Don Lindich’s Sound Advice Blog

Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 705

Sound Advice
By Don Lindich

Q: I am looking for quality radio (for a gift) that gets excellent reception for AM and FM. The sensitivity (I think that is the correct term) should be the best as it will be used in a somewhat remote location. The quality of the sound is of secondary importance compared to the reception. Any other features it might have would be a bonus.

-Jim Bukowski, Pittsburgh, PA

A: The CCRadio Plus from C. Crane Company has long been known as the champ in long distance AM radio reception. I have a CCRadio Plus and have tuned AM stations all across the USA from my home on the east coast. (This nationwide tuning ability only happens with AM signals and at night, when AM radio waves interact with the ionosphere and travel for very long distances.) The sound is not perfect and there can be some static at times, but you can clearly hear the programming.   During the daytime both FM and AM reception are very good and should be more than adequate for your needs.

The CCRadio Plus also tunes Weather Band and TV audio. Please note that when the television airwaves transition to digital in 2009, the radio will be unable to tune television signals. AM, FM, and Weather Band are unaffected by the transition. An external AM antenna is available, but it is only necessary if you plan on doing a lot of long-distance AM tuning.   The radio is powered by AC power or D sized batteries.

The CCRadio Plus retails for $129 and an external AM antenna is offered for $99. You can see it at www.ccrane.com. All in all, it’s a neat product and a full line of accessories are offered from solar panels to a speaker that slips into you pillow for nighttime listening.

The Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 705 is another good choice. It has a cool retro look with an analog dial for tuning, and an antenna jack which will allow you to use an external antenna for improved FM reception. At only $79.99 it’s a great value for anyone looking to add high-quality radio to a room. You can see it at www.cambridgesoundworks.com.

Q: I am buying the Sony XBR4 46 inch LCD. Do I need a surge protector, and if so what and how much?

-Kerry Krueger, St. Louis Park, MN

You definitely need a surge protector for that great TV! I’d look for an inexpensive model that carries enough included coverage to replace your TV in the event of a power surge. I like the PowerSquid models because of their flexibility. Instead of a hard plastic strip where the plugs crowd each other, the PowerSquid has outlets on short extension cords. You can see them at www.powersquid.com.

There are other surge protectors called line conditioners or voltage stabilizers that claim to improve picture and sound quality by “cleaning” the AC power. These are a complete waste of money unless you experience voltage fluctuations or noticeable interference. This is a very small percentage of households and if you needed it, you would know, though many try to sell you on the idea that your power is “dirty” and needs cleaned. Don’t let anyone create a problem for you so they can sell you the solution… if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!