, robust plastic build and operating instructions. Sony CFD-S350SILVER boombox plays prerecorded cassettes or homemade tapes with recorded music from CD Player or FM/AM Tuner. Sony CFD-S350 boombox’s cassette deck is compatible with Type I normal bias cassettes only. Boombox features CD/Cassette synchronized dubbing which allows CD inserted into disc compartment to be copied to cassette when CD Player begins playback. Sony HF Series Normal Bias 60 or 90-Minute Cassettes are recommended for best playback and recording results. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is wonderful for cassette playback and recording. Sony CFD-S350 boombox has extra options available for repeat playback of CDs. A single track can be repeated. All tracks can be played back in random order repeatedly. To get started, press Power button on boombox or Power button on remote control if AC power is being used. Place CD into disc compartment. Press CD button on portable stereo. Wait for boombox to read disc. Next, press Mode button on boombox or remote control until REP 1 symbol appears in LCD. Press Play button on main unit or remote control to repeat single track. To repeat all tracks in order, press Mode button until REP ALL symbol appears in LCD, then press Play button on main unit or remote control. To repeat tracks in random order, press Mode button on portable stereo or remote control until SHUF REP symbol appears in LCD, then press Play button on boombox or remote control. To cancel repeat play, press Stop button on boombox twice while CD is playing or open disc compartment. LCD shows the following disc information by pressing Display/Enter/Memory button on boombox: track number, elapsed track playing time, remaining track playing time, number of tracks remaining on disc and remaining playing time of disc. Boombox remembers last radio station tuned, input source selection and volume level when powered off. Product dimensions are: Width: 16-5/8, Height: 6-1/8, Depth: 10-1/4 and Weight: 8 lbs. A 90-day labor and 1 year parts limited manufacturer warranty is included. Sony CFD-S350 boombox is fantastic for portable audio needs. It is important to compare and contrast Sony CFD-S350 boombox with competitive sibling, Sony CFD-S05 boombox. The two units share many similar features including: Digital FM/AM PLL Synthesized Tuner, 30 Total FM/AM station presets, retention of FM/AM station presets after loss of AC or DC power, auto tuning storage system, manual tuning mode, preset station tuning mode, telescopic FM swivel antenna, ferrite bar AM antenna, FM Band stereo reception, FM Band mono reception, AM Band mono reception, fixed FM/AM channel step tuning interval, 4 Track 2-Channel Stereo Cassette Deck, normal bias tape playback, single-direction cassette playback, cassette recording from FM/AM radio and compact disc player, cassette erasure, cassette deck motor, tape travel pulley, mechanical tape transport buttons, CD Player, 1-bit D/A converter for awesome Sony sound, push open/close disc compartment lid, CD-R/RW Playback, CD/Cassette synchronized dubbing, 20 Track RMS CD Programming, .WAV compressed audio file playback, .WMA compressed audio file playback, repeat and shuffle CD play modes, digital easy-to-read large format LCD, stereo speakers, cone type drivers, bass reflex speaker system, metal speaker grills to withstand summertime outings at beach or on boat, Mega Bass Sound System, LED OPR/BATT indicator, digital Volume Controls, 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack for private listening, AC or DC power options, detachable polarized plug AC power cord, 120V, 60Hz AC Power Rating, AC power transformer, DC power supply, bottom panel battery compartment, multiple printed circuit board network, UL logo, CD-DA logo, carry handle, lightweight design, SONY trademark logo, silver/gray toned color scheme, place of manufacture imprint, multiple case screws and solid plastic build to hold up in challenging portable audio environments. There are key differences between the two Sony boomboxes consumers should be aware of before making purchasing decision. CFD-S05 features 3.5mm Line Input jack for connection to MP3 Player. CFD-S350 does not feature 3.5mm or RCA stereo AUX Input Jack. CFD-S05 does not include remote control to control it from short distance away. CFD-S350 is supplied with remote commander (powered by two AAA batteries) to control tuner access, CD playback modes, direct input source selection, Mega Bass Sound and volume control amplifier management functions. CFD-S350 operates on 6 D cell alkaline batteries to feed forceful stereo amplifiers. CFD-S05 operates on 6 C cell batteries to accommodate less power stereo amplifiers and supply reduced battery run times compared to CFD-S350. CFD-350 has larger physical dimensions and augmented weight compared to CFD-S05. CFD-S350 sounds significantly better than CFD-S05 in radio, tape, and compact disc playback modes. CFD-S350 features direct button press power-on function. CFD-S05 does not feature direct power-on function. Power button must be pressed to turn on CFD-S05. CFD-S350 LCD provides remaining track playing time during audio disc playback. CFD-S05 does not provide remaining track playing time. CFD-S05 features resume play in CD playback mode. CFD-S350 does not feature resume play for audiobook disc playback. CFD-S05 records music from component connected to 3.5mm Line Input Jack. CFD-S350 can’t record audio from external source component. CFD-S350 