KaitoKA200 Pocket AM/FM Radio, Black

SUMMARYIt is a terrific "transistor" radio. Turn it on, dial in your station, enjoy memories of a simpler time---particularly these days when you can't set the time on a typical wristwatch without the manual which you lost three years ago. Good manual tuning---the radio won't "forget" your station when you change batteries. There is even a little green diode which helps tuning in exactly on your station. Two AAA batteries have a long lifeSHORTCOMINGNeeds an attachment point for a small split-ring or neckcord on the back center. A split-ring would allow it to be carred on a belt-loop etc. with a small carabiner, or hung at a convenient place. Carabiner Keychain (6 pack)TUNING AND RECEPTIONThe manual tuning is straightforward and easy, albeit sometimes it is hard to exactly tune in a weak station near a strong one. The dial is fairly stiff---a good thing, it isn't easly bumped. Reception is usually very good, even without the telescoping antenna (just leave it collapsed), but it is very much appreciated when you need it. The antenna does NOT rotate.VOLUMEThis is a personal radio, which you need close, not a room radio. The volume may fill a small room without too much distortion if there is no competing noise, but you will usually want it within about 3--5'.SOUND QUALITYThe sound qualtiy is good, not great. This is a radio for listening to news, talk radio, or ball games, not classical music. Music is acceptable, particularly at modest volume.USING HEADPHONESThe radio is mono, so the headphone connection is also mono, but to both ears. Unlike many portable radios, the volume can be turned down to an appropriate level even for very efficicent headphones (such as J-buds). JBuds Hi-Fi Noise-Reducing Ear Buds (Black)CARRYING IT AROUNDTiny, fits easily in a shirt pocket. However there is no neckstrap, and no attachment point for a strap or split-ring. My solution was to loop a strap around a battery, and shut the battery compartment---the radio hangs upside down from my neck---but that is actually ideal. 5 pcs Black Neck Strap Band Lanyard For USB Flash/Pen Drives, Cell phone, mp3, mp4 and other Lightweight (under 50 grams) Electronic Devices When that proved to be a good solution, (using my pocket knife) I cut a tiny notch in the center of the lip of the battery compartment lid to accommodate the cord easier.Compared to Coby CX50---a tiny desk radioThe Coby is only a little larger, and a little louder, and features a rotatable antenna, a wrist strap, and has time and alarm functions. The Coby is not rounded and has a lower center of gravity, so it sits more securely on surfaces, making it a better desk or bathroom radio. The minimum volume of the Coby is so loud that it is can be hard to use with efficient headphones. COBY CX50 COMPACT AM/FM DIGITAL RADIO - CX50Compared to the Panasonic RF-P50--an oversize "shirt pocket" radio, with plenty of volumeThe Panasonic is more than twice the size of the Kaito, but similar in design. However the Panasonic has a wrist strap and rotating antenna. The Panasonic is much louder, and can be used as a small room or "shop" radio--but being tall with a rounded bottom (like the Kaito), it is not as stable as the Coby on a desk. The AA batteries in the Panasonic last much longer. The earphone of the Panasonic is monophonic to only one ear, and it is almost impossible to dial down the volume to a low enough level for efficient headphones. A Sony ICF38 (which I bought for my Dad) is a better inexpensive small room radio than the Kaito, Coby, or Panasonic. Panasonic RF-P50 Pocket AM/FM Radio, SilverCompared to Sony ICF-S10MK2The Sony is the same size, shape, and has the same features (and shortcomings) as the Panasonic RF-P50. Sony ICF-S10MK2 Pocket AM/FM Radio, SilverCompared to Sony ICF38--an inexpensive AC/DC table radioThe Sony ICF38 is MUCH larger, but runs either AC (cord stows inside) or battery, and is more suitable as a room radio. Sony ICF38 Portable AM/FM Radio (Black)> Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.

I bought this Kaito KA200 radio for AM using the speaker while working outdoors, and it works great! I have been through two Sangean DT-400W digital tuning radios and many Sony ICF-S10MK2 pocket radios, and I can say the KA200 is the best after using it for 10 weeks.I like the small size: KA200: 3.5 x 0.8 x 2.2 inches ; Sony: 4.75 x 1.1 x 2.88 inches ; Sangean: 4.2 x 1.2 x 2.5 inches. The KA200 is amazingly small and light weight. It stays in the shirt pocket easily, but to keep it from slipping out I cross a rubber band (1/4" wide) and attach lanyard with clip to insure it doesn't slip out and break on the concrete.It gives a decent volume for outside use without earphones, and a tiny amount of clear volume at the lowest level. Like others have said, the volume has great linearity at low volume. I turn the volume way down and lay it on my ear while in bed and it can not be heard 6 inches away (I don't like earphone wires).Battery life is great also (two AAA), mine last nearly 2 weeks before needing changing, and I use it daily and also at bedtime at low volume; most of the time I do not turn the radio "off" but just move the volume to lowest level.The tuner gives outstanding AM reception (I am 60 miles north of Dallas), and locks on without static, which is what goes wrong with most of the others. This will be the test to give after using it for one year (to see if the dials get loose and statikie). The FM reception is good but only if sitting in place on a desk, not moving around. The dials have just the right amount of resistance to stay in place during rough work. The dial location took a little getting used to, but now I easily locate all my stations in the dark with one hand.Perfect radio with external speaker for on the go use, well made.

I have a number of pocket radios, ranging in quality from $6 no-brand, to the Sangean DT-800. The Kaito KA200S functions well and has surprising sound for such a small radio (compared to other pocket radios of the next size step up). If you want only one radio, something larger would probably be better. However, if you are a pocket radio fan, you should definitely buy one of these. It slips into a pocket super-easy, and works great with local listening.Why five stars, when I rated both sound quality and volume control with only four stars? It is because packing four-star performance into such a small radio (with a speaker) is a five-star achievement.

Me gustó mucho este radio am fm porque a pesar de que es pequeño sintoniza muy bien las estaciones. Cabe muy bien en la palma de tu mano por si quieres usarlo para hacer ejercicio.

It's small form factor appears unique and distinguishes it from other Pocket radios.Sound is good given its size.

Absolutely amazing service! I ordered the radio on Saturday the 16th of December and received the package the next day by 11:30 am! It was in perfect condition exactly what I expected; the radio is very small and works excellently and plays loud for such a small radio; I would highly recommend this radio!

Radio was of poor quality

Recieved this radio in under 24 hours.Fits in pocket very light but sturdy. Easy to use controls and there is also a light that indicates that desired station is tuned in. Sounds brilliantnwith headphones or without. There is even an extendable aerial. I wanted a radio when i take dog for a walk brilliant exactly what I wanted. Excellent value for money.