Sangean LB-100 AM FM Radio Ultra Rugged Compact Yellow

I have some other Sangean radios, and I like the sound. It makes voices/words clear to understand. I don't listen to AM radio much, but I listen to K-LOVE, positive Christian station, and I want to hear the words! In my area, K-LOVE is on 88.9. When I received my fantastic Lunchbox radio yesterday, uh-oh, there was some static on 88.9. Well, my Sangean radios do a great job of receiving it, but it does require some antenna power. I put my fingers on the antenna and the static disappeared. I took them off, static came back, put them back on, static went away, etc. I don't need to move this radio around much at all. I have it plugged in and situated and I love it where it is. So, I fixed the static problem forthwith. I took a rather long piece of copper wire, wrapped it around the top of the antenna, and trailed it to a vacant corner of the room. No more static! I just adore the sound of this radio. I also adore the looks--it is my favorite color! I like the fact that it is simple. I want a radio. I want it to be digital, because tuning a non-digital radio is just not as convenient for me. I don't need to power other speakers with it (it has plenty of speaker power!), or hook up an MP3 player or whatever. I didn't even put batteries into it. I did open the battery compartment and look in. Didn't need a screwdriver to do that!!! Where you want a radio to listen to, have a bit of room to place it, and value solid, clear sound and durability, this is a great choice! UPDATE: I put this radio in a spot where I can listen to it at robust volume while grooming my Standard Poodle (that is a BIG job, and it must be done faithfully), and at soft volume while I sleep. Other times I turn it on at various volumes to keep that music flowing. It does me SUCH good. Helps the dog, too. We listen exclusively to KLove, and it really feeds my heart, mind, and spirit--and evidently the dog's, too. I have a very nice small Sangean right at the bed where I can set the volume so I can hear it but hubby can't, and we can both sleep. It has superior dynamics for understanding words, and that is VERY important to me with Christian music. No real bass, though. Well, this Lunchbox rascal has great sound with bass. I accidently discovered that I love the sound when I play both radios together. It's like a combination of stereo and increased sound range. Well, this radio still has the copper wire, still working great in that spot to keep 88.9 clear. I decided to order ANOTHER Lunchbox radio to put it in the kitchen and play at the same time as the same other model of Sangean that is in the bedroom. The new Lunchbox arrived yesterday. Well, first, it is easy-peasy to unpack, set-up, and operate--THANK YOU, SANGEAN! I don't need it to recharge stuff, hook up various devices, or the other things some Work radios do. I need exactly what this radio does, and exactly the ways it does them! I even ADORE the color! It is my favorite color. I was thrilled when I got the two radios playing together in the kitchen. Great, great, GREAT! It really feeds me in so many ways. And, must be the difference in exact locations, but though I had the copper wire and clipper all ready to wind that around the antenna and boost reception of 88.9--so far, no need at all! I am SO glad to have two of these radios, at opposite ends of the house! This is a great radio!

I bought this as a back-up emergency radio. I recently read a book "Surviving The End of the World As We Know It" and the author reminded me how important it is to have several radios of varying types in the event things go "off grid." So, when I was reviewing the types of radios that are out there, this model immediately caught my eye due to its purported ruggedness and durability. Little did I know, however, when I purchased this that I was getting far more than a good "survivalist" radio. Indeed, this is that, but it is also a certified piece of sculptural-design art, and going even further, buying this is a throw-back to the days of getting something simple, solid, utilitarian, and built to last. Manufacturing as Art. The dilemma I have is whether to buy a few more of these as collector's pieces. If I had the space to store them, I certainly would. I know for sure I'll be giving several of these as gifts. The main reason I felt motivated to write a review about this simple radio is for this reason: We need more simple products like this in this overly complex world of ours. DESIGN AND QUALITY PRODUCTION LIKE THIS NEEDS TO BE RECOGNIZED AND ENCOURAGED!!!! If I was the President I would invite the engineer who designed this to lunch at the White House so he could receive the recognition he deserves. I buy so much junk which comes with owner's manuals which take a weekend or longer to read. 90% of the features on these products I don't even use most of the time. And, frequently, most of this stuff (electronics in particular) doesn't last through the year. The thing ends up in our American landfills before the consumer even becomes fully familiar with it. Repairs?? Prohibitively expensive. With this radio you won't even need to read the owner's manual, which is nothing more than a small brochure. You screw the antenae in, you plug in the attached ultra-heavy-gauge cord (No AC adaptor here, folks!!! Praise the Lord!! I hate those things!!!) and you're good to go. Setting the stations is totally intuitive, and if you simply want to cruise the stations you just turn the sturdy, heavy knob. Just like the old days. Pure, utilitarian elegance. This "Lunch Box" radio is visually stunning and built like a brick outhouse. Solid in every way. Nice weight to it. I was going to pack it away for that Big Emergency, but this is so dinstinctive looking that I'm going to find some place to put it where I can show it off. I think it sounds great, and it immediately tuned in all the stations I normally listen to here in southern California without any problem. Some may want to label me a "Luddite"--a person who is repelled by advances in technology. There may be a kernal of truth in that assertion. I really do get exhausted with all the upgrades, updates, innovations, advances, and obsolescences inherent in this technologically revolutionary age. I just don't want to spend my best hours and my best years adapting to the gadgets of my era. But I think the true attraction I have to a product like this "Lunch Box" radio is this concept: Often, less is more. This simple, robust radio with its cheerful, strong design does everything I really need. I like knowing it will be around for a long time--probably longer than me. Many thanks to Sangean. You nailed it with this one.