features adjustable sleep timer accessed on main unit and remote commander to fall asleep to music during late-night listening sessions. CFD-S05 does not feature sleep timer. Neither Sony boombox features MP3 CD playback, anti-skip electronic shock protection, motorized CD door, boombox chassis lighting, CD recording, auto-reverse cassette playback, full logic feather touch tape transport controls, motorized cassette door, Dolby noise reduction, Type II and IV chrome/metal tape playback, microphone jack, condenser microphone, PA system, simultaneous multiple sound source playback, backlit LCD, clock, magnetic speaker shielding, AM Band stereo reception, extra speaker jacks, shortwave reception or NOAA WB channels. CFD-S350 has more amp output power rated at 4.6W (2.3W x 2 RMS at 10% T.H.D.) total output power. CFD-S05 amplifier section is rated at 3.4W (1.7W x 2 RMS at 10% T.H.D.) total power output. CFD-S350 consumes more AC and DC power than CFD-S05. Sony CFD-S350 boombox emerges as undisputed winner in portable audio boombox feature contest. Sony CFD-S350 boombox offers winning combination of superior sound performance, larger stereo speakers, longer FM telescopic whip antenna, more powerful onboard stereo amplifier and headphone amplifier, D alkaline battery operation, longer battery life, IR remote commander portable simplicity and additional LCD time-keeping data playing audio CDs compared to reduced product features offered by Sony CFD-S05 Personal Audio System. Sony CFD-S350 boombox can be made part of emergency prep kit in advance of natural disaster, power outage, severe weather, hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, blizzard, electrical storm, unplanned weather event, high-wind warning, tornado, dust storm, nuclear power plant leak, fire, water main break, building collapse, bridge collapse, construction site accident, boating vessel accident, oil spill, gasoline shortage, plane crash, train derailment, drought condition, emergency water usage restriction, water supply contamination, manmade catastrophe, terrorist attack, explosion, asteroid collision, during period of civil unrest or to receive notice of abhorrent criminal conduct taking place in neighborhood on FM or AM news radio. I can’t recommend wind-up hand crank radio. I have never experienced complete disposable battery shortage. I have never run out of battery power during power outage. D/AAA Alkaline batteries are ubiquitous items for sale in U.S. Dry cell D/AAA batteries can be purchased at almost any store anywhere. Yes there are some exceptions but not many. D/AAA alkaline batteries become scarce immediately before, during or after severe storm and power outage. One way to avoid temporary D/AAA alkaline battery shortage and loss of battery power is to buy spare set or several sets of D/AAA alkaline batteries prior to unplanned emergency for Sony CFD-S350 boombox in case store selling D/AAA alkaline batteries can’t be found. Spare set of D/AAA alkaline batteries last longer than self-powered wind-up rechargeable radio. I recommend Duracell QUANTUM DURALOCK Power Preserve Technology 1.5V D/AAA alkaline batteries for maximum sustained battery life of Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo during emergencies. Long-term storage of D/AAA alkaline batteries is favorable option to power Sony CFD-S350 boombox throughout nightmare public endangerment scenario. However, wind-up radio is desirable portable AM/FM/Shortwave/WB radio to take on camping trip, hunting trip and fishing excursion or have during lasting power outage. Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo’s excellent battery life on one set of D alkaline batteries and is sufficient reason alone not to recommend wind-up radio. Wind-up radios may also be inconvenient for customers suffering from arthritis, joint diseases or maladies that cause pain in hands. Sony CFD-S350 boombox offers abundantly better sound quality from stereo speakers on radio broadcasts compared to wind-up radio to provide increased voice clarity on vital up-to-the-minute weather reports, traffic updates, voluntary evacuation orders and mandatory evacuation orders on FM/AM bands. Quality of radio reception (Local or DX) received on Sony CFD-S350SILVER boombox is dependent on multitude of environmental factors, seasonal conditions, astronomical occurrences, principles of radio propagation, laws of physics, F.C.C. broadcasting regulations regarding broadcasting power transmissions and circumstances beyond your control. Reception changes based on time of day, atmospheric conditions, presence of sun spots, solar flares, solar winds, solar storms during daytime hours, movement of radio waves from one part of earth to another, close by ham radio operators, nearby power lines and electrical motors near home, proximity of appliances emitting RF interference to Sony CFD-S350 boombox, type of material home or room is made of, distance from broadcast tower(s) to home, presence of mountains, hills or skyscrapers in neighborhood, signal strength of broadcast station received and quality of Sony CFD-S350 boombox antennas and radio receiver. Radio reception varies by geographical location. It can’t be determined in abstract if tuner design of boombox is responsible for quality of radio reception customer experiences. Digitally tuned portable stereo is not inherently superior in radio reception compared to analog counterpart. Sony CFD-S350 boombox tuner’s sensitivity and