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Vintage 1980 Toshiba CR-3000 Stereo Digital Clock Radio

Jon Nix — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 13:21:06 +0000

Looking rather like a black plastic "Toblerone" packet, this is the Toshiba CR-3000 Stereo Digital Clock Radio, which dates from 1980. No surprises there - the glossy black finish, minimalism, and angular shapes are typical of that cross-over from space-age design to the 1980s. In many respects it's a fairly standard electronic clock radio, aside from the design, but there are some interesting features which set it apart too. First of all, that long design means that the stereo speakers do indeed have some spread to them and, what's more, two inputs on the left-hand side of the unit allows for further speakers to be added to enhance the sound. All of the controls are very neatly located on the top edge of the unit in a slightly recessed groover or are to the rear on the sloping surface, which means the front it gloriously uncluttered - just the two speakers and the clock and tuner displays. If you're a fan of sleek and stylish design then it ticks all the boxes.

This unit is in very good condition overall. There are, as to be expected, signs of use - notably some marks to the rear and superficial scratches to the high-gloss front, but otherwise the plastics are in very good condition, no chips or cracks. As a bonus, the original box and instructions are present, albeit the former has more obvious signs of age and wear.

The unit measures approximately 42cm long with a height of 5cm and a depth of 6cm (16.5 in., 2 in. and 2½ in. respectively).

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1970s Brown and Orange PYE 1570 Four Band Portable Transistor Radio

Jon Nix — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 20:58:15 +0000

A very striking looking portable radio made by PYE with a combination of dark brown casing, silver tone grille and orange detailing. It's a veritable hunk of 70s style in plastic and it sounds great - a very loud and robust sound indeed. In fact, the whole unit is exactly that: robust. Powered either by AC adaptor or batteries, the radio provides four bands (FM/SW/MW/LW), a very good aerial, tone and volume knobs, and an earphone socket to the rear. But it's all about the looks and the sound with this radio, and it delivers on both counts, we think.

In very good cosmetic condition with no chips or cracks to the plastics, just the odd superficial mark or surface graze here and there. Considering this was most likely used in a workplace or even in a garden shed, it's fared very well indeed! There's the odd crackle from the knobs when they are being adjusted, but that's to be expected from an item of this age. It measures approximately 30cm (12 in.) in width, 23cm (9 in.) in height with the handle upright, and has a depth of 7.5cm (3 in.).

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Late 1970s White Hitachi Digital Clock Radio Model KC-675E

Jon Nix — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 16:45:36 +0000

Crossing over that period where space-age design gave way to something different, the Hitachi KC-675E is a bold slab for the bedside. A white plastic case with space-age curves and unusual layout gives way to a black metal section housing the speaker, and controls, which wraps around the lower front part of the unit. The only side control is the alarm setting switch. The clock radio has all of the features one might expect, including a three band radio (FM/MW/LW), wake to buzzer or radio option (set by the aforementioned switch), snooze and sleep modes, clock display dimmer, and illuminated tuner display. Everything appears to function as it should and the sound from the speaker is very rounded and impressive.

A good-looking piece for the bedside and in good cosmetic condition. There are some very minor losses to the black metal surfaces on edges and corners, but the plastic casing is in very good clean condition with no chips or cracks. You might be picky and say that it's very slightly yellowed, but it's only just "off-white", more of a cream in reality and it's consistent throughout which makes a big difference.

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