A few months ago, I spent $104 on the Sangean U3 worksite radio and was, in spite of warnings about its bass-heavy speakers, exceedingly pleased with speaker sound and AM/FM sensitivity. ' Even before I bought the U3, I wanted the Sangean LB-100, which had been praised by many, but was unavailable in the US market until recently. So for about $75 and free shipping on Amazon, I bought the LB-100. I fretted the possibility that the LB-100's AM might not be up to par with the bigger U3. But a side by side reception comparison results in what appears to be close performance, and very impressive AM and FM. The LB-100's slightly smaller ferrite AM antenna produces a little less sensitivity but produces good overall AM sound. Just a shade less than the U3's. 'One thing I don't like about both the Lunchbox and the U3 is that the non-rotation screw-in FM antenna doesn't give you any option to perform fine-tuning when wanting to get in a troublesome station (all worksite radios have such an antenna built like this to be rugged). Not that you need to adjust the antenna much. The FM sensitivity is so good that such adjusting isn't necessary. However, for weak FM stations like 89.3 and 88.9 it would be nice to have a rotating FM antenna. As strong as the FM is on both radios, I can't grab the weakest FM station I know of, 88.9, on the U3 and the LB-100 like I can with the Redsun RP-2100 (CCrane CSW) or the Grundig S350. Now for AM reception. Very sensitive. The sound is very appealing through the 5-inch speaker, just like on the bigger U3. ' Unlike the U3, which has a clock, headphone jack, and aux port, the LB-100 has none of these and is, in spite of being digital with 5 presets for AM and FM, a very bare bones radio, a sort of 1980 Ford Ranger truck, which didn't even come with a radio, ironically enough. ' You might want to pay an extra $25 and get the added features of the U3 and enjoy a bigger ferrite AM antenna (though I personally didn't hear any difference in AM between the two). One thing to consider is that the footprint on the LB-100 is not small at 8x8 inches. I was going to use the LB-100 in the kitchen but its size may make me change my mind and take it to the work office or use in one of the bathrooms. I do want to commend Sangean on the battery compartment (takes 4 C batteries). This is not one of those latches that you snapped broken because you breathed too heavily on the hinges. This hinge uses a big screw and looks like it was built to last. Conclusion: At the $75 price point, the LB-100 has a rugged look, a loud yellow color, excellent fidelity, and strong AM and FM reception. Recommended. Update: Be aware that this doesn't take rechargeable batteries.

Our "porch sittiing" radio finally conked out after many years and I knew we'd better get a replacement before the beautiful spring evenings rolled around. I needed something that would withstand some rain getting on it. We keep it in a protected area of our porch but none the less, it still gets wet on occasion. Another criteria was tip proof as we have three huge dogs with tails that never stop wagging....they are so pleased that we are outside and sitting on the porch with them. Our old radio took quite a beating, constantly getting banged off the table and even got knocked over after we gave up and set it on the floor. Their tails always sought it out! The final criteria was the reception. We live out in the country and reception is not the greatest even in the best of times. I chose the Sangean because it stated that it was rugged and got good reception. It has the capacity to preset 12 stations, 6 AM and 6 FM. My husband has filled these up with his favorite stations already and had no problem doing so. The LCD display is backlit and it has a rotary dial...our preferred method of running up and down the stations. Another great feature is that the power cord can be rolled around two brackets in the back and put away when using the batteries. It requires 4 C batteries but if using AC part of the time, these last a long while. Now to come down to the most important feature of all, the reception. It's GREAT. My husband can bring in his beloved St. Louis Cardinals with no problem and no fading out. We love listening to Garrison Keillor (reruns now) and that is crystal clear also. Every station we've tried has been wonderful and clear. This is one of the best Christmas presents I ever got my husband. I can't see that anyone could go wrong in purchasing this little beauty. 6/17/17 update: We are well into our second year of use for this little dynamo and it's still going strong. It's been subjected to rain blowing on it on the porch and repeated knocking around by rambunctious dogs. Looks like new.

