Sony ICF-5900W Classic Analog Shortwave Radio **GREAT 1970's UNIT**

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Seller: Top-Rated Seller bigapple59 ✉️ (19,639) 100%, Location: Mill Hall, Pennsylvania, US, Ships to: WORLDWIDE, Item: 391825181047 Sony ICF-5900W Classic Analog Shortwave Radio **GREAT 1970's UNIT**. var urlAddress = location.search; var frame = urlAddress.indexOf("ItemDescV4"); if(frame < 0) {var hashSpot = urlAddress.indexOf("hash=item");if(hashSpot > -1) { var urlAddress = location.pathname; var slashSpot = urlAddress.lastIndexOf("/"); var ebayItemID = urlAddress.substring(slashSpot+1); } else { var itemFound = urlAddress.indexOf("item="); var ebayItemID = urlAddress.substring(itemFound+5); var amperSpot = ebayItemID.indexOf("&"); if(amperSpot > -1) {ebayItemID = ebayItemID.substring(0,amperSpot)}; } } var seller="bigapple59"; var flash_code=' ';document.write(flash_code);

This sale is for a classic analog Sony ICF-5900W shortwave AM/FM radio from the 1970's that won accolades from it's owners for offering a nice balance between performance, size, and cost.  Due to its analog circuitry and design, this radio seems to operate forever as it sips from a set of 3 D cell batteries (not included).  The unit does not have an AC adapter, but most people never used one as it tethers the radio to an AC outlet unnecessarily.  Analog radios have very little current drain and are attractive to enthusiasts who enjoy many hours of listening and do not want the expense of replacing batteries frequently nor the AC cord to tentacle the radio and keep it from being portable.

Over the years on Ebay, we have sold dozens of different radios and receivers....some of them quite scarce and unique.  We have less experience in selling the classic ICF-5900W despite selling and specializing in shortwave radios during the past 10 years of selling here on Ebay.  Finding a good working example of this radio as we are offering here can be quite challenging.  

The ICF-5900W is in reasonable original condition, but is not perfect.  Please look closely at our pictures for exact cosmetic condition.  The 5900W comes with a copy of the user manual, copy of the service manual, a couple of reviews of the radio, and a CD containing these documents in PDF format.  The carry strap is often missing, but is included with this unit.

Operationally, the radio was a joy to operate.  Upon initial testing, it was found to have noisy controls and the s-meter did not function.  The unit was serviced to restore proper operational performance.  We tested the radio on all bands over several evenings and enjoyed wonderful reception with outstanding sensitivity consistent throughout the entire tuning range.  All the controls seem to operate as designed and, after servicing, we noticed no shortcomings in the radio and in its operation.

The ICF-5900W appeared in the European DX scene around 1976 and found immediate acceptance due to it's level of performance, outstanding audio (especially on FM), and quality of workmanship.  Sony was at it's height of prestige and engineering and no shortcuts were used with development of this radio and it is considered a classic of design and operation that many shortwave radio collectors admire.  The radio displays a distinct military styling that Sony was keen on offering to the public during that selling period of time.

Coverage of the 5900W is from 3.8 MHz to 28 MHz in three ranges and this would enable the user to be able to tune to about 99.9% of the shortwave listening spectrum.  Tuning from one end of the band to the other can be accomplished rapidly using the spinner on the main tuning knob.  The radio also covers the mediumwave and FM bands and does a nice job with reception all around.  The radio's audio is standard fare on shortwave, but the sound on mediumwave, and especially on FM, is surprising considering that the radio was designed more with the shortwave enthusiast in mind.  Sony also placed separate tone controls on the front panel to enable the listener to tailor the radios audio to their individual preference.  And if you like the audio from the radio's internal speaker, you can export the audio to an external amplified speaker for even better sound, if desired.

The 5900W has a nice telescopic antenna which completely retracts inside the case and is released with a "pop" via a spring loaded lever at the base of the antenna.  Tuning can be accomplished and is actually easy if you merely want to tune around the various bands, but gets a bit more complicated if you want to tune with accuracy on shortwave.  You would turn the calibrator on to hear the zero beat of the calibration oscillator.  Once you get a zero beat, you turn the calibrator off and tune with the bandspread dial +or- 150 KHz with an accuracy of 2.5 KHz.  Station frequency is obtained by reading the main VFO dial and adding or subtracting the bandspread figure.  While this may seem complicated, remember, the unit was designed around 1975 and offered wonderful accuracy for a portable analog radio.  Tuning with accuracy takes a little practice, but many users will tune the main VFO dial for simplicity and only use the bandspread for identifying unknown stations or for pre-tuning stations prior to broadcast when accuracy is required.

Other features found on this radio include a front panel lamp, a BFO to receive amateur radio transmissions (with careful tuning), and a sensitivity switch to prevent overloading the radio should you receive strong signals or attach an external antenna.  The s-meter is a traditional analog variety that also doubles as a battery level indicator.  The radio has a compartment on the right side to hold an earphone (not supplied).  On the left side, there are various inputs and outputs for earphone, external speaker, tape recorder, AC adapter, and timer.  

The ICF-5900W is a well designed and well made unit offering very nice performance in a portable analog unit offering a nice level of quality.  It was manufactured and sold for about 3-4 years, but few of these seem to come up for sale here in the USA in any condition.  Should you like to read some user reviews on this radio, there are some available on eHam which will give you insight into how much this radio is loved averaging a 4.9 out of 5.0 from 14 reviewers:

[link removed by eBay]

Please email if we can help with any questions.  Most questions will likely center on shipping costs.  If you live in the USA, you may use the calculator for your shipping cost.  This cost includes full insurance and actual shipping cost.

If you live outside the USA, we are happy to ship to you.  We regularly ship outside the USA and have shipped to 99 countries during the past few years.  You may use the shipping calculator to determine the cost to get this receiver into your hands.

Keep in mind that the cost of shipping will not include any import, duty, customs or VAT fees or taxes.  You will need to cover these costs separately upon receipt of the unit, if these are charged in your country.  If you are not sure of these fees, please contact your local customs office or post office to learn what your additional cost responsibilities may be.

The buyer is asked to use Paypal for payments.  Paypal payment is expected within 3 days after purchase and Ebay will automatically open a non-payment dispute on the 4th day after the sale if payment is not forthcoming.  Ebay does not permit us to list other accepted forms of payment so we will refrain from doing so as we do not want them to remove our listing as is their policy.  Please email if you have any questions.

Penna residents are reminded that they are responsible for the 6 % state sales tax.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to look at our Ebay items!   

      

  • Condition: Used
  • Condition: This Sony is used and there are some signs of age and use in keeping with the age of the unit. You will see some marking upon inspection, but nothing is truly objectionable. Please look closely at our HD pictures for specific cosmetic detail. The antenna extends and retracts as designed. The radio has been serviced, was fully tested, and now works wonderfully with no known issues.
  • Signal: AM/FM, Shortwave
  • Type: Portable/Tabletop
  • Brand: Sony
  • MPN: ICF-5900W
  • Features: AC-Powered, Battery Powered, Headphone Jack
  • Model: ICF-5900W

PicClick Insights - Sony ICF-5900W Classic Analog Shortwave Radio **GREAT 1970's UNIT** PicClick Exclusive

  •  Popularity - 8 watchers, 0.6 new watchers per day, 14 days for sale on eBay. Super high amount watching. 1 sold, 0 available.
  •  Best Price -
  •  Seller - 19,639+ items sold. 0% negative feedback. Top-Rated Plus! Top-Rated Seller, 30-day return policy, ships in 1 business day with tracking.

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