selectivity performance with respect to weak signal and adjacent channel reception thrives or dives on quality, electrical design, thermal design and craftsmanship of tuning circuitry, variable frequency oscillator, signal processing, noise filters, micro controller unit, calibration of digital tuner and built-in system FM/AM antennas. Digitally tuned boombox radio merely provides convenience to listeners as they are able to store preset stations into memory. Customers instantly recall preferred radio stations and programs at touch of button on digital tuner. Nevertheless, digitally tuned boombox radio suffers less from station-drift than analog tuned boombox radio with large tuning knob. Accurate, clear and drift-free radio reception for Sony CFD-S350 boombox inevitably fluctuates. It is not possible to give definitive answer as to exact distance radio broadcast can be received at specific point of day or night. Only general range of broadcast reception is estimated in miles when determining if specific broadcast is capable of being received by Sony CFD-S350 boombox. FM radio signals are broadcast at higher altitude than AM signals. FM Band radio interference is caused from multipath reflections of radio waves off tall buildings or nearby mountains in neighborhood. Reception area of FM signals range between 40-100 miles. FM coverage is shorter than AM because FM signals travel in straight lines (line-of-sight) and have reduced interaction with earth’s ionosphere. FM monaural reception offers better sound quality compared to AM. FM mono signals are susceptible to less interference than AM radio broadcasts. FM stereo broadcasts provide high-fidelity sound to target radio audience and shortest reception range in particular market on 87.5-108 MHz frequency spectrum. AM stations on 530-1710 kHz frequency band periodically reduce power at night as required by F.C.C. regulations or perform maintenance operations on transmitter adversely affect reception on Sony CFD-S350 boombox. Transmissions of AM radio broadcasts are longer than FM broadcasts. In daytime, AM Band radio broadcasts traveling via ground wave transmission reach listeners within several hundred mile radius. At night, AM Band signals roaming via sky wave travel hundreds or even thousands of miles away from intended radio market. DX reception of remote AM Band radio stations is possible after sunset because of AM broadcaster’s ability to bounce signals off outer reaches of earth’s atmosphere to Sony CFD-S350 boomboxes outside of intended radio market. AM DX reception is best during winter months and at lowest point of performance in summer. Sony CFD-S350 boombox’s internal ferrite bar antenna bolsters AM Band reception of Clear Channel 50,000 Watt stations. FM Band reception is enhanced on Sony CFD-S350 boombox by extending telescopic whip antenna to achieve full quieting results. An examination of various sources of radio interference is an important subject as it pertains to Sony CFD-S350 boombox radio’s day-to-day performance. Most sources of radio frequency interference come from entertainment devices within home emitting radio frequency waves. Radio interference is caused by phenomenon occurring outside home, in immediate surrounding area of home, deteriorating atmospheric conditions and/or interference from adjacent broadcast frequencies on FM Band. Listeners experience interference from nearby electronic equipment in home from such items as computers, cordless telephones, microwave ovens, cellular telephones, televisions, stereo systems, compact disc players, electric power tools, and everyday household appliances. RF interference is caused from lighting equipment, metal objects and nearby broadcasting equipment. A competing broadcast station adjacent to station being listened to bleeds into tuned station to degrade reception opportunities as well. Moving Sony CFD-S350 boombox closer to window and away from electronic devices transmitting harmful RF interference dramatically improves FM/AM reception. Medium Wave Band coverage is expanded upon indoors with external omnidirectional passive antenna. For example, Terk AM Advantage Indoor Antenna makes use of electromagnetic procedure known as inductive coupling to improve AM Band reception by placing antenna in close proximity to Sony CFD-S350 boombox. A third party FM antenna, such as C. Crane FM Reflect Dipole Antenna is attached via alligator clips to whip antenna on Sony CFD-S350 boombox for improved FM Band reception indoors. Sony CFD-S350 Portable Stereo’s Digital FM Stereo/AM Dual Band Tuner is of exceptional high-performance. I have not experienced noise, static or distortion with Sony CFD-S350 boombox in radio market I live in. Sony CFD-S350 boombox’s FM Band Tuner receives the following stations in New York City Metropolitan Area: 88.3, 88.9, 89.9, 91.5, 92.3, 95.5, 97.1, 100.3, 101.1, 101.9, 102.7, 103.5, 104.3, 105.1, 105.9, 106.7, 107.5 MHz. AM Band Tuner receives the following stations in New York City Metropolitan Area: 570, 620, 660, 710, 770, 820, 880, 930, 970, 1010, 1050, 1130, 1190, 1280, 1330, 1380, 1430, 1480, 1560, 1600, 1660 kHz. Receivable FM/AM stations differ by geographic destination or local radio market. Overall rating 5 stars. Good Luck. Enjoy. What’s great about it: Excellent Sound, Small Footprint and Handsome Looks What’s not so great about it: N/A
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 19:51:13 +0000
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