I've had this for several months now. This is a VERY basic radio, which is what I was looking for but here's my + & -'s. + The sounds is strong so it works well with a crowd or in noisy places. + I only listen to a few stations so having only 5 preset buttons is perfect. + I am not rough with anything but this seems to be a heavy duty exterior, able to withstand some accidental knocking around. + This radio has the option to use batteries which makes it nice to bring camping or if you have a booth where you sell stuff, etc... - The antennae is not adjustable which means if you want a clear station you may not get to point the speaker in the direction you prefer, but you have to move the entire radio around to get a clear signal. - The only adjustments other than "on & off" are volume & station, again, VERY basic features which is fine, but it would be nice to be able to turn down the bass a little. I'm one of those people who like to hear the actual words of a song along with talk radio or sermons, not just feel the beat of the drum or the hard consonants such as "k, d, p & t". ;)

It's a really good radio for someone who doesn't want all the bells and whistles. It's simple, good quality and has great sound. Oddly enough I got the yellow lunch box radio at a yard sale for about $15.00. It was for my cabin in rural Danbury NH. I decided to get a second one from Amazon and saw they are expensive. That said I had no hesitation about paying $95.00+ and bought one for my home. Its great and durable for an office, shop, barn, camping, front porch or anywhere you want a radio. I feel this radio based on how wonderful the first one I got will outlast me so that justifies the price and gets my 5 star rating.

I have really enjoyed this radio. Sound great. Presets easy to set and use. Very well built. Appears to be very durable and I expect it to last a life time. Great size. Small enough to be portable, yet large enough to give good sound. I initially bought one for My father and then decided to get one for myself. It is a little pricey but does have a lot to offer. The advertising was mis leading on one point, but the company responded specifically to me and apologized. I only wish it could use my Dewalt batteries and I may call it near perfect.

This is a FANTASTIC rugged radio, which picks up AM and FM bands smoothly in all spots in and out of my house. I have yet to travel with it, but most certainly will do so, very soon. The only complaint I have is a nitpicking point; simply the fact that it has no auxiliary input port (which is not worth deducting points, as that's not a touted feature). Beyond that, it's a great radio that will make many travels with us over the next few years. I highly recommend this radio if you travel for work or recreation, want a radio that can take its spills in stride, and don't mind carrying the extra weight. Sangean hits another home run with this one! Update July 2013: This little radio has traveled with me throughout the state, and seems to pick up signal well in all places! Obviously certain low/blocked spots have caused problems, but it's mostly used to play ETV radio wherever I go...and play it does! One thing I did find interesting (and seemed to miss before purchasing) is that one some documentation (and some reviews) it is said that this radio has 6 EQ settings, and since Sangean's manual doesn't tell me how this mythical function is accessed (and neither does a comprehensive Google search), I'm left wondering if the 6 EQ settings were touted before release, but left out at final production. It's still not something worth subtracting a star over. I DID purchase the Toughbox version of this so I could play MP3's around the house, and it has also served me well! I now own three Sangean radios, including the PR-D5. They are all excellent radios, and I would highly recommend this brand to anyone. A note to those who say it's too bass-filled/distorts at high volumes: I will freely admit that I don't blare this thing like my dad does his old record player in his shop. In my humble opinion, this isn't made to resonate greatly through 4,000 sq ft spaces at high volumes. It's meant to be able to go with you into whatever room/situation you may be working in, and continue to work well due to its rugged durability. Currently this radio is in service behind my desk at work, where it's kept at low-to-moderate volume, and continues to serve me well. A note to those who have interference issues in specific rooms, but not in others: This radio, like most others, is not immune to electromagnetic interference. This can come from some rather strange places, but remember that anywhere there is wiring close by (or other appliances putting out radio waves or micro waves), there is a possibility for interference. An interesting example for you...this radio used to sit on the floor beside my desk, right next to a Cat5e cable that connects my PC to the local network. Whenever a page took any extra amount of time to load (say, for instance, on Amazon), the radio would buzz a little due to EM noise originating from the network cable. Wherever you decide to place this radio, it's best to keep in mind that other electrical appliances/connections/cabling could potentially generate some static for you.

We love everything about this radio! The signal is strong, the quality of sound is good and its easy to carry around. We purchased some rechargeable batteries to take this radio camping. We charge up the batteries at home with a good quality charger and then the radio will play all weekend. Great buy!

Cumplió con mis expectativas

This radio tunes in better, and holds the tuning better than more expensive carpenter's boom boxes. I've had one for 15 years, and was relieved to find it available in Canada again: we bought two, and they will be left outside, with one at the henpen, and the other in the garden.

Excelente

This is the best radio ever. We bought two of these for our homestead in 2022. We keep them on all the time to deter coyotes and other animals from our chickens and birds. We leave the radios outside, exposed to rain, snow, ice, and sunlight. The plastic hasn’t ever faded. The radios have never failed. I just wanted to come back here and let folks know this is the best outdoor radio ever and the seller it’s a great product.