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Grundig G2000A World Receiver

Grundig G2000A World Receiver

List Price: $179.95
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Product Info Reviews

Features:
  • F.A. Porsche-designed AM/FM/shortwave world receiver
  • Digital quartz alarm with wake-up system
  • Dual clock with world time-zone selector
  • Comes with handsome, leather snap-on case
  • Stereo earbuds included


Description:

Grundig's G2000A world receiver is made of solid plastic that's at once lightweight and durable. Also known as the Yacht Boy, this little silver box, with "Design by F.A. Porsche" inscribed above the speaker grille, is one of those cliché "marvels of German engineering" that goes back to the golden age of hi-fi.

We fed the Yacht Boy a trio of AA batteries, pushed the power button, and tuned in a local FM talk-radio station, which came through relatively clearly. Up and down arrows allowed us to tune the talk show in with precise single-step adjustments, while the lock switch ensured that the signal wouldn't fade away. We picked up a total of 11 clear FM stations. We were less successful with the SW world-band switch. When used from our location in Seattle, the world-band switch only pulled in faint broadcasts from China and Eastern Europe.

Sound quality through the 1.5-inch mono speaker is really quite impressive compared to most radios, but the supplied stereo earbuds are no substitute for a snug pair of headphones. That said, the earbuds take up very little space in a handbag or brief case, and you can bundle them up so they won't get damaged. The G2000A sports several other features that make it ideal for traveling. It has a dual LED clock you can set with two time zones; an alarm clock you can switch to either radio or buzzer; a sleep mode; and a light button that illuminates the display in green.

Admittedly, it's the trademark German design that sets this masculine Grundig radio apart from other portables, which often have more colorful and youthful aesthetics. A snap-on tan leather case protects the Yacht Boy, converting it from a utilitarian European appliance into a mature traveling companion with world-class style.--Eric Gill

Pros:

  • Very good FM tuner
  • Lots of features that make it an ideal travel alarm clock/radio
  • Durable despite its lightweight plastic mold
  • Leather case doubles as a stand for better sound dispersion

Cons:

  • Unimpressive world-band reception from our location
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